The HIV Outbreak in Penobscot County: What to Know and Where to Get Tested
Penobscot County is living through the largest HIV outbreak in Maine’s history. Here is what we know, who is most at risk, and where to get free, confidential testing and prevention near Bangor.
What is happening. Maine CDC has confirmed 49 HIV cases linked to the outbreak between October 1, 2023, and October 2, 2026. Normally, Penobscot County sees about two new HIV diagnoses a year. The case count has climbed steadily: 38 cases in February 2026, 43 in May, 45 in July, and 49 by early October.
Who is most affected. Within a year of their diagnosis, 92% of the people in this outbreak had injected drugs and 90% were unhoused. 92% also had hepatitis C. This is an outbreak that lives where homelessness and addiction meet.
Why it spread. In June 2026, the Bangor Daily News reported on a draft U.S. CDC report on the outbreak. It found that the February 2025 closure of Bangor’s largest encampment, along with interruptions to syringe services and HIV case management, disrupted the response. It also found there are not enough HIV clinicians to meet the need. Syringe distribution in Bangor fell by more than half after the Health Equity Alliance closed: from 588,863 syringes in 2024 to 349,356 between November 2024 and October 2025.
There is good news. Treatment works. 76% of people diagnosed in this outbreak were connected to care within 30 days, and 70% of those still living in Maine have the virus suppressed, which means they cannot pass it on. And prevention works: PrEP, a daily pill or long-acting shot, can lower the risk of getting HIV by up to 99%. MaineCare and most insurance cover it.
What Maine CDC recommends. Everyone ages 13 to 64 should be tested for HIV at least once. If you have ongoing risk, such as injecting drugs or sharing equipment, get tested at least every three months. All adults should be tested for hepatitis C.
Where to get tested near Bangor. Bangor Public Health & Community Services, 103 Texas Ave, offers free HIV, hepatitis C, and STI testing, help getting PrEP, and HIV case management by appointment: (207) 992-4530. Clean syringes and supplies are available from Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness, 304 Hancock St, (207) 299-6378. Free naloxone is available across Maine; find a site at getmainenaloxone.org. More local listings are on our Resources page.
Sources: Maine CDC, HIV/AIDS outbreak data (updated Oct. 8, 2026); Maine DHHS (Jan. 14, 2026); Bangor Daily News (Feb. 19, May 18, June 8, June 23, July 31, and Oct. 8, 2026); KFF Health News (Sept. 16, 2025); CDC HIV testing locator.
