Syphilis rates in the United States (U.S.) have been increasing since 2012. From 2012 through 2021, the rate of syphilis cases increased by 224% in the U.S. and by 405% in Maine. In 2022, 112 cases of syphilis were reported in Maine, 20.5% of whom were women between the ages of 15 and 44 years (preliminary data).
The United States has seen a rise in invasive Group A Streptococcal infections. From November 1 to December 31, 2022, Maine CDC identified 25 cases, one of which was in a pediatric patient. This is higher than seen in this time frame in the last 5 years (average of 12 cases in November and December). Please remember that invasive Group A Strep is a reportable condition in the State of Maine. Please take a moment to review this information from US CDC that includes key recommendations for health providers, laboratories, and the general public.
Most COVID-19 deaths are preventable with currently available treatments, yet many patients miss the opportunity to get treated in the outpatient setting while symptoms are mild. A recent U.S. CDC study found that only 28% of people eligible for treatment actually get treated. Paxlovid (ritonavir-boosted nirmatrelvir), Veklury (remdesivir), and Lagevrio (molnupiravir) remain effective against all currently circulating variants. Please review this latest U.S. CDC information on COVID-19 treatment.
This Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory provides clinicians and public health officials with guidance for prioritizing oseltamivir for treatment and information on other influenza antivirals that are recommended for treating influenza in areas where oseltamivir is temporarily unavailable.
Influenza activity is increasing in all 16 counties in Maine. Maine CDC's Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL) has confirmed that influenza A/pH1N1, influenza A/H3, and influenza B/Victoria are currently circulating in Maine. Influenza vaccination is the best way to prevent illness. It is not too late to get influenza vaccine. Vaccination is strongly encouraged throughout the season, and vaccines are widely available.
FDA today revoked the emergency use authorization for bebtelovimab, a monoclonal antibody therapy. Accordingly, bebtelovimab may no longer be used for COVID-19 treatment in the U.S. With the continued appearance of new variants, COVID-19 infection is now likely to be due to variants resistant to all monoclonal antibody therapies.
Monkeypox remains an emerging threat across the US. Maine has seen a small number of patient infections with monkeypox reported to public health, mostly among men who have sex with men. Healthcare providers should be aware of updated information on monkeypox treatment. Please take a moment to review this information from U.S. CDC regarding treatment of monkeypox.
The purpose of this advisory is to inform healthcare providers and community-based organizations that:
Maine CDC encourages healthcare providers and facilities to review this information from U.S. CDC regarding the current U.S. federal response to the Ebola outbreak in Uganda.
All confirmed and suspected patients with Ebola virus disease must be reported immediately to Maine CDC by phone at 800-821-5821.
