Community update: Pertussis diagnosis on campus, Sept 11, 2019

A second case of pertussis, or whooping cough, has been diagnosed in the University of Maine community and was reported today to the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The individual, a student who lives in campus residential housing, exhibited pertussis-like symptoms and is receiving medical treatment. This case is not connected with the pertussis case at UMaine reported Sept. 5.

At this time, no other cases of pertussis have been reported on campus. Based on the medical risks assessment of the case occurring in a campus residence hall, intervention has been advised for the university. Additional cleaning of touch points, handrails and bathrooms is being initiated in the residence hall, and peers who have had close contact (within 3 feet) of the symptomatic individual are being instructed to contact Cutler Health Center for prophylactic treatment.

Community updates will be provided, as needed.

UMaine’s communicable disease surveillance policy is online.

Members of the UMaine community with questions or concerns can contact Dick Young, ryoung@maine.edu.