About

Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEE) is a viral illness spread by mosquitoes. EEE virus can cause disease in humans and some mammal and bird species. EEE virus is most commonly found in the eastern half of the United States, including in Maine. 

EEE virus spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito. Though rare, EEE is very serious. EEE cases occur sporadically in Maine, usually during the summer and fall when mosquitoes in Maine are most active. 

Anyone can get EEE, but certain people are at higher risk, including: 

The Maine CDC recently reported a case of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) in a resident from Maine. This is the first case of HPS reported in Maine since 2011 and the second documented case of HPS in a Maine resident since U.S. CDC surveillance began in 1993.

The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) is providing interim guidance for health care personnel (HCP) with illness or exposure to respiratory viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2, seasonal influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) recently received notification of a case of congenital syphilis (CS). This is the first case of CS reported in Maine in 2025. Per American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) guidelines, all pregnant persons should be tested for syphilis at least once during pregnancy, ideally at the first prenatal visit, and tested again during the third trimester and at birth.

Vaccine Campaigns

Meningococcal B Vaccine Campaign

Since 2022, the Maine Immunization Program has been leading a statewide effort to raise awareness and increase vaccination against Meningococcal B disease, a serious illness that can sometimes be deadly. This campaign provides education and outreach materials that healthcare providers can use to inform patients and families about the importance of MenB vaccination. 

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends:

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Ground-level ozone concentrations are expected to reach the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” level on Wednesday, according to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

Ground-level ozone concentrations are expected to reach the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” level according to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

Ozone is now expected to reach the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” category this afternoon in the Southwest Coastal region which includes: the width of 1 to 2 towns wide along the coast from Kittery through Reid State Park. At the same time, particle pollution levels are continuing to run in the Moderate range due to wildfire smoke lingering in New England.

Levels of Water Operator Licensure

Water systems are classified at levels I to IV in both treatment and distribution categories based on system complexity and the population served. Operators of these systems must show competency by…

A public water system is defined as any publicly or privately-owned system of pipes or other constructed conveyances, structures and facilities through which water is obtained for or sold, furnished or distributed to the public for human consumption, if such system has at least 15 service connections or serves at least 25 individuals daily at least 60 days out of the year or bottles water for sale.