AUGUSTA — Measles has been confirmed in Maine for the first time in seven years.
According to the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the individual infected with measles is an adult from Penobscot County who recently traveled to a state with measles cases.
Officials say the individual was infectious from Jan. 28 through Feb. 5, 2026. The Maine CDC notified the facilities where potential exposure occurred and is working with them to inform potentially exposed individuals.
Anyone who was at the Saint Joseph Hospital Emergency Department in Bangor between 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. on Feb. 3, or at the Hill View Mini Barns on 1310 Stage Road in Etna at any time between Jan. 28 and Jan. 29 should watch for measles symptoms for 21 days after exposure.
Symptoms of measles include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- Rash that spreads from the head down
The Maine CDC says “individuals who develop symptoms should contact their health provider for instructions before going to the provider’s office or hospital.”
The Maine CDC confirmed the case on Thursday. According to the U.S. CDC, there were 733 confirmed measles cases reported as of Feb. 5.
According to the CDC, “measles can cause severe sickness including pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and death. An infected person spreads measles through coughs or sneezes. Once infected, a person is contagious from four days before their rash starts four days afterwards.”