The Maine Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program is pleased to announce rules adopted Nov. 5 now allow providers two options for blood lead testing:
1. Continue to submit blood lead samples to the State Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory; or
2. Perform capillary blood lead analysis using a CLIA waived in-office blood lead testing device, such as a LeadCareII, and directly report all test results to Maine Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program.
Providers must have approval from the Maine Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program before they can begin in-office testing.
The intent of the law is to increase blood lead testing of children under age 6 years by removing barriers to testing, such as travelling to an off-site location to have blood drawn. Using a direct-read blood lead analyzer, providers will be able to perform a capillary blood lead test and within minutes report the result to the patient’s parent/guardian. (Note: All elevated blood lead levels will require a venous confirmation through the State Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory.)
For more information, visit http://go.usa.gov/YhnT
Monday, November 5, 2012
Thursday, November 1, 2012
West Nile Virus
Maine CDC has identified the presence of West Nile virus (WNV) neuroinvasive disease in a Maine resident from Cumberland County.
This is Maine’s first ever locally-acquired case of WNV in a Maine resident.
The patient, who is recovering at home, presented with symptoms including fever, encephalitis, meningitis, weakness, and double vision beginning on October 1.
Maine CDC issued a health advisory Oct. 31 to alert clinicians of the presence of human WNV disease activity in Maine, and to remind clinicians to consider testing for arboviral disease in patients presenting with unexplained encephalitis, meningitis, or a febrile illness of unknown etiology through the end November.
For more information, see the health alert: http://go.usa.gov/Yfhx
This is Maine’s first ever locally-acquired case of WNV in a Maine resident.
The patient, who is recovering at home, presented with symptoms including fever, encephalitis, meningitis, weakness, and double vision beginning on October 1.
Maine CDC issued a health advisory Oct. 31 to alert clinicians of the presence of human WNV disease activity in Maine, and to remind clinicians to consider testing for arboviral disease in patients presenting with unexplained encephalitis, meningitis, or a febrile illness of unknown etiology through the end November.
For more information, see the health alert: http://go.usa.gov/Yfhx
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Healthy Maine Walks
Scientific research has shown that regular physical activity not only promotes health and well-being, it also reduces the risk of developing many chronic diseases and of becoming overweight or obese. Walking routes offer a safe and fun way to get health-promoting physical activity. Walking requires little or no equipment and can be enjoyed by most individuals, regardless of their abilities. Many routes are also wheelchair accessible.
Healthy Maine Walks is the most comprehensive listing of walking routes in the state. A Healthy Maine Walk is an accessible indoor or outdoor walking route that most people can walk in one hour or less at a brisk pace. Walking routes may be a local high school track, a downtown "museum in the streets" trail, or a portion of a larger trail system. This website is designed specifically to provide users with information about where to find a place to walk near where they live, work or play to help them lead an active healthy lifestyle.
This online resource has just undergone its first major overhaul since being launched more than ten years ago. The new site is more user friendly and provides more information about the walking routes listed. Most of all it enables people across the State who manage and maintain walking routes to upload their route information directly by becoming a HMW “Walk Liaison”. To learn how you can become a Walk Liaison, or to find a walk near you, go to www.healthymainewalks.com, or contact Doug Beck (doug.beck@maine.gov) Physical Activity Coordinator in the Maine CDC Division of Population Health for more information.
Healthy Maine Walks is the most comprehensive listing of walking routes in the state. A Healthy Maine Walk is an accessible indoor or outdoor walking route that most people can walk in one hour or less at a brisk pace. Walking routes may be a local high school track, a downtown "museum in the streets" trail, or a portion of a larger trail system. This website is designed specifically to provide users with information about where to find a place to walk near where they live, work or play to help them lead an active healthy lifestyle.
This online resource has just undergone its first major overhaul since being launched more than ten years ago. The new site is more user friendly and provides more information about the walking routes listed. Most of all it enables people across the State who manage and maintain walking routes to upload their route information directly by becoming a HMW “Walk Liaison”. To learn how you can become a Walk Liaison, or to find a walk near you, go to www.healthymainewalks.com, or contact Doug Beck (doug.beck@maine.gov) Physical Activity Coordinator in the Maine CDC Division of Population Health for more information.
Monday, October 8, 2012
Breast Cancer Awareness
Maine CDC recognizes October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In 2012, it is anticipated that 1,170 Maine women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 180 women will die from the disease.
Eating more fruits and vegetables and exercising regularly are two important steps to lessen the risk. To increase the chance of finding breast cancer early, it is important that women be screened regularly. Early detection is the best protection and mammograms are still the best screening test. The 2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey found that more than 80% of 221,241 Maine women age 40 and older reported having a mammogram in the past two years.
