The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has deployed a team to Penobscot County to assist local health officials in managing a significant HIV outbreak. The team, consisting of six CDC staff members, arrived in Bangor on Monday and will continue their support until December 19, 2023. This collaboration comes after a request for federal assistance was temporarily halted during a recent government shutdown.
The HIV outbreak in Penobscot County has raised alarms since it was identified over two years ago, primarily impacting individuals who inject drugs or are experiencing homelessness. As of October 2023, the outbreak has reached 30 confirmed cases. Additionally, public health officials have reported an increase in HIV cases among people who inject drugs in Cumberland County, outside the initial outbreak zone.
Federal Support Aims to Enhance Local Response
Matt Wellington, associate director of the Maine Public Health Association, emphasized the challenges faced by the state. “In a small state like Maine where it’s not normal for us to have HIV outbreaks of this size, we’re just not equipped to handle it by ourselves,” he stated. Wellington highlighted the need for comprehensive data to fully understand how widely the outbreak has spread, noting the lack of resources to achieve this goal.
The CDC team includes four epidemic intelligence service officers who will conduct interviews with individuals affected by the outbreak. They are also tasked with developing educational resources for healthcare providers, response partners, and community members. According to a CDC spokesperson, the agency initially provided technical assistance on the ground in August 2025, prior to the government shutdown.
During this recent shutdown, the CDC’s request made in September to send field epidemiologists to Penobscot County was paused. A spokesperson from the federal Department of Health and Human Services explained that travel is not authorized during such closures, although similar support teams have been dispatched for public health emergencies in the past.
Rising HIV Cases Prompt Urgent Action
The assistance from the CDC is critical as public health authorities in Bangor and the Maine CDC strive to contain the outbreak. Recent analyses have revealed that five new HIV cases were identified in Cumberland County this year among people who inject drugs. Local health officials in the Portland area have begun preparations for anticipated increases in HIV cases as they aim to expand access to testing and resources.
As the situation evolves, the collaboration between the CDC and local health departments is expected to enhance the understanding and management of the outbreak. The ongoing support from federal agencies may provide the necessary tools to address the growing public health challenge in Maine.
