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BIDDEFORD, Maine

51Ʒresearch focus of ‘Press Herald’ 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 UNE’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, explains how and why the pertussis bacterium has mutated. The research was the subject of .

“She said unvaccinated people transmitting the disease was a major reason the mutation happened – probably emanating from about 15-20 years ago – and now certain strains of the bacteria have become more common and can infect vaccinated people,” 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’s 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.

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The 51Ʒ is Maine’s 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 . 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’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s 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.