771 - More Cases of Measles in the United States

Overview:

An uptick of measles cases in the U.S. is raising concerns, especially heading into summer when travelers may bring back more cases from Europe. This most infectious human virus can cause severe and even fatal complications, especially for unvaccinated children—sometimes years after what seemed to be a mild case. Pandemic disruptions and rampant mis- and disinformation online have contributed to declining rates of vaccination that leave some communities especially vulnerable to measles outbreaks. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is working with states, health departments, and the general public to communicate around the danger of measles, the safety of vaccines, and what people can do once they’ve been exposed.

Guests:

Dr. David Sugerman is the incident manager for measles response at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Dr. Dan Filardo is a medical officer at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention working to fight measles across the country.

Host:

Dr. Josh Sharfstein is vice dean for public health practice and community engagement at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, a faculty member in health policy, a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland’s Health Department.

Show links and related content:

• Measles Cases and Outbreaks Dashboard—The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• Assessing Measles Outbreak Risk in the United States—The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• Learn the Signs. Act Early. (Autism campaign)—The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• CDC Official Urges Parents to Get Measles Vaccine for Children—Health News Florida

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