Help is available for women age 40 and older who are in need of breast, cervical, and colorectal screening tests if they meet program qualifications. The Maine CDC Breast and Cervical Health and Colorectal Cancer Control Programs can provide information about cancer screening tests as well as resources for free cancer screenings.
Interested women are encouraged to call 1-800-350-5180 or 1-207-287-8068, TTY users call Maine Relay 711. More details can also be found at: http://go.usa.gov/Y4b3
Eating more fruits and vegetables and exercising regularly are two important steps to lessen the risk. To increase the chance of finding breast cancer early, it is important that women be screened regularly. Early detection is the best protection and mammograms are still the best screening test. The 2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey found that more than 80% of 221,241 Maine women age 40 and older reported having a mammogram in the past two years.
Help is available for women age 40 and older who are in need of breast, cervical, and colorectal screening tests if they meet program qualifications. The Maine CDC Breast and Cervical Health and Colorectal Cancer Control Programs can provide information about cancer screening tests as well as resources for free cancer screenings.
Interested women are encouraged to call 1-800-350-5180 or 1-207-287-8068, TTY users call Maine Relay 711. More details can also be found at: http://go.usa.gov/Y4b3
Friday, October 5, 2012
Recognizing Disease Intervention Specialists
Maine CDC, in conjunction with the National Coalition of Sexually Transmitted Disease Directors (NCSD), will be participating in the first National Disease Intervention Specialists Recognition Day on Friday. Intended to be an annual event celebrated the first Friday of October, the day has been set aside to honor the Disease Intervention Specialists (DIS) workforce, which is the underpinning of all STD and HIV programs.
DIS personnel provide confidential interviews to people diagnosed with an STD to address concerns about their diagnosis, treatment, counseling, and referral needs. In addition, they work to obtain the names and contact information of sexual and needle-sharing partner(s) in order to confidentially notify them of their possible exposure and offer counseling, testing, and treatment. This service effectively breaks the chain of disease transmission and protects public health.
In 2011, DIS in Maine worked 1,768 cases of individuals diagnosed with an STD or HIV. All of those diagnosed with HIV and 85% of those with an STD were successfully linked to treatment and services.
For additional materials and information on HIV and STDs in Maine, visit: www.mainepublichealth.gov/std
DIS personnel provide confidential interviews to people diagnosed with an STD to address concerns about their diagnosis, treatment, counseling, and referral needs. In addition, they work to obtain the names and contact information of sexual and needle-sharing partner(s) in order to confidentially notify them of their possible exposure and offer counseling, testing, and treatment. This service effectively breaks the chain of disease transmission and protects public health.
In 2011, DIS in Maine worked 1,768 cases of individuals diagnosed with an STD or HIV. All of those diagnosed with HIV and 85% of those with an STD were successfully linked to treatment and services.
For additional materials and information on HIV and STDs in Maine, visit: www.mainepublichealth.gov/std
Thursday, October 4, 2012
National Food Day, Oct. 24
The focus of National Food Day is very close to home here in Maine. Setting aside one day to focus on food reminds us of:
1. Take a small step to eat like your life depends on it - it does.
2. Look for local produce in season. Farmers markets go all year long now.
3. Savor your food with a family member or a friend.
4. When you donate foods to the food bank, think about health.
For healthy recipes, check http://recipefinder.nal.usda.gov/, which allows you to search for healthy and affordable recipes. Each recipe includes nutritional information, ingredients, instructions, and cost per recipe and per serving.
- the connection between health and great tasting food, like Maine apples;
- what we can do to end hunger; and
- the importance of having Maine farms and farmers that produce some of the best tasting fruit, vegetables, meats, chicken, fish, and grains in the nation.
Every day truly could be food day here in Maine. Take some time this month to stop and think about what you eat.
- Are the food choices you are making keeping you well?
- Did you ever wonder where your apples or carrots or meat comes from?
- Do you take time to enjoy the flavor of your food?
If you answered “No” to any of these questions, take action by taking the Food Day Challenge:
- Add one more veggie to your meals.
- Switch to lower fat dairy, whole grains, and grilled, baked, or broiled foods.
- Eat a little less.
3. Savor your food with a family member or a friend.
For healthy recipes, check http://recipefinder.nal.usda.gov/, which allows you to search for healthy and affordable recipes. Each recipe includes nutritional information, ingredients, instructions, and cost per recipe and per serving.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Friday is World Rabies Day
On September 28, the State of Maine will celebrate the sixth annual World Rabies Day. Although Maine has not had a case of human rabies since 1937 due to reporting and effective control measures, the threat of rabies remains.
