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Dr. Sheila Pinette Director, Maine CDC Osteopathic physician Public Health Update May 31, 2012 In this update: Pertussis Lyme disease WIC Immunization program regional trainings Surveillance reports Stay healthy in warmer weather Follow us Pertussis Maine, like many other states, has been experiencing an increasing number of pertussis (whooping cough) cases over the past year. As of last week, we will be posting weekly pertussis updates on our website (www.mainepublichealth.gov). For more information, visit http://go.usa.gov/dCO Lyme disease 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. The full health alert is available at http://go.usa.gov/V4q The 2011 Lyme disease surveillance report is now available at http://go.usa.gov/VgS For general information about Lyme disease, visit http://go.usa.gov/yTh WIC 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. ---PAGE BREAK--- 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/ Surveillance reports The following surveillance reports have been posted online: April 2012 reportable diseases: http://go.usa.gov/dOi 2011 Legionella surveillance report: http://go.usa.gov/dOr April 2012 HIV/STD update: http://go.usa.gov/dO4 Maine HIV Diagnoses 1st Quarter 2012 Data Table: http://go.usa.gov/dC5 Maine STD 1st Quarter 2012 Data Table: http://go.usa.gov/dCR Animal rabies first quarter update: http://go.usa.gov/dOm Stay healthy in warmer weather As summer approaches, Maine CDC reminds people to stay healthy while enjoying outdoor activities. Visit http://go.usa.gov/dOv for information about recreational water illnesses and how to avoid them. Be prepared to stay healthy even in extremely high temperatures this summer by reviewing our information on heat-related illness: http://go.usa.gov/dOd Follow us Follow Maine CDC’s Social Media Updates: Facebook: www.facebook.com/MaineCDC Twitter: http://twitter.com/MEPublicHealth Blog: http://mainepublichealth.blogspot.com You may subscribe to these updates for free through an RSS feed at http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/rss.php?tid=1049. In Internet Explorer and Firefox, you will be prompted to Subscribe to the Feed and then select the folder where feeds are stored. For clinical consultation and outbreak management guidance, call Maine CDC’s toll-free 24-hour phone line: 1-[PHONE REDACTED]