Short Wave What to Know About The Measles Outbreak
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Mar 18, 2025 
Maria Godoy, NPR's health correspondent, shares critical insights into the recent measles outbreak, highlighting its extreme contagion—more infectious than even COVID-19. She discusses the alarming decline in vaccination rates contributing to this situation, particularly in West Texas. Godoy outlines symptoms and essential safety measures for communities at risk. The conversation also addresses the vital role of vaccination and the need to counteract misinformation surrounding vaccine safety and prevention.
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Measles Contagiousness
- Measles is highly contagious, more so than Ebola, polio, and chickenpox.
- An infected person can spread measles four days before and after the rash appears.
Immune Amnesia
- Measles can cause immune amnesia, wiping out antibodies and making individuals susceptible to past illnesses.
- The severity and duration of measles infection correlate with the extent of immune system damage.
Vaccination Importance
- High vaccination rates prevent widespread outbreaks, but declining rates pose a future threat.
- If vaccination rates continue to fall, future outbreaks could infect thousands and cause more deaths annually.