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2d ago

Maine Confirms Three Active Tuberculosis Cases in Greater Portland

Health officials say the patients are unrelated, with standard contact tracing underway.

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Blessing Chingwaru, 29, an HIV positive TB patient, holds a packet of tablets received as part of his treatment at Rutsanana Polyclinic in Glen Norah township, Harare June 24, 2019. - The health clinic is a one stop testing and treatment centre for HIV, Tuberculosis and diabetes in Zimbabwe. It's one of 10 pilot clinics offering free treatment against the diseases and also free diagnosis. In a country where public health services have practically collapsed, containing the spread of TB has been a persistent struggle. The annual number of TB infections in Zimbabwe remains among the highest in the world. (Photo by Jekesai NJIKIZANA / AFP) (Photo credit should read JEKESAI NJIKIZANA/AFP via Getty Images)

Overview

  • The Maine CDC reports three active TB cases linked to the Portland area that are not genetically connected, indicating separate sources of infection.
  • Investigators are identifying and testing close contacts of the patients as part of the routine public‑health response.
  • State officials say there is no outbreak, with 28 tuberculosis cases recorded statewide through the end of July.
  • After a 2020 low, U.S. TB cases have risen since 2021, with 10,347 provisional cases in 2024 and a majority among non–U.S.-born persons, according to the CDC.
  • Separate active cases were recently reported at high schools in California and Michigan, with patients receiving treatment.