Big Brains

Why Measles Is Resurging—And The Rise Of Vaccine Hesitancy, with Adam Ratner

10 snips
Feb 20, 2025
Dr. Adam Ratner, Director of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at NYU and author of "Booster Shots," delves into the alarming resurgence of measles in the U.S. He discusses the dramatic decline in vaccination rates following the COVID pandemic and the rise of vaccine hesitancy. Ratner explains why measles is one of the most contagious diseases, its historical significance, and the crucial role vaccines play in public health. The conversation underscores the urgent need to combat misinformation and rebuild trust in vaccinations to protect children's health.
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INSIGHT

Measles Contagiousness

  • Measles is the most contagious disease known to humankind, spreading incredibly efficiently.
  • An infected person can infect 90% of those around them, with each infecting about 14 others.
INSIGHT

Measles Resurgence Factors

  • Measles resurgence correlates with declining vaccination rates, especially post-COVID.
  • Vaccine hesitancy, amplified by misinformation, fuels this decline, risking public health.
INSIGHT

Pre-Vaccine Measles

  • Before vaccination, almost every child contracted measles, often viewed as a mild rite of passage.
  • However, measles caused pneumonia, hospitalization, and even death in a substantial minority.
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