Maine CDC Confirms New Measles Case

• By: Maureen Carland
• On: 09/17/2026 09:10:04
• In: Infection Control

The Maine CDC has confirmed a new measles case in an unvaccinated adult from Somerset County—the state's first since five cases were confirmed last February. Nationally, the U.S. CDC has now logged over 3,290 confirmed cases in 2026.

Anyone at MaineGeneral Express Care in Waterville on September 12 between 8–11 a.m. may have been exposed and should watch for symptoms through October 3. Measles is highly contagious: unvaccinated individuals exposed to an infected person have a 90% chance of contracting it. Watch for fever, cough, runny nose, red/watery eyes, and a rash that spreads from the head down. Anyone developing symptoms should call their provider before showing up in person, to avoid exposing others.

For facilities: confirm staff and resident immunization records are current, and review your infection control protocols for suspected cases. Two MMR doses are about 97% effective at preventing measles, and adults born before 1957 are generally considered immune. More details are available on the Maine CDC's measles page.
 
Staff contact: mcarland[at]mehca.org