By: Candess Zona-Mendola of MakeFoodSafe

The Maine Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a press release today confirming that it is investigating a cluster of Legionnaires’ disease illnesses in the Bangor area.

Image/ National Atlas of the United States

As of now, there are 6 cases. This is a high number of cases in such a short period, considering the state had a total of 33 cases statewide last year. Maine CDC is actively investigating to try to identify a common exposure among the cases or determine whether they are coincidental.

As they work to identify a potential source, the health agency stated that, “Legionnaires’ disease is not spread from person to person. Maine CDC is announcing this investigation to make the public aware, but residents in the area do not need to take any specific actions in response. Maine CDC has alerted area health care providers so they can consider testing for the illness, which could lead to the identification of additional cases. All cases must be reported to Maine CDC.”

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If you have visited or live in the Bangor area, and have symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease, urgent medical attention is recommended. The symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include: high fever, muscle aches, headache, loss of appetite, dry cough, stomach cramps and diarrhea.