The NPR Politics Podcast
Measles Returns — Here's What You Need To Know
Mar 10, 2025
Maria Godoy, an NPR health correspondent specializing in infectious diseases, joins the discussion as measles outbreaks emerge in West Texas and New Mexico. They dive into the worrying decline in vaccination rates and explore vaccine hesitancy amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Godoy highlights the conflicting messages from health officials and the impact of misinformation surrounding vaccines, particularly concerning their supposed link to autism. This insightful conversation emphasizes the urgent need for public health messaging and community awareness to combat preventable diseases.
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Quick takeaways
- Measles outbreaks in West Texas highlight a troubling decline in vaccination rates, exacerbated by vaccine skepticism and misinformation.
- The highly contagious nature of measles underscores the urgent need for improved public health messaging and vaccination efforts to prevent future outbreaks.
Deep dives
Understanding Measles and Its Contagion
Measles is an exceptionally contagious disease, with the potential to infect 18 other people for every infected individual in an unvaccinated environment. Unlike many diseases, measles can spread through airborne particles that remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area. The disease also has a unique characteristic whereby individuals can infect others for up to four days before showing any symptoms, making it particularly difficult to control outbreaks. This high level of contagion poses a significant risk, especially when vaccination rates decline in communities.
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