New Books in Literary Studies Andrea Kitta, "The Kiss of Death: Contagion, Contamination, and Folklore" (Utah State UP, 2019)
Nov 8, 2025
Andrea Kitta, an Associate Professor of Folklore at East Carolina University, dives into the rich intersection of folklore and public health. She discusses how narratives shape perceptions of disease, critiquing the failure of medical professionals to consider vernacular beliefs. The conversation explores stigmatized origins of 'patient zero,' the cultural implications of vampire and zombie metaphors, and the personal power of storytelling in healthcare. Kitta's insights reveal how folklore can illuminate complex social issues surrounding health and contagion.
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Narrative Trumps Facts In Health Decisions
- People often ignore vernacular beliefs and storytelling in health decisions, so facts alone rarely change behavior.
- Andrea Kitta argues narratives and trust shape medical choices more than data.
Train Clinicians To Tell Better Stories
- Teach clinicians to craft and communicate compelling narratives when discussing health with patients.
- Use storytelling to build trust rather than relying solely on data and authority.
Patient Zero Is A Stigmatizing Myth
- 'Patient zero' is a culturally loaded and vague concept that often reflects stereotypes rather than epidemiological necessity.
- Identifying a named first person comforts people but increases stigma against marginalized groups.
