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.

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.

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.

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:

• 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. 

 

 Get information about recreational water illnesses and how to avoid them.

 

Be prepared to stay healthy in extremely high temperatures.
 

Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

 

 Stay safe in lightning.

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

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:

• http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/sgr/2006/index.htm
• http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/123/1/e74.abstract
• http://www.portlandmaine.gov/hhs/phbreatheeasy.asp
• http://www.smokefreeforme.org

Influenza

The Vaccine Information Statements (VIS) for influenza for the 2012-2013 season are now available.

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.

 

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

• 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.”

 

Interim Recommendations for Health Care Providers  

• 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.

 

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:

• 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 

 

If you choose not to vaccinate, understand the risks and responsibilities.

Severe Staph Infections Linked to Unsafe Use of Single-Dose/Single-Use Vials

With certain drugs in short supply, some health care professionals may be tempted to use singledose/single-use medication vials for more than one patient, a practice that goes against US CDC’s 2007 Standard Precautions. New outbreak reports provide a frightening reminder of these critical recommendations: medications labeled “single-use” or “singledose” must be used for one—and only one—patient.

US CDC reported in the July 13 issue of MMWR that 10 patients in Arizona and Delaware contracted severe methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (staph) or methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) infections at outpatient facilities where practitioners reused medication from single-dose/single-use medication vials for multiple patients.

In Arizona, three patients contracted invasive MRSA infections following injections from the same singledose/single-use vial at an outpatient pain management clinic. Patients were treated for acute mediastinitis, bacterial meningitis, epidural abscess and sepsis. A fourth patient who received an injection from the same vial was found dead at home six days after treatment at the clinic. Cause of death was reported as multiple drug overdose; however invasive MRSA could not be ruled out.

Seven patients in Delaware were diagnosed with severe staph infections after receiving joint injections at the same outpatient orthopedic practice. Staff at the clinic had recently started to use singledose/single-use vials for multiple patients after their supply of a smaller vial size (which they had previously dedicated for single-patient use), was disrupted as part of a national shortage. Two staff members who were responsible for preparing injections were found to be colonized with S. aureus, and one was an identical match to the strain that infected the seven patients.

Since 2007, the year that injection safety was included as part of Standard Precautions, there have been at least 20 outbreaks associated with the use of single-dose or single-use medication vials for more than one patient. Medication in single-dose/single-use vials is typically preservative-free, which makes it unsafe to use for more than one patient.

It is every provider’s responsibility to protect their patients. Refresh your knowledge of safe injection practices at the website, download the Healthcare Provider Toolkit, including an injection safety checklist and follow the campaign on Twitter and Facebook. Every patient deserves the protection of safe injections.

Tobacco prevention

The Cancer Action Network of the American Cancer Society recently released a report, Staying Well: Real Stories from the Prevention and Public Health Fund. The report includes a feature on the Maine Tobacco HelpLine and the Partnership for a Tobacco-Free Maine on pages 20-21.
Young tobacco prevention activists from Maine and throughout the United States are participating in a youth leadership training in Washington, DC, this week and meeting with members of Congress to urge them to support strong policies to reduce tobacco use.

In particular, the youth are calling attention to the marketing of cheap, sweet-flavored cigars that appeal to kids. Nearly 30 youth from across the country are participating in the training, which is organized by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and includes skill-building workshops on leadership, advocacy and communications.

In Maine, tobacco use kills 2,200 residents and costs the state $602 million in health care bills each year, and 15.2 percent of high school students smoke cigarettes.

For more information, visit http://www.tobaccofreekids.org/

Food safety

One confirmed case in Maine is included in a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis infections linked to ground beef. A second suspected case is undergoing testing.


Consumers should check their refrigerators and freezers for recalled products and not eat them; retailers and food service operators should not serve them.

Salmonella Enteriditis causes abdominal pain, diarrhea, cramps, and fevers. It usually lasts 3-10 days.

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 as well as other food safety information.
If you’ll be grilling outdoors this summer, check out this video from the Grill Sergeants with safety guidelines for safe grilling.

Pertussis (whooping cough) update 7/26/12

Pertussis is endemic in the United States. Although cyclical in nature, a gradual and sustained increase has been observed in the United States after reaching historic lows in the 1970s. In 2010, 27,550 pertussis cases were reported. Year-to-date case counts from 2012 have surpassed those from the previous 5 years for the same period.


