Maine is reporting its first case of measles since 2019. The Maine CDC says the patient is a child.
The child reportedly received a dose of measles vaccine. According to the Maine CDC, it is not possible to contract measles from the vaccine. The Maine CDC is considering the child to be infectious out of an abundance of caution.
Individuals who were at the following locations during the times listed below were potentially exposed to measles and should take precautions:
- Family Time Dine and Play at Auburn Mall in Auburn on April 29 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Clear Choice MD in Scarborough (273 Payne Road) on May 1 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Hannaford on Cottage Road in South Portland (Mill Creek Hannaford) on May 1 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Mercy Fore River Emergency Department on May 2 from 7:45 p.m. to midnight
- Mercy Fore River Emergency Department on May 3 from Midnight to 3:30 a.m.
Anyone at these locations during these times should watch for symptoms for 21 days after their exposure. If you have symptoms, call a health care provider for instructions before going to the office or hospital to help prevent further spread of infection.
The Maine CDC says most people are vaccinated for measles as a child, but if you are unsure about your vaccination status or are you are unvaccinated, speak with your health care provider. Unvaccinated individuals who were exposed can take steps to prevent infection and should speak with a health care provider.
According to the U.S. CDC, as of April 28, there have been 10 cases of measles confirmed in eight states so far this year. Measles is a highly contagious viral disease, the symptoms of which include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- Rash that spreads from the head down
According to the Maine 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 can spread measles from four days before their rash starts through four days afterwards. The virus remains alive for up to two hours on surfaces and in the air. Symptoms can begin 10-14 days from exposure but can be longer. There are no asymptomatic cases of measles.
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best prevention for measles. Anyone who is not immunized or does not know their measles immunization status should get vaccinated, according to the Maine CDC.
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