Rabies is a preventable viral disease of mammals. The virus is spread when infected animals bite or scratch a person or another animal. The virus can also be spread if saliva or tissue from the brain or spinal cord of a rabid animal touches broken skin or gets into the mouth, nose or eyes of a person or another animal.
All mammals are susceptible to rabies infection, but only a few wildlife species are important reservoirs for the disease, including raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes. While wildlife are more likely to be rabid than are domestic animals in the United States, domestic animals can be infected when they are bitten by wild animals.
Rabies in humans is preventable through prompt appropriate medical care. If you or someone you know is bitten or scratched by an animal, wash the wound with soap and water right away, and contact your healthcare provider to find out if you need to be treated for a rabies exposure. Usually, medical care can be delayed if rabies can be ruled out in the biting animal either through a confinement period for domestic animals or rabies testing for wild animals.
Last month, Maine CDC was notified of a domestic dog that tested positive for rabies. This is the first case of rabies in a domestic dog in Maine since 2003. This case reminds us of the importance of keeping pets up-to-date on rabies vaccine and avoiding contact with wild animals to prevent the spread of rabies. The dog was infected with a variant of the rabies virus that circulates most commonly in raccoons and is predominant in the eastern United States.
Rabies is a preventable viral disease of mammals. The virus is spread when infected animals bite or scratch a person or another animal. The virus can also be spread if saliva or tissue from the brain or spinal cord of a rabid animal touches broken skin or gets into the mouth, nose or eyes of a person or another animal.
All mammals are susceptible to rabies infection, but only a few wildlife species are important reservoirs for the disease, including raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes. While wildlife are more likely to be rabid than are domestic animals in the United States, domestic animals can be infected when they are bitten by wild animals.
All Mainers are encouraged to consider ways in which they can prevent the spread of rabies including:
- Vaccinate your pet cats and dogs against rabies; it is the law.
- Avoid contact with wild animals or other animals that you do not know.
- Bat proof your home. Wildlife biologists can provide tips on how to bat proof your home without harming bats but preventing them from entering your home.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Universal childhood immunizations
Public Law 2009-595 went into effect on January 1. This law reinstated the universal status of childhood immunizations in Maine. As part of this legislation the Maine Vaccine Board (MVB) was formed to help the State of Maine reinstate its universal purchase of vaccines for children under age 19. The MVB assures the necessary flow of vaccine purchase funds by collecting payments from health plans, insurance companies, and other payers and remitting the funds to the state. Through the Maine CDC's Childhood Vaccine Program, the State purchases vaccines at favorable rates and distributes them to providers at no charge.
This means that all Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended vaccines are now available to all Maine children under age 19 at no cost to the child’s family or to providers in the State of Maine.
This program has many benefits for Maine citizens:
This program has many benefits for Maine citizens:
- reduces out-of-pocket vaccine costs for parents
- improves vaccination rates in Maine children
- lowers costs of vaccines through a public-private partnerships
- lowers vaccine costs in provider offices
- improves vaccine access by creating a single-tier system in provider offices
- most importantly, will improve vaccine rates by offering combination vaccines to reduce missed opportunities.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Protect Your Groundwater Day
Nearly 2/3 of Maine people get their drinking water from groundwater, so we have a large stake in protecting our groundwater quality and quantity in Maine. We can all use this day to begin doing our part for protecting one of our most important natural resources — our groundwater!
Some things you can do to help protect our groundwater:
For more information on Protect Your Groundwater Day, or to learn more ways you can protect groundwater, visit http://www.ngwa.org/Events-Education/groundwater-day/Pages/default.aspx. For information on public water systems visit the Drinking Water Program website at www.medwp.com. For more information on private wells, visit http://wellwater.maine.gov.
- Properly maintain your septic system: make sure to have your septic tank pumped every 3 to 5 years and check for signs that your septic system is not working
- Handle gasoline, motor oil, fertilizers, pesticides and other hazardous chemicals with care, making sure not to dump them on the ground or pour them down the sink. When you’re done with them, dispose of them properly at a recycling center
- Inspect your heating oil tank and its piping to make sure it’s not leaking, starting to corrode or rust, or in danger of tipping over
- Don’t throw away or flush unused or unwanted medications down the drain. Instead, properly and safely dispose of them by using Maine’s Safe Medicine Disposal for ME free medication mailback program
Public drinking water systems regularly monitor and test the drinking water they provide, but if you have your own well, you should have your water tested every year for bacteria, nitrates and nitrites, and every 3-5 years for naturally occurring arsenic, radon, and uranium.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Newborn Screening Awareness Month
Newborn screening saves lives, prevents disabilities and saves money. In the last five decades, newborn screening has become a well-defined, nationwide early identification program. Every year, 4 million infants born in the United States are screened shortly after birth for hearing loss and certain genetic, endocrine, and metabolic disorders. Each year, approximately 12,000 infants will be identified with one of these disorders.
