Maine health officials announced four new cases of measles on February 6, 2024, but they assured the public that the overall risk remains low. The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had previously identified locations where individuals might have been exposed to the virus, including the emergency department of St. Joseph Hospital in Bangor on February 3, and Hill View Mini Barns in Etna on January 28 and January 29.
With the announcement of the additional cases, the Maine CDC confirmed that no new locations posing exposure risks had been identified. Dr. Puthiery Va, director of the Maine CDC, stated, “Because we didn’t identify additional places where people were exposed to the measles virus, there’s no further measles exposure to the public at this time.”
Dr. Dora Anne Mills, chief health improvement officer for MaineHealth, expressed cautious optimism: “We may have dodged a bullet, but it’s too early to tell.”
The cases reported are all linked to the initial individual who contracted measles while traveling to Pennsylvania. This individual, an adult with an unknown vaccination status, was hospitalized at St. Joseph’s. The four new cases involve both children and adults, all of whom are unvaccinated and considered “close contacts.”
Current Situation and Vaccination Impact
Dr. Va noted that several factors have helped limit the spread of the virus. Those who contracted measles are currently quarantined, and Maine’s relatively high vaccination rate contributes to the state’s ability to prevent a significant outbreak. As of now, there have been no cases linked to the broader public, which differs sharply from the situation in states like South Carolina, which has reported 962 measles cases since October 2023.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 910 cases of measles identified in the country this year, with a total of 2,280 cases recorded in 2025. Notably, the cases in Maine are the first since 2019.
Dr. Va emphasized the contagious nature of measles, which can remain infectious for up to 21 days. She highlighted that everyone known to have contracted the virus is isolating to prevent further spread. As of now, the Maine CDC does not classify the cases as an outbreak due to their close links to the initial case.
Preventive Measures and Public Awareness
To enhance public awareness, the Maine CDC has launched an online measles dashboard to track cases statewide. Symptoms of measles include a rash, fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Dr. Va pointed out that unvaccinated individuals exposed to the virus face a 90% chance of contracting the disease, making it imperative for individuals to check their vaccination status.
Maine’s robust vaccination culture, bolstered by laws enacted in 2021 that eliminated religious and philosophical exemptions for school-required vaccines, has resulted in improved vaccination rates. Dr. Mills noted that while the state enjoys high overall vaccination rates, there are pockets of vulnerable populations in rural areas, including certain religious and homeschooling communities, which historically have lower vaccination rates.
As warmer months approach, Dr. Va warned that increased travel to areas with ongoing measles outbreaks could raise the risk of new cases in Maine. She urged residents to ensure they are up to date on their vaccinations, stating, “We have a very safe and effective measles vaccine, and it has worked for decades.”
The situation remains fluid as Maine health officials continue to monitor and investigate the cases to keep the public informed and safe.
