Maine has tried before to find out how much of this toxic substance is out there, or if it’s safely stored, but efforts have been largely ignored. Officials say they need lawmakers’ approval before they can make changes.
Health
Government announces more COVID-19 tests can be ordered through mail for no cost
The announcement also comes as the government is once again urging people to get an updated COVID-19 booster, ahead of the fall and winter respiratory virus season.
FDA approves updated COVID-19 vaccines, shots should be available in days
While most Americans have some degree of immunity from prior infections or vaccinations or both, that protection wanes.
U.S. report says fluoride at twice the recommended limit linked to lower IQ in kids
Some of the studies reviewed in the report suggested IQ was 2 to 5 points lower in children who’d had higher exposures.
University of Maine system to explore adding a medical school
The state’s public university system has engaged with a national consultant to study the feasibility of establishing a medical school.
COVID-19 cases spike in Maine as wastewater shows ‘very high’ levels of virus
An updated COVID-19 vaccine is expected to be available to everyone ages 6 months and older as soon as next month.
West Nile virus found in crows in Skowhegan, 2 other communities
At least 10 animals have been reported with the disease in Maine so far this year – more than twice as many as reported last year.
Congo’s humanitarian crisis helped mpox spiral again into a global health emergency
A humanitarian crisis in eastern Congo is contributing to mpox outbreaks there and elsewhere in Africa that have been deemed a global health emergency by the World Health Organization.
Palestinian health officials say first case of polio confirmed in Gaza, in a 10-month-old child
The Palestinian health ministry says it has recorded the first case of polio in an unvaccinated 10-month old-child in the Gaza city of Deir al-Balah
COVID-19 is on the upswing in the U.S. again, CDC says
COVID-19-related hospitalizations are rising, but they remain below the levels seen in winter – and far below the peaks seen earlier in the pandemic.