To date, 300 cases of pertussis have been reported in Maine this calendar year, compared with 75 cases at the same time last year. The majority of cases have been in Cumberland, Somerset, and Penobscot counties, with most cases in children ages 7 to 19. Weekly pertussis updates are available on the Maine CDC website (http://www.mainepublichealth.gov/), updated every Thursday. This week's update is available at: http://go.usa.gov/fMC

US CDC recently issued a MMWR about the pertussis epidemic in Washington state, which suggests early waning of immunity from acellular pertussis vaccines.

For more information, visit http://go.usa.gov/dCO

HIV updates

The XIX Annual International AIDS Conference is currently underway in Washington, D.C., and several recent developments have occurred in the fight against HIV/AIDS:


Home Testing

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first over-the-counter home-use rapid HIV test on July 3. The OraQuick In-Home HIV Test is designed to allow individuals to collect an oral fluid sample and obtain test results within 20 to 40 minutes.


A positive result with this test does not mean that an individual is definitely infected with HIV, but rather that additional testing should be done in a medical setting to confirm the test result. Similarly, a negative test result does not mean that an individual is definitely not infected with HIV, particularly when exposure may have been within the previous three months. The test has the potential to identify large numbers of previously undiagnosed HIV infections especially if used by those unlikely to use standard screening methods.


Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis

On July 16, FDA approved Truvada (a fixed dose combination of two antiretrovirals used to treat HIV) to reduce the risk of HIV infection in uninfected individuals who are at high risk of HIV infection and who may engage in sexual activity with HIV-infected partners. Truvada is to be used for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in combination with safer sex practices to prevent sexually-acquired HIV infection in adults at high risk. Truvada is the first drug approved for this indication.

Truvada for PrEP is meant to be used as part of a comprehensive HIV prevention plan that includes risk reduction counseling consistent and correct condom use, regular HIV testing, and screening for and treatment of other sexually-transmitted infections. Truvada is not a substitute for safer sex practices. As part of PrEP, HIV-uninfected individuals who are at high risk will need to take Truvada daily to lower their chances of becoming infected with HIV should they be exposed to the virus.

For more information about PrEP, visit http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/prep/


Prevention with Positives

Earlier this week, US CDC launched the first ever Prevention with Positives website to help address the prevention needs of people living with HIV/AIDS.

Trends in HIV-related Risk Behaviors Among High School Students

An early release MMWR article “Trends in HIV-Related Risk Behaviors Among High School Students — United States, 1991–2011” describes the analysis of data from the biennial national Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) with results that suggest that progress in reducing some HIV-related risk behaviors among high school students overall and in certain populations stalled in the past decade. The article suggests that renewed educational efforts and other risk reduction interventions are warranted to reduce the number of young persons who become infected with HIV.


Maine Reports

Maine's May 2012 HIV/STD update and 2011 HIV/STD Surveillance Report are now both posted on the Maine CDC website.

American Red Cross Issues Emergency Call for Blood Donors Now

The American Red Cross blood supply has reached emergency levels with 50,000 fewer donations than expected in June. This shortfall leaves the Red Cross with half the readily available blood products on hand now than this time last year.

The Red Cross is calling on all eligible blood donors – now more than ever – to roll up a sleeve and give as soon as possible. All blood types are needed, but especially O positive, O negative, B negative and A negative in order to meet patient demand this summer.

An unseasonably early start to spring may be a contributing factor to this year’s decrease in donations. Many regular donors got an early start on summer activities and aren’t taking time to give blood or platelets. In addition, this year’s mid-week Independence Day holiday has reduced the number of scheduled Red Cross blood drives. Many sponsors, especially businesses, are unable to host drives because employees are taking extended vacations.

Unfortunately, patients don’t get a holiday from needing blood products. The need is constant. Approximately every two seconds, a patient in the United States needs a blood transfusion. Blood and platelets are used for many different kinds of treatments. They include accident and burns, heart surgery, organ transplants, complications during childbirth and for patients receiving treatment for cancer or sickle cell disease.

“Blood must be available at a moment’s notice when seconds count to help save or sustain a life. We have reached an emergency situation and the blood will not be there without the immediate response of volunteer blood donors,” said Donna M. Morrissey, Director, Communications, American Red Cross Blood Services – Northeast Division. “The Red Cross relies upon generous blood donors so we can supply blood when and where it is needed. Right now, patients in hospitals across the country need you to roll up your sleeve and give the gift of lifesaving blood.”

