Measles in Maine: How Can I Keep My Family Safe?
You may have seen recent news about cases of measles in Maine. It’s normal to have questions, especially if you have children or care for family members who may be more vulnerable to serious illness.
Here’s what you need to know and how you can help keep your family safe.
What’s happening in Maine?
As of February 17, 2026, the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) confirmed five cases of measles in an adult in Penobscot County. The first case was reported on February 5. All four new cases are in unvaccinated individuals who had exposure to the first reported case. These are the first reported measles cases in Maine since 2019. Public health officials are working to notify people who may have been exposed and to prevent further spread.
According to Maine CDC, Maine defines a measles outbreak as three or more cases in unrelated households that share an epidemiological link. As of today, Maine does not have a measles outbreak (https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/news/maine-cdc-announces-another-four-measles-cases-no-new-exposure-locations-identified-2026-02-17).
On February 17, 2026, Maine CDC launched a publicly-accessible measles dashboard for tracking case and outbreak numbers in Maine, along with counties where cases are identified. You can access that information here: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/rash-illness/measles#maine
What is measles?
Measles is a very contagious virus that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can stay in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours.
Symptoms usually appear 1–2 weeks after exposure and may include:
Fever
Cough
Runny nose
Red or watery eyes
A rash that starts on the face and spreads down the body
Measles can sometimes cause serious health problems, especially for babies, pregnant people, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
The best protection is vaccination
The most effective way to prevent measles is the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella).
The Maine CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend:
Children
First dose at 12–15 months
Second dose at 4–6 years
Adults
At least one dose if born after 1957 and not immune
Two doses for people at higher risk, including travelers
If you’re not sure whether you or your child are vaccinated, your healthcare provider can help check your records.
What should I do if I may have been exposed?
If you think you may have been exposed to measles:
Check your vaccination status.
Watch for symptoms for 21 days after exposure.
Call your healthcare provider before going to a clinic or hospital if symptoms develop. Calling ahead helps protect others from possible exposure.
Steps you can take now
You can help protect your family and community by:
Making sure vaccinations are up to date
Talking with your provider before traveling to areas with outbreaks
Keeping sick children home
Covering coughs and washing hands often
Getting information from trusted health sources
Learn more
For current updates and answers to common questions:
Maine Immunization Program