September 2026 Mount Vernon and Vienna Health Officer Newsletter

Did you mother or grandmother ever tell you that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure?  She was right, especially with regard to infectious disease and food-borne illnesses.  Unfortunately, the federal government has been neglecting its public health duties in both respects, by promoting misinformation about vaccines and by making severe cuts in monitoring of outbreaks of food-borne illnesses.  Because of this, in the past year, from measles to cyclosporiasis, Americans are experiencing unprecedented levels of preventable diseases.  Fortunately, the Maine CDC is part of a network of state CDCs that are continuing to follow accurate scientific data to keep their citizens safe and healthy.  

Here are the facts:

Vaccines save lives

Maine will continue to follow the guidance of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on childhood vaccine recommendations, despite President Trump’s executive order on childhood vaccinations.  You can find the AAP recommendations at this link:

https://downloads.aap.org/AAP/PDF/AAP-Immunization-Schedule.pdf

Over the years, many myths about vaccines have spread online. Here is a look at some of the most popular: where they came from and why they are not true. Here is some useful information for parents from the American Association of Pediatricians on Common vaccine myths & the facts behind them. 

Vaccines & autism spectrum disorder (ASD) 

How did the myth start? 

In the 1990s, a doctor in the UK published a study with just 12 children that claimed the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine caused autism. Soon after, scientists found the study was poorly done and based on false information. The journal retracted (removed) the study, and experts agreed its findings could not be trusted. This doctor has since lost his medical license. 

Since then, many large studies around the world have shown that the MMR vaccine does not cause autism. Still, the study scared many parents and led to fewer children getting vaccinated. 

Measles was eliminated in the U.S. in 2000 after millions of children had received the vaccine. After fear spread from the false study, vaccination rates dropped and measles made a comeback. There are now frequent measles outbreaks in the U.S. again, and our country is about to lose elimination status for the disease.

Why is this myth still popular? 

Some people think that inflammatory bowel disease is triggered by the MMR vaccine and causes autism. This idea comes from the original false paper that started the myth. 

Many posts against vaccines on social media present this is a fact, even though it was proved false. Those posts ignore scientists found the paper was wrong, and the hundreds of studies showing the safety of the MMR vaccine. 

Other people think the MMR vaccine causes autism because children get the vaccine around the same time they are screened for and diagnosed with ASD —between 18 and 30 months of age. They confuse cause and coincidence. 

What are the facts behind it? 

Just because two things happen at the same time or one after the other, it does not always mean one caused the other. Increasing evidence shows that, even though autism signs show up around the same time children get the MMR vaccine, autism started before they were born. 

Researchers studied the possibility of a connection between the MMR vaccine and autism carefully and for many years. They concluded the MMR vaccine does not cause autism. They also found the vaccine against measles doesn't cause inflammatory bowel disease. 

Vaccines & thimerosal or mercury 

How did the myth start? 

Thimerosal is a preservative added to certain vaccines. It stops germs from growing in vaccine containers. It contains a type of mercury, but not the kind that harms your health. 

The myth started with confusion between two different types of mercury: methylmercury and ethylmercury. Thimerosal contains ethylmercury, a type of mercury that does not stay in the body. Thimerosal does not have methylmercury, the kind of mercury that stays in the body and makes you sick. 

Online content against vaccines has made popular the idea that thimerosal in vaccines causes neurological damage in children. 

Why is this myth still popular? 

Many people know that mercury in some fish can be harmful, so when they hear about mercury getting inside the body through vaccines, they think it’s the same substance. 

Social media posts against vaccines ignore the difference between the mercury that can make us sick and the mercury in vaccines, which can’t harm us. 

Social media posts against vaccines often ignore this difference and use frightening images or stories to get an emotional response. 

What are the facts behind it? 

Mercury is in nature all around us—in the air, soil and water. There are two very different types of mercury: methylmercury and ethylmercury. 

Thimerosal contains ethylmercury. The body quickly processes and eliminates this type of mercury. It does not build up in the body and, as a result, it does not make you sick. 

Thimerosal used to be in a lot more vaccines, but since 2001 it’s only in some flu vaccines—less than 4% of them. Cases of pediatricians still using the flu vaccine with thimerosal are rare. 

Parents can ask if the flu vaccine their child is going to receive has thimerosal. But keep in mind that most pediatricians use the vaccine without thimerosal already.

Hundreds of studies have proved that thimerosal has never caused neurological problems. Not before, when it was present in a lot more vaccines, and not now, when only one of them has it.

Getting multiple vaccines in a short time 

How did the myth start? 