The Northern New England Region is seeking to collect 8300 units over the next two weeks. Each and every blood donation is crucial. To reach its goal, the Red Cross is adding emergency blood drives and extending blood drive hours and scheduled drives.  In addition, the Red Cross is reaching out to eligible blood donors, blood drive sponsors and community leaders to ask them to recruit blood donors to help meet the needs of patients in communities across the United States. To give blood donors additional opportunities to donate, the Red Cross Donor Centers in Portland and Bangor have extended hours, starting June 26, and will have a special opening on Monday, July 2, from 11 am to 7 pm. Additionally, the hours have been increased at many Maine blood drives through July 10. Eligible donors are asked to call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to find a blood drive and to make appointments.

As a special thank you for helping to turn the tide against a potential shortage, all presenting donors in July will receive a coupon for a free* carton of Friendly’s Ice Cream, redeemable at any participating Friendly’s restaurant.

About the American Red Cross:                                                                                                

The American Red Cross has been a primary supplier of lifesaving blood products in the United States for more than 50 years. Eligible volunteer blood donors are asked to please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to find a blood drive and to make appointments.  Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to give blood. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.

*Sales tax additional in some locations.

Pertussis (whooping cough) update 6/14/12

Maine, like many other states, has been experiencing an increasing number of pertussis (whooping cough) cases over the past year. Maine CDC is posting weekly pertussis updates on its website. Today’s update is available at http://go.usa.gov/vxX


Maine CDC has issued public service announcements about vaccinating adults that have contact with infants against pertussis in English and Spanish. These videos were created with permission from the Texas Department of State Health Service.

For more information, visit http://go.usa.gov/dCO or this US CDC blog 

Lyme disease

In recognition of Lyme Disease Awareness Month, Maine CDC held a poster contest for children in grades K-8 in Maine as well as an audio public service announcement contest for high school and college students with the theme “Know Ticks, No Lyme.” Winning entries are posted on our website. 




Congratulations to K-8 Poster Contest Winners: Caroline Dishop, Sophie O’Clair, Chantel Gayton, and Cassidy Osgood; and Audio Contest Winners: Aidan Shadis, Liam Dworkin, Luke Huntington, and Michael LaCrosse.



Lyme disease is the most common vectorborne disease in Maine. Ticks are out and we expect the number of Lyme disease cases to increase as the weather continues to get warmer.



Maine CDC issued an advisory on May 1 to provide general information regarding ticks and Lyme disease; remind providers to report cases of Lyme disease, including those diagnosed by erythema migrans; provide resources on diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease; and remind providers that Anaplasma, Babesia and other tickborne disease are also increasing in Maine.

For general information about Lyme disease, visit http://go.usa.gov/yTh

Men's Health Week

It’s National Men’s Health Week.




The purpose of Men’s Health Week is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys.



This week gives health care providers, public policy makers, the media, and individuals an opportunity to encourage men and boys to seek regular medical advice and early treatment for disease and injury.



For more information: http://www.cdc.gov/Features/HealthyMen/

Pertussis (whooping cough) update 6/7/12

There have been a total of 111* pertussis cases reported statewide through June 6, 2012, compared to 50 reported cases in 2011 during the same period. *Additional cases may have occurred especially in the most recent weeks that are not included in this report.


The full weekly pertussis update is available on our website.
 
Maine CDC issued a health alert about increasing pertussis on May 15.
 
See our new PSA in English:

 
And Spanish:

Immunization Program Regional Trainings

Registration is now open for the Maine Immunization Program’s regional trainings, which will occur in July and August.




The trainings are open to all health professionals responsible for managing and supporting childhood vaccine programs including physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and practice managers. Note: These trainings are not intended for pharmaceutical company representatives.



Space is limited. All cancellations must be received one week prior to the event. There will be a $25 fee for people who register for the training but fail to cancel and/or do not attend. Special accommodation requests must be received a week prior to the event.



For more information and to register: http://adcarecdc.neias.org/regionaltrainings/

Maine CDC WIC Nutrition Program Recognized

The Maine CDC WIC Nutrition Program was recognized on May 30 by USDA Food and Nutrition Services for its work to implement the new WIC data system called SPIRIT. The system will allow more effective services to the people of Maine, will provide better data regarding program use and benefits, and is ready for the implementation of Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT). The first pilot and rollout of the system was at HealthReach Network, a program of Maine General Health. USDA Food and Nutrition Services also recognized HealthReach staff for their hard work on this project. A statewide rollout is in progress with all clinics to be online by September 30.