Jodie Hermann discusses recent cases of chickenpox on ‘WMTW’

The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating two confirmed cases of chickenpox among migrants sheltering at the Portland Expo.

CDC officials say two children there have the disease.

Jodie Hermann, D.O., assistant professor and chair in the Department of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, told WMTW the set-up at the expo, where hundreds of asylum seekers from central Africa have been staying, makes it easy for a virus such as chickenpox to spread.

“Close quarters, such as the Expo, penitentiaries, hospitals and schools make it easy,” she said.

Hermann explained to WMTW the virus can be active for more than a week.

“It's active probably three days before you see the rash and then it's active for maybe four to six days after that,” she stated.

The CDC is urging anyone staying at the Expo, or who visited there, to watch for symptoms.