The goal of newborn screening is to identify infants who appear healthy at birth, but who may have one of these disorders which can cause severe illness or death. Through early identification and treatment, newborn screening provides an opportunity for significant reductions in morbidity and mortality while reducing health care costs associated with treatment of lifelong debilitating conditions.
For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/features/ScreeningNewborns or get information on newborn screening in Maine.
The goal of newborn screening is to identify infants who appear healthy at birth, but who may have one of these disorders which can cause severe illness or death. Through early identification and treatment, newborn screening provides an opportunity for significant reductions in morbidity and mortality while reducing health care costs associated with treatment of lifelong debilitating conditions.
For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/features/ScreeningNewborns or get information on newborn screening in Maine.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Suicide prevention
There are numerous efforts being to recognize and support World Suicide Prevention Day. In Maine, a number of events are planned:
The Maine Suicide Prevention Program, a statewide suicide prevention initiative led by Maine CDC, in collaboration with the Departments of Education, Labor, Corrections, and Public Safety, is hosting a free training, “The Assessment and Management of Suicidal Clients,” from 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 10 at the University of Southern Maine in Portland. The goal of this workshop is to provide participants with the essential tools needed to assess suicide risks accurately and manage challenging scenarios effectively. The presenter is Dr. David Rudd, PhD, Dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Utah and Scientific Director for the National Center for Veterans Studies. Dr. Rudd is widely published and was recently elected a Distinguished Practitioner and Scholar of the National Academies of Practice in Psychology. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Rudd is an active researcher with more than 170 publications. Registration is required at http://www.ccsme.org/Events.htm
Visit www.ccsme.org/train/suicideprevention to view the complete schedule of Suicide Prevention trainings for 2012-2013 and to register for these trainings.
The Maine Suicide Prevention Program is also organizing its annual event to raise awareness of suicide prevention activities statewide and to recognize people and organizations that are making a difference through “Caring About Lives in Maine” awards. The event will be held from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Sept. 18 at the Blaine House in Augusta. Registration is required. To register, please email Vincent Bryant at vincent.bryant@maine.gov and include your email address and phone number.
The Maine Suicide Prevention Program, a statewide suicide prevention initiative led by Maine CDC, in collaboration with the Departments of Education, Labor, Corrections, and Public Safety, is hosting a free training, “The Assessment and Management of Suicidal Clients,” from 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 10 at the University of Southern Maine in Portland. The goal of this workshop is to provide participants with the essential tools needed to assess suicide risks accurately and manage challenging scenarios effectively. The presenter is Dr. David Rudd, PhD, Dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Utah and Scientific Director for the National Center for Veterans Studies. Dr. Rudd is widely published and was recently elected a Distinguished Practitioner and Scholar of the National Academies of Practice in Psychology. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Rudd is an active researcher with more than 170 publications. Registration is required at http://www.ccsme.org/Events.htm
Visit www.ccsme.org/train/suicideprevention to view the complete schedule of Suicide Prevention trainings for 2012-2013 and to register for these trainings.
The Maine Suicide Prevention Program is also organizing its annual event to raise awareness of suicide prevention activities statewide and to recognize people and organizations that are making a difference through “Caring About Lives in Maine” awards. The event will be held from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Sept. 18 at the Blaine House in Augusta. Registration is required. To register, please email Vincent Bryant at vincent.bryant@maine.gov and include your email address and phone number.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Healthy eating
September is both National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month and National Fruit and Veggies - More Matters Month.
Childhood obesity is a major public health problem. There is no single or simple solution to childhood obesity. It is influenced by many different factors, including a lack of access to healthy food and drinks, as well as limited opportunities for physical activity in the places where children live, play, and learn. Working together, states, communities, and parents can help make the healthy choice the easy choice for children and adolescents.
Maine CDC is proud to highlight Maine’s annual Harvest Lunch Week and Farm to School efforts this month. These programs succeed in getting Maine youth to enjoy eating more fruits and veggies, which is important since only 1 in 4 Maine youth eat the recommended number of veggies and fruits each day. Studies show that fruit and vegetables are important to support growth, good health, and a healthy weight. Eating the recommended number of servings of fruits and vegetables can also help protect against high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, bone loss, and some cancers.
