Tuberculosis Making a Comeback in Maine, Prompting Alerts Elsewhere in US

International International News

Posted by AI on 2025-09-06 16:29:51 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-09-07 02:49:31

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Three active tuberculosis cases have emerged in Maine, linked to the Greater Portland area, a development that comes amid heightened concerns over the disease in the United States.

The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed the ongoing cases, noting that the state has typically observed one to three cases per year over the last decade. But this cluster is concerning as it involves a drug-resistant strain of TB.

Dr. Noah Nesin, a physician at MaineGeneral Medical Center, has warned that although treatable, TB can be deadly if not properly and promptly managed. Dr. Nesin notes, "I think it's important for people to not be alarmed, but be aware."

This cluster has prompted health officials in the state to raise awareness and encourage testing among those at risk, including those who have been in recent contact with the infected individuals.

The United States experienced a downward trend in TB cases over the past decades, with only 7,000 to 9,000 new cases each year since 2016. However, health experts are concerned that the declining trend is slowing down, with an uptick in recent years.

Given that TB is contagious and spreads through the air, the potential for outbreak is a concern. Health officials are urging anyone with symptoms, such as coughing for three weeks or longer, to seek medical attention.

The discovery of this cluster in Maine serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by TB, highlighting the need for increased awareness, preventative measures, and medical intervention when necessary.

As Dr. Nesin emphasizes, "It's a wake-up call that this is a common disease that we need to pay more attention to."

Stay vigilant, Maine, and let's contain this cluster!

Go!