UPDATE: A 33rd HIV case has just been confirmed in the ongoing outbreak in Penobscot County, Maine, as reported by the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This new case, detected in late December 2023, marks a concerning milestone in an outbreak that began in October 2023.
The latest data reveals that nearly all individuals affected by this outbreak have either reported injecting drugs or experiencing homelessness within the past year. Public health officials are emphasizing the urgent need for increased testing and support, as they believe the actual number of infections is likely higher than reported.
December has proven to be a critical month, with this being the third case recorded, making it the month with the highest number of detected cases since February 2025. Community organizations across Maine are ramping up their testing and prevention efforts to combat the escalating crisis.
In a significant development last month, staff from the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention visited Penobscot County to assist in the HIV response. Officials have noted a concerning trend: a set of five cases identified in Cumberland County last November also involved individuals who inject drugs.
HIV is a serious virus that attacks the immune system, impairing the body’s ability to fight infections and diseases. Although there is no known cure, effective medications are available that can manage the condition. The Maine CDC reports that traditionally, Penobscot County sees only two new HIV cases annually, highlighting the severity of the current outbreak.
Compounding the issue, nearly all reported cases in Penobscot County have also tested positive for hepatitis C, a liver disease with varying severity. The CDC indicates that while some may experience mild, short-term symptoms, others face more serious long-term health consequences, such as liver cancer.
In hopeful news, 70% of HIV patients diagnosed in this outbreak have connected to care within 30 days of their diagnosis. Remarkably, 57% of those currently living in Maine have achieved viral suppression, meaning they cannot transmit HIV to others, according to the latest reports from the Maine CDC.
As the situation develops, health officials urge community members to remain vigilant and proactive in seeking testing and treatment. The rapid spread of HIV in Penobscot County serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing public health challenges faced by vulnerable populations.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