Maine Harvest Lunch is a Farm to School activity that introduces students to local Maine grown veggies and fruits in their natural form. US CDC supports Farm to School as an obesity prevention strategy because it engages youth in learning about, preparing, and eating more veggies and fruits. Eating fruits and veggies prepared without added fat in place of higher calorie foods can help maintain a healthy weight. About 26% of Maine youth are overweight or obese. Fortunately, Maine has nearly 200 Farm to School programs with Maine farmers, teachers, and school food service personnel working together to improve the wellbeing of Maine’s youth and communities.
Maine CDC’s Division of Population Health staff is part of the Maine Farm to School Workgroup that provides technical assistance, best practice guidelines, and support to local schools, farmers, and teachers working on Farm to School. The workgroup is made of partners from state agencies and nongovernment organizations. The Healthy Maine Partnerships have been working on Farm to School and Maine Harvest Lunch Week in their local service areas for years, which helps support Maine CDC’s efforts to reach the Healthy Maine 2020 goal of increasing Maine youth’s fruit and veggie consumption.
To find out how many servings of fruits and veggies you need, go to ChooseMyPlate.gov.
For more information about how to eat more fruits and veggies, check out this PDF
Childhood obesity is a major public health problem. There is no single or simple solution to childhood obesity. It is influenced by many different factors, including a lack of access to healthy food and drinks, as well as limited opportunities for physical activity in the places where children live, play, and learn. Working together, states, communities, and parents can help make the healthy choice the easy choice for children and adolescents.
Maine CDC is proud to highlight Maine’s annual Harvest Lunch Week and Farm to School efforts this month. These programs succeed in getting Maine youth to enjoy eating more fruits and veggies, which is important since only 1 in 4 Maine youth eat the recommended number of veggies and fruits each day. Studies show that fruit and vegetables are important to support growth, good health, and a healthy weight. Eating the recommended number of servings of fruits and vegetables can also help protect against high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, bone loss, and some cancers.
Maine Harvest Lunch is a Farm to School activity that introduces students to local Maine grown veggies and fruits in their natural form. US CDC supports Farm to School as an obesity prevention strategy because it engages youth in learning about, preparing, and eating more veggies and fruits. Eating fruits and veggies prepared without added fat in place of higher calorie foods can help maintain a healthy weight. About 26% of Maine youth are overweight or obese. Fortunately, Maine has nearly 200 Farm to School programs with Maine farmers, teachers, and school food service personnel working together to improve the wellbeing of Maine’s youth and communities.
Maine CDC’s Division of Population Health staff is part of the Maine Farm to School Workgroup that provides technical assistance, best practice guidelines, and support to local schools, farmers, and teachers working on Farm to School. The workgroup is made of partners from state agencies and nongovernment organizations. The Healthy Maine Partnerships have been working on Farm to School and Maine Harvest Lunch Week in their local service areas for years, which helps support Maine CDC’s efforts to reach the Healthy Maine 2020 goal of increasing Maine youth’s fruit and veggie consumption.
To find out how many servings of fruits and veggies you need, go to ChooseMyPlate.gov.
For more information about how to eat more fruits and veggies, check out this PDF
Monday, August 27, 2012
Tickborne diseases
Anaplasmosis, a bacterial infection carried by deer ticks, is an emerging infection in Maine. As of Aug. 8, 38 cases have been reported to Maine CDC from 8 counties (Androscoggin, Cumberland, Hancock, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Somerset and York). During 2011, a total of 26 cases were reported. Most infections occur during the summer and fall months, so the number of cases is expected to rise. For more information about anaplasmosis, see the health alert issued Aug. 9.
Other diseases that are carried by ticks in Maine include babesiosis and Lyme disease. In 2011, providers reported 9 cases of babesiosis; 3 cases have been reported to date in 2012. In 2011, providers reported 1,006 cases of Lyme disease; 483 cases have been reported to date in 2012.
Lyme disease is the most common vectorborne disease in Maine. Ticks are out and we expect the number of Lyme disease cases to increase in the warm weather.
For general information about Lyme disease see the May 1 health alert issued by Maine CDC.
Other diseases that are carried by ticks in Maine include babesiosis and Lyme disease. In 2011, providers reported 9 cases of babesiosis; 3 cases have been reported to date in 2012. In 2011, providers reported 1,006 cases of Lyme disease; 483 cases have been reported to date in 2012.
Lyme disease is the most common vectorborne disease in Maine. Ticks are out and we expect the number of Lyme disease cases to increase in the warm weather.
For general information about Lyme disease see the May 1 health alert issued by Maine CDC.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Flu update
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations for the 2012-2013 flu season are now available. The Vaccine Information Statements (VIS) for influenza for the 2012-2013 season are also online.
