The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) has confirmed four additional measles cases, bringing the total to five in the state. However, health officials assure the public that there are no new exposure risks. The recent outbreak began with a Penobscot County resident who had traveled to a state with a measles outbreak, marking the first confirmed case in Maine since 2019. The four new cases, all from Penobscot County, had exposure to the initial case and are unvaccinated. Despite this, Maine does not currently have a measles outbreak, as defined by the state health department. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 910 confirmed measles cases nationwide as of February 13, 2026. To combat the spread, the Maine CDC has launched a public dashboard to track case and outbreak numbers, including county-specific data. Measles is a highly contagious viral disease, with a 90% infection rate among non-immune individuals in close proximity to an infected person. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, white spots inside the mouth, and a spreading rash. Those with symptoms should contact their healthcare provider before visiting medical facilities to prevent further infection. The Maine CDC warns of severe complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and death, which can occur through coughing or sneezing. Once infected, a person is contagious for four days before and after the rash appears. The virus can survive on surfaces and in the air for up to two hours. The MMR vaccine is the most effective prevention, with two doses offering 97% protection and one dose providing 93% protection. The CDC recommends one dose for adults without evidence of immunity, and two doses for those traveling to regions with active outbreaks. Pregnant women should avoid live virus vaccines, including MMR. For more information, visit the Maine CDC website.
