Panic is spreading in Maine after three people in the Greater Portland area tested positive for active tuberculosis. Health officials confirmed the cases are unrelated, meaning each person likely contracted the disease from different sources. Authorities are now tracing close contacts to prevent further spread.
Surge in U.S. Tuberculosis Cases
Maine’s situation reflects a wider trend across the country. The U.S. recorded 10,347 tuberculosis cases in 2024, an 8 percent increase from the previous year. This is the highest total since 2011. Experts link the rise to migration, international travel, and healthcare disruptions during the pandemic.
Understanding Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that mainly attacks the lungs. People catch it through prolonged exposure to someone who is infected. Unlike Covid or the flu, TB does not spread through casual contact such as handshakes or sharing items. Symptoms often start with a persistent cough lasting over three weeks. Patients may also experience chest pain, coughing up blood, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue.
Maine’s Response to the Cases
The Maine CDC is investigating the recent cases and screening anyone who may have had close contact. Officials stressed there is no evidence linking these infections to a local shelter for asylum seekers. Rumors of a cluster in that community are unfounded. Authorities also emphasized that the current cases do not count as an outbreak, which requires a higher number of cases in a specific area.
Public Concerns and Reactions
News of tuberculosis infections has unsettled residents. Some worry about hidden outbreaks or increased risk in crowded public spaces. Health experts, however, say most people do not need to fear the disease. Dr. Dora Anne Mills from MaineHealth explained that TB only spreads after prolonged contact with an infected person. She told the Portland Press Herald that everyday interactions like shaking hands or sharing towels do not pose a risk.
Vulnerable Populations
Children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems face the greatest risk from TB. If untreated, the disease can destroy lung tissue and spread to organs like the liver or spine. Patients can die from respiratory failure when the lungs no longer deliver enough oxygen. Early detection is crucial.
Prevention and Treatment
Doctors treat tuberculosis with antibiotics. A vaccine, called BCG, can prevent infection, although it is not commonly used in the U.S. The vaccine is mainly given to children in countries where TB is widespread. It can leave a small scar on the arm, a normal sign the vaccine worked. Adults can receive the vaccine, but it offers less protection and may cause false positive test results.
Current Outlook in Maine
Maine has already reported 28 cases of tuberculosis this year, just below the 39 cases recorded in 2024. Cases fluctuate annually, but the current numbers reflect a steady presence of the disease. Officials urge residents to monitor symptoms and seek medical advice if they suspect infection.
The rise in tuberculosis cases reminds the public to remain alert. Health authorities continue to monitor the situation and provide guidance to protect communities. Residents should follow official advice, watch for symptoms, and take precautions if they have close contact with someone infected. Prompt treatment and awareness remain the best defenses against TB
