Officials Warn to Watch for Measles if You Visited These Maine Locations

Our state is being alerted by the CDC  about a potential exposure to the measles, according to WMTW. We haven't seen a positive case since 2019. 

It has been confirmed and reported that the Maine CDC uncovered a positive case from a person in Penobscot County, they were infectious between January 28th and February 5th and as per the report had recently traveled to a state with an ongoing outbreak. 

The Maine CDC has reached out to locations where the infected person may have exposed other people, this includes Hill View Mini Bars in Etna and the St. Joseph Hospital Emergency Department in Bangor on Feb. 3 from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. 

We have not learned yet which state due to nondisclosure from officials.   

What is the measles?   

As per the Mayo Clinic, this is a highly contagious virus that can infect 90% of people near by who are unvaccinated. This can also cause serious complications like pneumonia, swelling of the brain, and even death.

Throughout the nation, the U.S. CDC reports 733 confirmed cases this year and it’s mostly unvaccinated folks, according to the article. 

The measles used to mostly affect children and symptoms include rash, fever of up to 105 degrees, dry cough, runny nose, red and watering eyes called conjunctivitis, according to the mayo clinic.  

Traditional measles starts from the head downward. These normally show up within 7-14 days after contact with the virus.   

Read More: Maine’s Flu Infection Rate is a Bad Sign for Weeks to Come

We are all now being cautioned to watch for symptoms if you’ve visits the locations stated above or if you have symptoms regardless.  

And of course, the most effective way to protect yourself from the virus of measles, mumps and rubella is to vaccinate.