The Bulletin Measles and Public Health with Lydia Dugdale
Apr 8, 2025
Lydia Dugdale, a Professor of Medicine at Columbia University and an expert in clinical ethics, joins the discussion about a significant measles outbreak in Texas. The conversation focuses on the vital role of vaccinations in preventing health crises and the impact of misinformation. They explore the complexities of vaccine hesitancy and the importance of community trust in public health. Additionally, Dugdale delves into the ethical dilemmas faced by medical practitioners and the need for informed public engagement to combat misinformation.
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Texas Measles Outbreak
- In early 2025, travelers from Texas brought measles back from abroad, leading to an outbreak among unvaccinated children.
- Two unvaccinated individuals have died in this outbreak, raising concerns due to measles' preventable nature through vaccination.
Measles Elimination and Outbreaks
- Measles was declared eliminated in the US around 2000 due to widespread vaccination coverage.
- However, outbreaks, defined as three or more cases in one area, still occur, especially with declining vaccination rates.
Measles Treatment and Complications
- Measles is a virus treated with supportive care, not antibiotics.
- While most recover, severe complications like encephalitis and even death can occur.