Post Reports Measles is spreading. Here’s how to stay safe.
9 snips
Apr 14, 2025 
Lena Sun, a national reporter from The Washington Post specializing in public health and infectious diseases, joins the discussion on the alarming rise of measles in the U.S. She dives into the causes behind the outbreak, particularly in West Texas, and the confusion stemming from mixed messages by health authorities. Sun addresses parents' concerns about vaccines, safety measures, and alternative treatments, emphasizing the critical need for community immunity and reliable health information to combat this contagious virus.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Shifting Stance
- Trump's messaging on measles vaccination has shifted significantly.
- In 2019, he strongly advocated for vaccination, but now downplays the current outbreak's severity.
Inconsistent Messaging
- The appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for anti-vaccination views, as Health and Human Services Secretary has created inconsistent messaging.
- Kennedy's mixed signals about vaccines and promotion of alternative treatments add to public confusion.
Contagion Concerns
- Measles is highly contagious, remaining airborne for up to two hours.
- A non-vaccinated person has a 90% chance of infection if exposed in a shared space.