City Of Bangor Issues Two Health Alerts Warning Residents To Be Vigilant For Health Threats In The Area

The City of Bangor has issued two health alerts in the past few weeks that urge residents of the city to be vigilant regarding a couple of real health risks that have shown up in the area.

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David Warren, Communications Manager for the City says the first has to do with a "concerning increase in the number of flu cases in our region."

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Director of Bangor's Public Health & Community Services, Jennifer Gunderman, says this year's flu strain can have a detrimental impact of folks with chronic illnesses along with those who are very young or very old, but there are steps folks in Bangor can take to help decrease the spread of the flu around town.

"Prevention strategies include getting vaccinated, washing your hands, covering any cough, and staying home when sick. Talk with a health care provider if antiviral medications are right for you."

She says that while normally healthy folks may be able to treat the flu at home with over-the-counter meds, rest and fluids, if symptoms become more than you can handle, you should be seen by a professional immediately. Flu season can typically run well into March, so we still have a ways to go until the threat of infection lessens.

The other concerning issue that's popped up in Penobscot County has to do with the Measles virus.

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This week the City took to Facebook to warn folks that a confirmed case of measles has been detected in the area.

"State public health officials are warning about exposure to measles in Penobscot County after a person in Bangor tested positive for the virus, the first such case reported in Maine since 2019, according to the Maine Center for Disease Control & Prevention. Bangor Public Health & Community Services is hoping this is an isolated case but encourages anyone wishing to receive the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine to visit the Bangor Public Health Clinic at 103 Texas Ave. An appointment can be made by calling 207-992-4547 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m."

City officials say walk-ins are also welcome at the clinic on Mondays and Wednesday mornings from 9 to noon, and on Thursday afternoon from 1 to 3:30 PM.