Vital Signs newsletter: Kittery shoppers exposed to measles

Measles often dominates conversations about vaccination, singled out as a disease that could resurge 15 years after the U.S. declared it eliminated from this country. Among the reasons — experts say it’s one of the most contagious infectious diseases, the vaccine is very effective, and an outbreak that began at California’s Disnelyland late last year has spread.

Yesterday, Maine officials announced that an infected student exposed shoppers in Kittery to the measles virus. The case bears some similarities to the Disney outbreak. In both instances, health officials zeroed in on an unvaccinated traveler from overseas who visited a popular tourist destination.

But the risk of an outbreak here is considered low, thanks to Maine’s solid vaccination rate.

Maine CDC: Infected student exposed Kittery shoppers to measles

Other top health stories:

Maine doctors again victimized by tax fraud

Scammers have filed fraudulent tax returns using the names and Social Security numbers of at least 30 Maine doctors, apparently perpetuating a scheme that victimized nearly 100 physicians last year.

Bangor ranks high nationally for clean air as Maine smog gets worse

Statewide, particle pollution in the air either decreased or remained low while ozone pollution increased, particularly in southern and coastal counties.

Portland bans smoking e-cigarettes in public places

The same laws that apply to other tobacco products will apply to smoking any type of electronic nicotine delivery system.

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I’ve been experimenting with a light, earlier dinner and a late morning breakfast.

From the source

Hospital watchdog The Leapfrog Group just released its updated safety scores, reflecting errors, injuries, accidents, and infections at medical centers across the country. For the third time in a row, Maine earned the most A grades. Check out how your local hospital performed.

Compiled by BDN Health Editor Jackie Farwell

Jackie Farwell

About Jackie Farwell

I'm the health editor for the Bangor Daily News, a Bangor native, a UMaine grad, and a weekend crossword warrior. I never get sick of writing about Maine people, geeking out over health care data, and finding new ways to help you stay well. I live in Gorham with my husband Nick and our hound dog Riley.