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BIDDEFORD, Maine

海角社区 research focus of 鈥楶ress Herald鈥 article on worst-in-nation pertussis rates

Meghan May

As pertussis, a life-threatening bacterial infection, makes a comeback in Maine, Associate Professor Meghan May, Ph.D., is doing research that could lead to an improved vaccine.

Her research, which was conducted along with students in 海角社区鈥檚 College of Osteopathic Medicine, explains how and why the pertussis bacterium has mutated. The research was the subject of an article in the Maine Sunday Telegram.

鈥淪he said unvaccinated people transmitting the disease was a major reason the mutation happened 鈥 probably emanating from about 15-20 years ago 鈥 and now certain strains of the bacteria have become more common and can infect vaccinated people,鈥 the article stated.

Maine has the highest pertussis rate in the nation at more than eight times the national average, and May said the state鈥檚 large pockets of unvaccinated children could be a contributing factor. She said that even though the vaccine is only 71-85 percent effective, pertussis spreads much more easily among unvaccinated populations.

Read the full article.

Watch stories from WMTW, WCSH and WMUR. 

Read a 鈥淢aine Voices鈥 piece by May on pertussis.

About the 海角社区

The 海角社区 is Maine鈥檚 largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible, accredited online degrees. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state鈥檚 top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine鈥檚 only medical college, Maine鈥檚 only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.