Influenza A H3N2v is a variant virus recently detected in the United States. The first case of H3N2v was detected in summer of 2011, with 12 total cases being detected in all of 2011. The virus has already been found in over 200 individuals to date in 2012. Maine has not identified any cases in 2012. Influenza A H3N2v is associated with exposures to pigs, and most cases had either direct contact with pigs, or indirect contact such as visiting a fair.
Maine identified 2 cases of influenza A H3N2v in the fall of 2011. Both of Maine’s cases had fair exposures, and one had direct pig contact.
Symptoms of influenza A H3N2v are similar to regular influenza including fever, cough, sore throat, and body aches. This virus can spread between humans and pigs, so sick humans should avoid animal contact, and the general public should avoid contact with ill animals.
Maine CDC and the Maine Department of Agriculture remind everyone to exercise good judgment while attending agricultural fairs. For recommendations and more information, see the health alert Maine CDC issued on Aug. 7.
Influenza A H3N2v is a variant virus recently detected in the United States. The first case of H3N2v was detected in summer of 2011, with 12 total cases being detected in all of 2011. The virus has already been found in over 200 individuals to date in 2012. Maine has not identified any cases in 2012. Influenza A H3N2v is associated with exposures to pigs, and most cases had either direct contact with pigs, or indirect contact such as visiting a fair.
Maine identified 2 cases of influenza A H3N2v in the fall of 2011. Both of Maine’s cases had fair exposures, and one had direct pig contact.
Symptoms of influenza A H3N2v are similar to regular influenza including fever, cough, sore throat, and body aches. This virus can spread between humans and pigs, so sick humans should avoid animal contact, and the general public should avoid contact with ill animals.
Maine CDC and the Maine Department of Agriculture remind everyone to exercise good judgment while attending agricultural fairs. For recommendations and more information, see the health alert Maine CDC issued on Aug. 7.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Know how to protect yourself from West Nile and EEE
Arboviral diseases, including Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile virus (WNV), are very serious infections that are transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. Although rare, these diseases have the potential to be severe and even fatal.
On Aug. 17, a mosquito pool (a collection which contains between 1-50 mosquitoes) tested positive for WNV at Maine’s Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory. The pool of mosquitoes was collected Aug. 1 in the town of Lebanon, as described in this health alert. Since then, a second mosquito pool from Cumberland County tested positive.
This is the earliest WNV has been identified in mosquitoes in Maine. The last time WNV was identified in Maine was from a mosquito pool in 2010. There has been a significant increase in arboviral activity in the last month.
Maine CDC recommends the following preventative measures to protect against mosquitoborne illnesses:
Control what you can. Improve your odds of avoiding mosquito spread viruses by using a repellent on exposed skin and clothes while outdoors. Wear protective clothing when outdoors, including long-sleeved shirts, pants, and socks. Use screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of your home, and remove standing water from artificial water-holding containers in and around the house.
Insect Repellent: It keeps you from being what’s for dinner.
There are always excuses for not using repellent— forgot it, didn't want to go back and get it, it doesn't smell good, it's not in the budget, or "mosquitoes don't bite me"…
Think of repellent as you would an important article of clothing, and increase your chances of avoiding weeks (or even months) of aches and fatigue that come with West Nile fever, dengue fever, or any number of other mosquito borne diseases. More severe problems are possible. Being hospitalized with swelling of the brain, or even worse, are possibilities from many of these diseases.
What repellent should I use?
US CDC recommends a variety of effective repellents. The most important step is to pick one and use it. There are those that can protect you for a short while in the backyard or a long while in the woods. DEET, picaridin, IR3535 and the plant-based oil of lemon eucalyptus are all repellents recommended by US CDC. All contain an EPA-registered active ingredient and have been studied to make sure they are effective and safe. EPA has a long listing of repellent brands in the United States. Check out US CDC’s traveler’s health page on repellents here.
When should you wear repellent?
Mosquitoes can bite anytime. Most of the mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus bite from around sundown to around sun-up (throughout the night). Put a few bottles or packets of repellent around—in the car, by the door, in a purse or backpack.
On Aug. 17, a mosquito pool (a collection which contains between 1-50 mosquitoes) tested positive for WNV at Maine’s Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory. The pool of mosquitoes was collected Aug. 1 in the town of Lebanon, as described in this health alert. Since then, a second mosquito pool from Cumberland County tested positive.
This is the earliest WNV has been identified in mosquitoes in Maine. The last time WNV was identified in Maine was from a mosquito pool in 2010. There has been a significant increase in arboviral activity in the last month.
