Urgent: 31st HIV Case Confirmed in Penobscot County Outbreak

UPDATE: A 31st HIV case has just been confirmed in the ongoing outbreak in Penobscot County, pushing the total number of cases to alarming levels. The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) reports that nearly all individuals impacted have a history of injecting drugs or homelessness within the past year.

This outbreak, which began in October 2023, is raising serious concerns among public health officials. They emphasize that the actual number of cases is likely much higher than reported. Community organizations statewide are swiftly ramping up testing and prevention efforts as the outbreak continues to unfold.

Just recently, the Maine CDC identified a cluster of five new HIV cases in nearby Cumberland County among individuals who also inject drugs. This comes as representatives from the federal CDC are currently in Penobscot County for a crucial three-week visit, assisting with the HIV response.

HIV, which attacks the immune system, poses a significant public health challenge. While there is no known cure, effective medication exists to control the disease. Normally, Penobscot County sees only about two new HIV cases each year, making the current outbreak particularly alarming.

In a concerning trend, nearly 65% of HIV patients in this outbreak were connected to care within just 30 days of diagnosis, and 57% had achieved viral suppression at their last test. The Maine CDC also reports that most individuals diagnosed with HIV in this outbreak are co-infected with hepatitis C, a liver disease that can lead to severe long-term health issues, including liver cancer.

As the state grapples with this public health crisis, officials urge anyone at risk to seek testing immediately. The community’s health and safety depend on swift action and awareness as this situation continues to develop. Stay tuned for further updates on this critical issue.