First influenza case reported in Portland

PORTLAND – A 6-year-old Penobscot County boy has been diagnosed with the state’s first confirmed case of the flu, marking the early arrival of the influenza season in Maine.

“This doesn’t necessarily mean we’re going to have widespread influenza illness,” said Dr. Kathleen Gensheimer, the state epidemiologist. “The first lab-confirmed case is an indication that that time of year is rolling around again.”

Someone from out-of-state, where flu cases already have been confirmed, had been visiting the boy.

The flu generally doesn’t hit hard in Maine until December, January or February, Gensheimer said.

She said that although flu shots take about two weeks to become effective, people still have enough time to take precautions against the bug.

But a shortage of the vaccine may make it more difficult to get a shot this year.

The state has ordered 120,000 doses – 100,000 more than the previous year – which should be available later in this month. Some private doctors have been giving the shots already.

Martin’s Point Health Care has administered about 7,200 doses since October, according to spokeswoman Amy Weinschenk.

Martin’s Point already has held its clinics in Portland, but will have more in Brunswick, Windham and Newington, N.H. The shots also are available through appointments.

“The private medical community is really working in partnership with the public health community here to see that the vaccine gets into the arms of those who need it most,” Gensheimer said.

Those at high risk are older than 64, have chronic heart or lung conditions or other underlying medical conditions such as diabetes. Children and teens on long-term aspirin therapy and pregnant women beyond their first trimester also are in the high-risk group.