Ebola Update / Protocol for Travelers from Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services' Center for Disease Control and Prevention continues daily post-arrival monitoring of travelers to Maine whose travel originated in Liberia, Sierra Leone or Guinea pursuant to the federal CDC guidelines. 

Maine has established protocols for the monitoring of any individual who returns to Maine after traveling from the impacted West African regions based on guidelines of the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention. There are two basic categories of travelers and associated protocols. The protocols may be adapted as appropriate on a case-by-case basis:

1.A traveler who did not come into direct contact with Ebola positive individuals and who is not

Maine CDC Launches Website That Focuses on Ebola

AUGUSTA, Maine - In ongoing efforts to provide the latest information to healthcare providers and Maine citizens regarding guideline updates and developments regarding preparedness and response to potential suspected cases of Ebola, the Maine Center for Disease Control announced the launch of a new website, http://www.maine.gov/ebola .

The publicly facing website includes descriptions of Ebola, how it is transmitted and other important information about the disease. Easy-to-understand fact sheets and answers to frequently asked questions are also available and can be downloaded.

The pages for healthcare providers offer the latest in U.S. CDC guidance on a variety of topics and will serve as a repository of information for those organizations and their staff as well as first responders. Maine CDC's Health Alert Network can also be accessed from this site.

"It is important for Mainers to know that there are no cases of Ebola in our state and that the only way Ebola can be transmitted is when an individual has direct contact with blood or bodily fluids from a person who is showing symptoms. It is not an airborne disease," said Dr. Sheila Pinette, Director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

The website will be updated regularly, Dr. Pinette said, keeping the public informed.

"We encourage healthcare providers and the public to refer to this website for valuable information and guidance from the U.S. CDC," she said. "The best way for each and every person to stay prepared is to be informed."

Maine CDC Confirms First Case of Powerful Virus

Practicing good hygiene is critical to reducing the spread of this virus, which mostly impacts children

Augusta, Maine - The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention today received confirmation from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) late on Tuesday that a Maine child from York County tested positive for the enterovirus D68 infection. The child, who was initially hospitalized, has returned home and is doing well.

Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) may initially look like the common cold. It sometimes causes a fever, runny nose, sneezing, cough and muscle aches. The more severe cases across the country have caused difficulty in breathing and/or wheezing in children with a history of respiratory problems. There is no vaccine for EV-D68, it is highly contagious, and children with asthma seem to be at higher risk.

Maine CDC Director Dr. Sheila Pinette cautions parents to act quickly if changes in a child's health

Maine CDC Issues Cold Weather Advisory

Augusta, Maine - With Maine experiencing continued and unseasonably cold temperatures, Governor Paul R. LePage and the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention advise people to aware of the dangers associated with extremely cold weather that could impact health and safety. During extreme cold weather the two most serious health concerns are frostbite and hypothermia. Hypothermia happens when a person's core body temperature is lower than 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

The main causes of hypothermia are: cold temperatures, improper clothing, shelter or heating, poor fluid intake leading to dehydration, not eating enough and alcohol consumption. 

"The good news is that people can take some simple steps to reduce the risk of hypothermia," said Dr. Sheila Pinette, Director of the Maine CDC. "If you have to go outside, make sure that you wear clothes with adequate insulation, stay hydrated and keep your clothing dry. Of course, the best advice is to stay inside in a well-heated location. This is especially important for the elderly, children and individuals who are ill who are at high risk."

Individuals with medical or life support equipment should ensure they have extra batteries for medical equipment and assistive devices, Pinette said. Notify your utility company, local fire department and police if you need assistance. It's important to check on the elderly, relatives and friends who may need additional assistance to ensure their safety.

Here are additional recommendations to help in extreme cold:

- Make sure you have a well-stocked winter home emergency supply kit - Protect your pets by not leaving them outside for extended periods of time - For many on fixed incomes, staying warm during the cold winter months can become dangerous. People with qualifying incomes may be eligible to receive help to pay for the high cost of heating oil and propane. Local Community Action Agency (CAA) administers fuel assistance programs in each county. For more information, please visit 211 Maine for a referral to a local CAA.