Maine CDC recommends the following preventative measures to protect against mosquitoborne illnesses:
Control what you can. Improve your odds of avoiding mosquito spread viruses by using a repellent on exposed skin and clothes while outdoors. Wear protective clothing when outdoors, including long-sleeved shirts, pants, and socks. Use screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of your home, and remove standing water from artificial water-holding containers in and around the house.
Insect Repellent: It keeps you from being what’s for dinner.
There are always excuses for not using repellent— forgot it, didn't want to go back and get it, it doesn't smell good, it's not in the budget, or "mosquitoes don't bite me"…
Think of repellent as you would an important article of clothing, and increase your chances of avoiding weeks (or even months) of aches and fatigue that come with West Nile fever, dengue fever, or any number of other mosquito borne diseases. More severe problems are possible. Being hospitalized with swelling of the brain, or even worse, are possibilities from many of these diseases.
What repellent should I use?
US CDC recommends a variety of effective repellents. The most important step is to pick one and use it. There are those that can protect you for a short while in the backyard or a long while in the woods. DEET, picaridin, IR3535 and the plant-based oil of lemon eucalyptus are all repellents recommended by US CDC. All contain an EPA-registered active ingredient and have been studied to make sure they are effective and safe. EPA has a long listing of repellent brands in the United States. Check out US CDC’s traveler’s health page on repellents here.
When should you wear repellent?
Mosquitoes can bite anytime. Most of the mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus bite from around sundown to around sun-up (throughout the night). Put a few bottles or packets of repellent around—in the car, by the door, in a purse or backpack.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Health tips to keep in mind as summer winds down
Maine CDC reminds people to stay healthy while enjoying outdoor activities this summer.
Make sure you know what steps to take to protect your skin from the sun.
Use good judgment for good health when attending Maine agricultural fairs:
Use good judgment for good health when attending Maine agricultural fairs:
- Do not attend a fair if you are ill.
- Always ask the owner for permission before you touch an animal.
- Before and after touching animals, wash your hands with soap and water or use alcohol hand gel.
- Before eating, wash your hands with soap and water or use alcohol hand gel.
If you’ll be grilling outdoors, check out this video from the Grill Sergeants with safety guidelines for safe grilling.
One in six Americans will get sick from food poisoning this year alone. FoodSafety.gov has a number of helpful at-a-glance food safety charts available and other food safety information.
Be prepared to stay healthy in extremely high temperatures.
Friday, August 10, 2012
Six in 10 adults now get physically active by walking
Sixty-two percent of adults say they walked for at least once for 10 minutes or more in the previous week in 2010, compared to 56 percent in 2005, according to a new Vital Signs report from US CDC.
However, less than half (48 percent) of all adults get enough physical activity to improve their health, according to data from the National Health Interview Survey. For substantial health benefits, the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends at least two and a half hours per week of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity, such as brisk walking. This activity should be done for at least 10 minutes at a time.
To learn more about Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans and ways to get active, visit www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity
However, less than half (48 percent) of all adults get enough physical activity to improve their health, according to data from the National Health Interview Survey. For substantial health benefits, the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends at least two and a half hours per week of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity, such as brisk walking. This activity should be done for at least 10 minutes at a time.
To learn more about Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans and ways to get active, visit www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Third-hand smoke
Ever take a whiff of a smoker's hair and feel faint from the pungent scent of cigarette smoke? Or perhaps you have stepped into an elevator and wondered why it smells like someone has lit up when there is not a smoker in sight. Welcome to the world of third-hand smoke.
“Third-hand smoke is tobacco smoke contamination that remains after a cigarette has been extinguished," says Jonathan Winickoff, a pediatrician at the Dana–Farber/Harvard Cancer Center in Boston and author of a study on the new phenomenon published in the journal Pediatrics. “Third-hand smoke," a term coined by Winickoff's research team, is a relatively new concept, but one that has worried researchers and nonsmokers for several years.
Third-hand smoke refers to the tobacco toxins that build up over time—one cigarette will coat the surface of a certain room, a second cigarette will add another coat, and so on. The third-hand smoke is what remains after visible or "second-hand smoke" has dissipated from the air.
The 2006 surgeon general's report says there is no risk-free level of tobacco exposure. There are more than 250 poisonous toxins found in cigarette smoke.
For more information:
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Influenza
The Vaccine Information Statements (VIS) for influenza for the 2012-2013 season are now available.
Since July 12, 2011, there have been 29 cases of H3N2v virus infection, including the 16 cases occurring in the last three weeks. Maine confirmed two cases of H3N2v influenza in 2011, but no new cases have been detected to date in 2012.
