Maine CDC Warns Of Potential Measles Exposure in Waterville

According to WMTW, the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention is reporting the state's sixth confirmed case of measles this year, and health officials are warning of a potential exposure at a Waterville healthcare facility.

The Maine CDC confirmed the latest case Tuesday, September 15, involving an unvaccinated adult from Somerset County. Officials say the person was potentially contagious while at the MaineGeneral Express Care at 211 Main Street in Waterville on Saturday, September 12, between 8 AM and 11 AM

The Maine CDC is working with the facility to notify people who may have been exposed. Anyone who was there during that time should monitor for symptoms through October 3, which is 21 days after the potential exposure.

According to the National CDC website, measles is highly contagious. Symptoms can include fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a rash that typically begins on the head and spreads downward. The virus can remain infectious in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours.

People who develop symptoms should contact their healthcare provider before going to a doctor's office or hospital so precautions can be taken to prevent further spread.

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Measles can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis and death. People are generally contagious from four days before developing a rash through four days afterward.

The Maine CDC says the MMR vaccine remains the best protection against measles. Anyone who may have been exposed should check their vaccination history, and people who are unvaccinated or unsure of their vaccination status should contact a healthcare provider about getting vaccinated.