More Measles Cases Confirmed In Penobscot County; Maine Doctors On Alert

In just one week, healthcare professionals in Penobscot County have seen a troubling increase in a highly contagious virus that could present problems for those in the area who are immunocompromised.

Earlier this month, officials with the City of Bangor and the State of Maine warned residents of an uptick in people presenting with the flu, along with a confirmed case of the measles in the area.

Read More: Bangor Health Alerts: Flu Spike And Measles Case Explained

The Maine CDC reports that one confirmed case of Measles has now grown to five in Penobscot County since last Friday, and we're told that doctors in the area are on the lookout for more.

According to the Maine CDC, all 5 confirmed cases have been from Penobscot County, with one case resulting in hospitalization.

The measles virus spreads from person to person through the air, by coughing or sneezing. It's particularly pesky because the virus can hang in the air for hours after being released from a body, making it hard to avoid when you're in public spaces.

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You can either breathe it in or catch it from touching an infected surface. And once you have it, professionals say it's almost impossible not to spread it to those who are around you.

"If you have measles, up to 90% of the people close to you who are not immune will also get infected. An infected person can spread measles to others before they know they have the disease. Infected people can spread measles from 4 days before through 4 days after the rash appears."

Signs that you might have measles include symptoms such as high fever, cough, and a runny nose to start. Then, after a couple of days, be on the lookout for the telltale rash: white spots that develop in your mouth, along with flat red spots on your body that can become raised after a few days.

To prevent further spread of the virus, the CDC recommends that everyone in the area who has not yet been immunized against the measles reach out to their healthcare provider and set up an appointment to do so.

Many Mainers have already been vaccinated against the measles through the MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccine). Health officials say that the MMR vaccine is about 97% effective in preventing the infection.

For those who have not received an MMR vaccine, they are advised to keep an eye out for symptoms and be aware of the potential complications the virus can present.

"Ear infections and diarrhea are common complications of measles. Serious complications include pneumonia and encephalitis, and may require hospitalization. Death from measles can occur."

If you think you have the measles or have been exposed to someone with it, notify your healthcare provider in advance of visiting a doctor so they can take the proper steps to prevent further spread throughout the office.

Officials say the measles cannot be spread to animals, so your pets will be just fine.