PORTLAND, Maine — Maine does not have a confirmed case of measles, but one recent traveler passing through from Massachusetts did.
Across the country, 22 states have detected measles, including three New England states, making it likely more will bring the illness here, putting anyone who isn't immunized or under-immunized at risk.
“We are just one cruise ship, one plane ride, one car ride away from having measles here in Maine," said Dr. Dora Mills, the Chief Health Improvement Officer at Maine Health. "It’s important for people to get vaccinated and to know their immunization status.”
Dr. Mills says measles is one of the most highly contagious diseases and the best way to protect yourself during an outbreak is by vaccinations. It can live on surfaces for two hours.
“Measles is contagious up to four days before somebody has symptoms," Mills said. "So you may encounter somebody, and contract the disease from them, and not even know.”
With Maine's peak travel season ahead, and cruise season starting this week there are concerns Mainers or tourists might bring it to our shores. But it's not just this time of year.
"Even during our low tourist season, such as winter time, we have a lot of Mainers who travel elsewhere to get some warm sun for instance, and certainly with tourists coming into Maine we continue to have that concern,” Mills said.
According to a spokeswoman from the Maine Office of Tourism, there is "not a strong concern," but there are communication channels in place, through social media and email, to notify up to 350,000 people if necessary.
The Pearl Mist is docked at the Ocean Gateway in Portland. It's the first ship on the schedule to leave port this season. According to the city of Portland, it can hold 195 passengers and 65 crew, and it departs Saturday.
Cruise Maine, an entity of the Maine Office of Tourism, says there are procedures in place if a person displays measles symptoms, including precautionary isolation until a diagnosis can be made. It's standard practice for large cruise ships to report any medical issues on board to the U.S. Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, and U.S. Public Health Officials.
"Although we do recognize that there's been an increase in some diseases like measles, these longstanding protocols make it very unlikely we will encounter an issue," a Cruise Maine spokeswoman said in a statement. "However, it is a good reminder to all travelers to make sure they receive all required and recommended vaccines."
The U.S. Department of State encourages passengers to check with their cruise line about medical service or emergency procedures.