Additional information on preventing hypothermia and being safe in the winter can be found at:

- CDC "Extreme Cold: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety".http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/guide.asp - CDC "Winter Weather Health and Safety Tips:"http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/ - FEMA "Winter Storms and Extreme Cold":http://www.ready.gov/winter-weather - Maine Emergency Management Agency:http://www.maine.gov/mema/prepare/ - 211 Maine: http://www.211maine.org/ - Maine State Housing Authority for Energy Assistance: http://www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/energy

Maine CDC Cold Weather Advisory

Maine CDC Director, Dr. Sheila Pinette, is warning people about the dangers associated with extremely cold weather and sudden power outages that could impact their health and safety. During extreme cold weather, the two most serious health concerns are frostbite and hypothermia. 

- Signs of frostbite include: numbness and tingling to exposed areas of the body, color changes to the skin (pale, whitish yellow blue), and lack of sensation. - Frostbite can be avoided by covering your face, chin, nose, ears, head, fingers and toes with hats, mittens, scarfs, and wool socks that provide adequate insulation. You should also cover your mouth and face with a scarf, and avoid prolonged outdoor activities, as frostbite may occur with little awareness. - Hypothermia happens when a person's core body temperature is lower than 35°C (95°F), which can be prevented by having adequate clothing, shelter, and sources of heat, and avoiding wet clothing if you are outside. - Individuals with medical or life support devices should have extra batteries for medical equipment and assistive devices. Notify your utility company, local fire department and police if you need assistance - Neighbors should do safety checks on their elderly neighbors and those that are ill. These individuals are at an increased risk due to extreme temperature changes.

Here are a few additional recommendations for cold weather preparedness:

- Make sure you have a well-stocked Winter Home Emergency Supply Kit. This kit should include a flashlight with extra batteries, bottled water, portable radio and lamp, non-perishable foods, a can opener and first aid kit - Do not leave your pets outside for extended periods of time. - If using an emergency generator, always operate emergency generators outdoors and away from any open window. Ensure you have working smoke alarms and Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors. - Food may spoil if you lose power, so a good rule is "when in doubt throw it out," especially if the outage lasts for more than 6 hours (food should be stored in a refrigerator that is less than 40 degrees and a freezer that is less than 0 degrees.) - For many on fixed incomes, staying warm during the cold winter months can become dangerous. Folks with qualifying incomes may be eligible to receive help to pay for the high cost of heating oil and propane. A local Community Action Agency (CAA) administers fuel assistance programs in each county. For more information, please visit 211 Maine for a referral to a local CAA.

References:

- CDC "Extreme Cold: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety".http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/guide.asp - CDC "Winter Weather Health and Safety Tips:http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/ - FEMA "Winter Storms and Extreme Cold":http://www.ready.gov/winter-weather - Maine Emergency Management Agency:http://www.maine.gov/mema/prepare/ - 211 Maine: http://www.211maine.org/ - Maine State Housing Authority for Energy Assistance: http://www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/energy

Maine CDC Reminds Women of the Importance of Mammograms

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Augusta, Maine - During 2013 it is estimated that more than 1,150 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 190 women will die from the disease. As October marks National Breast Cancer Awareness month, the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention reminds women that regular screening mammograms are critical in diagnosing and beginning treatment of the disease.

"While breast cancer is not preventable, early detection of the disease offers the best protection for women,'' said Governor Paul R. LePage. "I encourage women to speak with their doctor about scheduling a mammogram. This simple screening helps to save lives."

A screening mammogram can detect breast cancer early, even before symptoms arise. Women between ages 50 to 74 should have a screening mammogram every two years, while women age 40 to 49 should talk to their doctor about when and how often to have this screening.

The Maine CDC Breast and Cervical Health and Colorectal Cancer Control Programs can provide information about cancer screening tests and has some resources available for free cancer screenings.

Women must be age 40 or older and meet financial and other program criteria. 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://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/population-health/bcp/.

Maine CDC Recognizes Efforts To Ward Off Infectious Disease

Augusta, Maine - The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention recently recognized two organizations and two individuals by presenting them with the Pump Handle Award for their contributions to help reduce the impact of infectious diseases in Maine.

Redington-Fairview General Hospital in Skowhegan was honored for its efforts to prevent an outbreak of pertussis by holding public clinics to provide vaccinations, while Maine's Summer Camps were also recognized for its efforts to contain illnesses and minimize the spreading of infectious diseases.

Dr. George Stockwell, who practices in Windham, earned the distinction for his leadership in collecting data