Some parents worry that getting several vaccines at one visit is too much for a child’s body. This idea comes from thinking vaccines work like medicine, where taking too much at once can cause harm. 

Why is this myth still popular? 

Seeing your baby get several shots in one visit can feel overwhelming. Social media posts against vaccines often use this fear to claim vaccines overload a child’s immune system, even though evidence shows otherwise. 

What are the facts behind it? 

A child’s immune system is strong and constantly learning. Every day, it handles thousands of germs from food, air and play. The number of germs in vaccines is very small compared to what children face naturally. Getting more than one vaccine at a time does not weaken the immune system. It helps protect children sooner and with fewer doctor visits. 

Vaccines & SIDS 

How did the myth start? 

Babies receive many of their first vaccines between 2 and 4 months of age. This is also the time when sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is most common. Because the timing overlaps, some people believe vaccines might cause SIDS. 

Why is this myth still popular? 

When something serious happens after a vaccine, it can be scary and confusing. Social media posts against vaccines often focus on timing alone and ignore scientific evidence. 

What are the facts behind it? 

SIDS is not fully understood yet, but something we know for sure thanks to scientific studies is that vaccines do not cause SIDS. In fact, vaccinated babies may be at a lower risk of SIDS. 

To help prevent SIDS, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends safe sleep practices, such as placing babies on their backs and using a firm, clear sleep surface. 

Remember 

When reviewing facts about vaccines for your child, make sure you check the source. Have a high level of suspicion if you don't recognize and trust the original source of the content. 

And you can always verify information by going to credible sources like HealthyChildren.org, AAP.org and, of course, your child's pediatrician.

Source: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/immunizations/Pages/default.aspx

Update on Cyclosporiasis

As of August 7, 2026, Maine CDC) has identified 27 confirmed and probable cases of cyclosporiasis in 2026. Ten of those cases are among individuals who consumed produce in Maine directly associated with the multistate iceberg lettuce recall. As a result, Maine now meets the current national definition for inclusion in the multistate outbreak. 

As I wrote last month, the best prevention is to wash fresh vegetables before eating.  And buy local!

In response to concerns I have heard about the US cyclospora outbreak and the recent arrival of Canadian wildfire smoke, I am sharing the following information with you.
 

Cyclosporiasis:

The national outbreak of cyclosporiasis has been in the news.  Unfortunately, the US CDC took this potentially severe disease off their tracking list last year, and the CDC is so understaffed that they are scrambling to get updated data, so it is difficult to really know the source, although one current subject of investigation is iceberg lettuce from a particular producer.  
Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite called cyclospora. Symptoms of cyclosporiasis typically begin about 1 week after exposure. Onset of symptoms can occur 2-14 days after being exposed. The most common symptoms include watery diarrhea, which can be frequent, along with loss of appetite, weight loss, bloating, nausea, and fatigue. Less common symptoms include low-grade fever and vomiting. Without treatment, symptoms can follow a remitting-relapsing course that can last from a few days to a month or longer. Illness can be severe, but is not usually life-threatening.  If you have these symptoms and they don’t resolve quickly, please seek medical assistance.

The Maine CDC reports 2 documented cases as of July 14, 2026, which are not linked to the nationwide outbreak.  It is probably wise to avoid prepared salad mixes and iceberg lettuce from supermarkets.  It’s a great time to buy fruits and vegetables from all the wonderful local farms in our part of Maine.  Regardless of where you buy your fruits and vegetables, you should always wash them before preparing or eating.
Air Quality and Wildfire Smoke
It seems that smoky July skies are becoming the norm here in Maine.  The increasing heat and extreme weather caused by climate change are increasing the frequency and severity of wildfires in the western US and Canada, and the prevailing winds blow it our way.  
The Maine DEP has a real-time map of air quality that is updated every hour.  You can find it at this link 

The air quality forecast, along with a chart containing recommendations dependent on the level of pollution, can be found here

Mount Vernon and Vienna Health Officer Newsletter June 2026

Hello everyone, I am covering three important topics in this month’s newsletter.  All three are related to some recent communications from Maine CDC.   I hope you find these helpful!

1. Hanta virus: You may have read about the outbreak of this potentially fatal virus on a cruise ship.  While no cases related to the cruise ship have been reported in Maine, it is important to know about the risks of Hanta virus carried by mouse and rat droppings.  When opening camps for the season, it is important to know how to properly clean up rodent droppings to avoid inhaling the virus.  There have been fatal cases in Maine linked to vacuuming up rodent droppings.  Hanta virus spreads by breathing in infected rodent’s saliva, urine, droppings, or nesting materials.  Signs and symptoms of Hanta virus start 1-8 weeks after exposure and include fever and chills, muscle pain, headache, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and cough.  

