Osterholm Update

Making Sense of Measles Misinformation

Sep 10, 2026
Two measles-associated deaths in Pennsylvania spark a discussion about misinformation, reporting, and the threat to measles elimination. The conversation examines evidence behind COVID, flu, and RSV vaccines, when to schedule seasonal shots, and shifting respiratory-virus activity. It also explores Ebola vaccine strategy in the DRC, West Nile prevention, and the pioneering legacy of school nursing.
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INSIGHT

CIDRAP’s Mission Is People Not A Place

  • Osterholm credits CIDRAP’s 25-year impact to committed people who translate infectious-disease research into decisions for professionals and the public.
  • He also dedicates the episode to 9/11 victims and responders suffering long-term illness from toxic World Trade Center dust.
INSIGHT

Why Measles Deaths Became A Political Dispute

  • Pennsylvania’s measles-associated infant deaths became politicized because officials lacked a settled system for adjudicating measles fatalities.
  • Osterholm says measles virus was identified in one infant’s lungs, making expert assessment of its contribution essential while protecting family confidentiality.
INSIGHT

Under-Vaccinated Pockets Drive Measles Resurgence

  • Measles spreads rapidly when local vaccination coverage falls below the roughly 95% protection threshold, regardless of the season.
  • Osterholm compares emerging U.S. outbreaks with Canada’s 5,400 cases in 2025 and warns that similar U.S. rates could approach 50,000 cases.
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