

Anti-Vax America: Viral Texas
7 snips Jun 16, 2025
Catherine Wells, Director for Lubbock Public Health, shares critical insights on a devastating measles outbreak in Texas that has resulted in multiple fatalities. She discusses how vaccine hesitancy, fueled by misinformation, has led to a resurgence of this preventable disease. Wells highlights challenges faced by health officials in combating misinformation and the mixed community reactions to vaccination efforts. The podcast delves into the tragic consequences of this outbreak and the urgent need for public health initiatives to address declining vaccination rates.
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Measles Outbreak Root Causes
- Measles outbreak in West Texas highlights how low vaccination rates allow disease spread.
- Political skepticism about vaccines post-COVID has weakened herd immunity, causing resurgence.
Early Measles Detection Effort
- Catherine Wells learned of potential measles cases from hospitalized children before official confirmation.
- Public health quickly mobilized to support Gaines County with communications and response.
Public Health Response Measures
- Public health established local testing to rapidly identify measles cases.
- Vaccination clinics and education targeted providers unfamiliar with measles after decades without cases.