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Maine CDC Confirms First Measles Case Since 2019

The Maine CDC has confirmed the state's first measles case since 2019. The case involves an adult from Penobscot County who recently traveled to an area with known measles cases. Nationwide, 733 measles cases have been reported in 2026.

Maine CDC Confirms Five Measles Cases

The Maine CDC has confirmed four additional measles cases, bringing the state total to five. The agency has also launched a public measles dashboard to track case numbers and outbreak information. The new cases are unvaccinated and linked to the initial case.

CoverME.gov Final Day for 2026 Health Coverage Enrollment

Maine's CoverME.gov announced January 15, 2026, as the final day for residents to enroll in health insurance for 2026 coverage. The notice highlights preliminary enrollment trends, including a decrease in the percentage of consumers receiving advance premium tax credits and an increase in enrollment in higher-deductible plans, potentially due to the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies.

Maine DHHS: Rising Flu Activity and Hospitalizations

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services is reporting rising influenza activity across the state, with 62 hospitalizations reported this season. The Maine CDC urges residents to take preventative measures, including vaccination, to protect their health during the holiday season.

Maine CDC Seeks Contacts After Rabid Raccoon Found in Wells

The Maine CDC is seeking individuals who may have had direct contact with a raccoon found in Wells, Maine, that has tested positive for rabies. The agency is urging anyone who touched the animal to call a dedicated hotline for potential post-exposure treatment.

Iowa Safe Haven Law - Baby Boy Placed with Foster Family

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services announced that a baby boy, born in October, has been placed with a foster family under the state's Safe Haven Law. This marks the 79th infant placed since the law's inception over two decades ago.

Iowa Medicaid Director Elected NAMD President Elect

Iowa Medicaid Director Lee Grossman has been elected President Elect of the National Association of Medicaid Directors (NAMD), effective April 1, 2026. This appointment highlights Iowa's role in national Medicaid policy discussions and the sharing of best practices among states.

Iowa HHS Reports First Flu Death of Season

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has reported the first influenza-related death of the 2025-26 respiratory virus season. The deceased was an older adult from southwest Iowa. HHS encourages preventative measures and vaccination.

Iowa Measles Exposure Locations Released

Iowa health officials have released locations in eastern Iowa where individuals may have been exposed to measles. The notice follows a report of an Illinois resident with confirmed measles traveling through Iowa while infectious. The state is advising unvaccinated individuals born after 1957 who visited the identified location to monitor for symptoms.

Iowa SNAP Benefits Resume After Federal Shutdown

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services announced that SNAP benefits for November are being issued following the resolution of a federal government shutdown. Over 130,000 Iowa households rely on these benefits. Additionally, Iowa's food banks successfully met a $1 million donation match challenge.