The NPR Politics Podcast Measles Returns — Here's What You Need To Know
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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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Measles Contagion
- Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease, more so than Ebola or chickenpox.
- The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours, infecting unvaccinated individuals.
Measles Outbreak Context
- The current measles outbreak, with two deaths, marks a concerning shift since measles was declared eliminated in the U.S.
- Declining vaccination rates, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, contribute to this resurgence.
Vaccine Hesitancy
- Vaccine hesitancy, worsened by the politicization of the COVID-19 vaccine, is a growing concern.
- This hesitancy extends to routine childhood immunizations, causing vaccination rates to drop.