The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has deployed staff to Bangor, Maine, in response to an ongoing HIV outbreak in Penobscot County. Six CDC personnel arrived on December 11, 2023, to support state and local public health officials in managing the situation, with their assistance scheduled to continue until December 19, 2023. This federal intervention comes after a pause in support requests due to a government shutdown.
The outbreak, first identified over two years ago, has primarily affected individuals who inject drugs and those experiencing homelessness. As of October 2023, Penobscot County reported a total of 30 cases. The CDC’s involvement aims to enhance the understanding of the outbreak’s spread, particularly as new cases have emerged in nearby Cumberland County, signaling a potential expansion of the epidemic.
Response from Local Health Officials
Local health authorities have expressed the urgent need for federal assistance. According to Matt Wellington, associate director of the Maine Public Health Association, “In a small state like Maine where it’s not normal for us to have HIV outbreaks of this size, we’re just not equipped to handle it by ourselves.” Wellington emphasized the lack of resources for comprehensive data collection on the outbreak’s extent.
The CDC team includes four epidemic intelligence service officers who will conduct interviews with affected individuals. Their goal is to develop educational resources for healthcare providers, response partners, and community members. This initiative builds on the initial technical assistance provided by the CDC in August 2025, prior to the recent government shutdown.
Growing Concern in Surrounding Areas
As the public health department in Bangor works to contain the outbreak, there are signs of rising HIV cases in other regions. A recent analysis by the Maine CDC revealed five new HIV cases in Cumberland County among people who inject drugs. Public health officials in the Portland area are already preparing for an increase in cases, expanding access to testing and other vital resources.
Despite the challenges posed by the government shutdown, which halted the authorization of travel for CDC personnel, the agency has a history of providing support during public health emergencies even during such times. The urgency of the situation in Penobscot County and beyond underscores the importance of coordinated efforts to combat the HIV outbreak effectively.
With additional federal support, local authorities hope to gain a clearer picture of the outbreak’s dynamics and implement strategies to prevent further spread, ensuring the health and safety of vulnerable populations across Maine.
