UNE infectious disease expert interviewed about suspected leprosy cases in California

Meghan May

After two suspected cases of leprosy, which was believed to be eradicated in 2000, were reported in California, HealthZette asked Mehgan May, Ph.D., to weigh in. The associate professor of microbiology and infectious disease in the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine said although there are aspects of the unconfirmed cases that do not fit the epidemiological picture of leprosy, it should be monitored closely. She said it is a disease that persists despite methods to prevent and treat it.

“Americans should be paying very, very close attention to those diseases whose re-emergence can be tied back to our behavior — the most glaring examples that jump to mind include measles, staph infections, and tuberculosis,” said May. “The resurgence of many notorious diseases easily can be attributed to globalization, antibiotic resistance, and falling vaccination rates.”

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About the University of New England

The University of New England 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 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’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.