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AUGUSTA, Maine (WBZNewsRadio) - The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention is out with a warning after a child tests positive for measles. It's the first case of measles in the state since 2019. Officials say the child is vaccinated against the virus and is now isolating at home.
There have been just 10 confirmed cases of the disease across the country so far this year. The highly contagious virus can be quite serious, especially in children younger than five. Measles is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms typically develop within 21 days from exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and a rash. The rash may develop between 3-5 days after exposure.
Now the Maine CDC is warning anyone who may have visited the following locations at the times listed to watch for symptoms in the three weeks after potential exposure:
Family Time Dine and Play at Auburn Mall in Auburn, April 29, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Clear Choice MD in Scarborough located at 273 Payne Road, May 1, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Hannaford on Cottage Road in South Portland (Mill Creek Hannaford), May 1, 2 p.m. to 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.
As a reminder, the Maine CDC said vaccination is the best prevention and said it is not possible to catch measles from the vaccine.
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