Briefly, open doors and windows to let fresh air in for at least 30 minutes before cleaning, wear gloves and a dust mask before cleaning, and spray rodent droppings with bleach and water and then use a paper towel to pick up urine and droppings.  Never use a vacuum cleaner or broom to clean rodent droppings or nesting materials.  

2. MMR vaccines now available directly from pharmacies for people age 3-17

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services’ Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) has issued a standing order (PDF) authorizing qualified pharmacy licensees to administer the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine to individuals 3 to 17 years of age. Individuals 18 years and older can already receive MMR vaccine in pharmacies under existing pharmacist authority.  A separate doctor’s order is not required.  The MMR standing order for individuals 3–17 years of age expands access for the community, ensuring children and teens can conveniently receive a vaccination against measles in a trusted, professional

environment outside of their doctor’s office.  However, you should ask whether the pharmacy charges for the vaccine and if it would be free from your doctor.

Who Can Receive a Vaccination Against Measles at a Pharmacy?

• Children age 3–17 who are not up to date on their MMR immunizations.

o Coverage for children who have MaineCare: MaineCare covers vaccination at pharmacies for youth ages 12 and older. For children under 12 years, caregivers should contact the child’s primary care provider about receiving the MMR vaccine, typically at no cost, in the medical home or at another Vaccines for Children (VFC) location.

o All Maine children, including uninsured children and those covered by MaineCare, can receive the MMR vaccination at locations participating in the VFC program, including primary care offices, school-based health centers, local public health clinics in Portland and Bangor, and vaccine clinics offered by Maine CDC’s public health nurses.

• Adults 18 years of age and older who do not have evidence of immunity to measles. Acceptable evidence of immunity against measles includes at least one of the following:

o Written documentation of adequate vaccination

o Laboratory evidence of immunity

o Laboratory confirmation of measles

o Birth before 1957

3. Browntail Moth

The browntail moth is an invasive species of both forest and human health concern. Browntail moth (BTM) populations in Maine have been steadily decreasing over the past couple of years, but higher populations of browntail moth have been found in portions of Androscoggin, Cumberland, Hancock, and Oxford Counties this year. They are present in Mount Vernon and Vienna! The microscopic hairs found on browntail moth caterpillars, shed skins, and cocoons can cause skin reactions and breathing problems. Browntail moth caterpillars are hairy, dark brown caterpillars with two red-orange dots on the back. Older caterpillars have two broken white stripes running from head to tail.

Seasonality

This year, browntail moth caterpillars emerged from their winter webs later than in previous years and will be active from May to early July. Hairs from caterpillars, shed skins, and cocoons can become airborne and settle on vegetation and other surfaces. They can be stirred up during mowing, raking, sweeping, and other outdoor activities. Hairs remain toxic for 1-3 years in the environment but lose their toxicity over time.

Symptoms

Most individuals affected by the hairs develop a localized rash similar to poison ivy that will last for a few hours up to several days. In more sensitive individuals, the rash can be severe and last for weeks. Dislodged hairs can become airborne and cause trouble breathing, including respiratory distress, if inhaled. Symptoms result from both a chemical reaction to a toxin in the hairs and a physical irritation as the barbed hairs become embedded in the skin and airways.

Treatment

• Be aware of the risk of browntail moth hairs, particularly in areas with known populations.

• There is no specific treatment for dermatitis due to browntail moths; treatment is focused on relieving symptoms and eliminating ongoing exposure.

• Mild rashes may be treated with calamine or Caladryl lotion, hydrocortisone cream, or taking a cool oatmeal or baking soda bath. Severe reactions may require prescription medication.

• The toxin in the hairs is extremely stable and can remain a hazard in the environment for years.

Prevention

• Avoid places heavily infested by caterpillars.

• Take cool showers and change clothes after any activity that may expose you to browntail moth hairs.

• In areas with current or recent browntail moth populations:

o Dry laundry inside during June and July to avoid having the hairs embedded in clothing.

o Cover your face and any exposed skin by wearing a long sleeve shirt, long pants, a dust mask, a hat, and a disposable coverall when performing activities that stir up caterpillar hairs such as mowing, raking, weed whacking, and removing pupal webbing.

▪ Perform these tasks on damp days or spray down vegetation with a hose. The moisture helps keep the hairs from becoming airborne while working.