Maine Child Tests Positive For Measles Virus

On Friday, the Maine Centers For Disease Control & Prevention announced that a child in Maine had been diagnosed with Measles.  It is the first case recorded in the state since 2019.

According to the KJ, the Maine CDC has been waiting for confirmation from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Representatives for the Maine CDC also said that they had informed the facilities where the exposure may have occurred so that they can connect with people who may have been exposed.

Of course, out of privacy for the family, they did not reveal any information about the child or the child's condition.  They did, however, explain that the child had been vaccinated against the virus.

What Is Measles?

According to WebMD, measles is a virus that causes bad flu-like symptoms.  These include a high fever, runny nose, red eyes, possible gastrointestinal issues, and the distinct rash.

It lives in the mucus of the nose and throat.  And, it can live on surfaces for several hours.  This makes it easy to pass.

The really rough part is that, since it has a lengthy (10 to 14 days) incubation period, it is possible that you could spread it to many people before you show symptoms.

What About The Vaccine?

While it is rare, breakthrough cases of measles have been known to happen in vaccinated individuals.  The vaccine for measles is part of the MMR vaccine.  MMR stands for measles, mumps, and rubella.  It is a two-dose regimen, with the first dose given at 12-15 months of age, and the second dose given to children between ages 4-6.  The U.S. CDC reports that one dose of the vaccine provides 93% protection, while two doses confers 97% protection.

While they have not given any indication about where the child is from, they have released a list of places where people may have been exposed to measles.

The KJ article goes on to explain that the potential exposure locations and times are:

• • Family Time Dine and Play at Auburn Mall in Auburn, April 29, 3-7 p.m.
• • Clear Choice MD in Scarborough (273 Payne Road), May 1, 1-4 p.m.
• • Hannaford on Cottage Road in South Portland (Mill Creek Hannaford), May 1, 2-5 p.m.
• • Mercy Fore River Emergency Department, May 2, 7:45 p.m. to midnight
• • Mercy Fore River Emergency Department, May 3, midnight to 3:30 a.m.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the child and their family.