The Maine Department of Health and Human Services’ Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) recently unveiled the new Respiratory Virus Dashboard. The dashboard shows trends for COVID-19, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) together in one place, helping to support public awareness and enhance public health during the respiratory illness season.
Maine CDC Director Dr. Puthiery Va described the dashboard as an important step for data access, transparency, and public access to health information. “Our new respiratory dashboard makes it simple to see what’s happening with several illnesses in Maine,” Va said. “It turns complex data into clear visuals, helping the people of Maine understand trends, assess risks, and take action. This tool supports proactive responses and helps guide everyday decisions—whether you’re traveling, attending events, or planning ahead.”
Dashboard Basics
The dashboard, accessible on the Maine CDC website, integrates data for each virus into a single, interactive platform. Visualizations include statewide data, expanded county-level data, and historical data. There are also data download options. Users can view:
- activity summary
- emergency department surveillance
- hospitalizations
- deaths
- outbreaks
- laboratory and case surveillance
The dashboard builds on, and takes the place of, prior reports, such as Maine’s influenza surveillance report, and provides a more comprehensive view of respiratory illness and activity across the state. The dashboard features new ways to visualize and explore data and was designed to meet the needs of health professionals and the public. It will be updated every Wednesday.
Tracking Respiratory Activity Trends in Maine
Respiratory activity across Maine can be viewed in the Activity Summary section. Users can explore specific respiratory virus–related data, such as emergency department visits and hospitalizations, using graphs that cover the past 365 days for all three viruses. Historical data from up to three seasons before the current season can be viewed by selecting “click for additional data.” Users can apply filters or view additional details, such as age group breakdowns to better understand how different populations are affected. Information about data sources is available at the Maine CDC’s website.
A Broader View That Matters
By presenting this information together in a consistent, easy-to-navigate format, the Respiratory Virus Dashboard helps provide a clearer picture of how respiratory viruses are affecting Maine communities. It supports timely awareness and helps both health care providers and the public better understand seasonal patterns and emerging trends.
Protecting Yourself and Others
To help reduce the spread of respiratory viruses, the Maine CDC continues to recommend:
- Staying up to date with vaccinations
- Staying home when you are sick
- Washing your hands regularly
- Covering your cough and sneezes
We encourage you to explore the Respiratory Virus Dashboard, check back regularly, and use this information as one of many tools to help protect your health and the health of those around you.