Each of the 16 recent cases reported contact with swine prior to illness onset; in 15 cases, contact occurred while attending or exhibiting swine at an agricultural fair. While the viruses identified in these cases are genetically nearly identical, separate swine exposure events in each state were associated with human infections. Maine CDC and the Maine Department of Agriculture remind everyone to exercise good judgment while attending agricultural fairs.
Interim Recommendations for the Public
Interim Recommendations for Health Care Providers
Multiple infections with variant influenza A (H3N2v) viruses have been identified in three states in recent weeks. From July 12 through August 3, 2012, 16 cases of H3N2v were reported and confirmed by US CDC. This virus was first detected in humans in July 2011. It has also been isolated in U.S. swine in many states.
Interim Recommendations for the Public
- Persons who are at high risk for influenza complications (e.g., underlying chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or neurological conditions, or who are pregnant or younger than 5 years, older than 65 years of age or have weakened immune systems) should consider avoiding exposure to pigs and swine barns this summer, especially if ill pigs have been identified.
- Persons engaging in activities that may involve swine contact, such as attending agricultural events or exhibiting swine, should wash their hands frequently with soap and running water before and after exposure to animals; avoid eating or drinking in animal areas; and avoid close contact with animals that look or act ill.
- Patients who experience influenza-like symptoms following direct or close contact with pigs and who seek medical care should inform their health care provider about the exposure.
- Patients with influenza-like illness who are at high risk for influenza complications (e.g., underlying chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or neurological conditions, or who are pregnant or younger than 5 years, older than 65 years of age or have weakened immune systems) should see their health care provider promptly to determine if treatment with antiviral medications is warranted.
- Influenza viruses have not been shown to be transmissible to people through eating properly handled and prepared pork or other products derived from pigs. For more information about the proper handling and preparation of pork, visit the USDA website fact sheet “Fresh Pork from Farm to Table.”
- Clinicians who suspect influenza in persons with recent exposure to swine should obtain a nasopharyngeal swab or aspirate from the patient, place the swab or aspirate in viral transport medium, and contact their state or local health department to arrange transport and request a timely diagnosis at a state public health laboratory.
- Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing for influenza should be considered for patients with influenza-like illness prior to the start of the traditional influenza season in October.
- RT-PCR testing for influenza should be considered throughout the year for patients with influenza-like illness reporting recent swine exposure and for those who can be epidemiologically linked to confirmed cases of variant influenza.
- Commercially available rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) may not detect H3N2v virus in respiratory specimens. Therefore, a negative rapid influenza diagnostic test result does not exclude infection with H3N2v or any influenza virus. In addition, a positive test result for influenza A cannot confirm H3N2v virus infection because these tests cannot distinguish between influenza A virus subtypes (they do not differentiate between human influenza A viruses and H3N2v virus). Therefore, respiratory specimens should be collected and sent for RT-PCR testing at a state public health laboratory.
- Clinicians should consider antiviral treatment with oral oseltamivir or inhaled zanamivir in patients with suspected or confirmed H3N2v virus infection. Antiviral treatment is most effective when started as soon as possible after influenza illness onset.
For more information, see the health alert Maine CDC issued on Aug. 7.
Monday, August 6, 2012
National Immunization Awareness Month
We all need immunizations (also called vaccines or shots) to help protect us from serious diseases. Shots can prevent infectious diseases like measles, diphtheria, and rubella. But people in the U.S. still die from these and other vaccine-preventable diseases. It’s important to know which shots you need and when to get them.
Everyone age 6 months and older needs a seasonal flu shot every year. Other shots work best when they are given at certain ages. Here are some general guidelines:
Everyone age 6 months and older needs a seasonal flu shot every year. Other shots work best when they are given at certain ages. Here are some general guidelines:
- Children need a series of shots from birth to age 6.
- Pre-teens need recommended shots at age 11 or 12.
- All adults need a booster shot every 10 years to help protect against tetanus and diphtheria.
We are seeing many cases of pertussis (whooping cough) in Maine right now. Pertussis is a highly communicable, vaccine-preventable disease that can last for many weeks. Immunity to pertussis following infection is not lifelong. Persons with a history of pertussis should continue to receive pertussis-containing vaccines according to the recommended schedule. Because vaccination is not 100% effective and immunity wanes over time, even fully vaccinated persons can become infected with pertussis. However, unvaccinated children have an 8 times higher risk of becoming infected with pertussis than fully vaccinated children. Furthermore, vaccinated children who do get infected with pertussis have milder symptoms, shorter duration of illness, fewer severe outcomes (including hospitalization) and are less infectious than their non-vaccinated counterparts. Therefore, vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent pertussis.
Talk to your doctor or nurse to find out which immunizations you need. For more information, visit
www.immunizeme.org
www.immunizeme.org
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