Consider This from NPR: Measles is Spreading. Are You Safe?
Release Date: March 18, 2025
Host/Author: NPR
Episode Title: Measles is spreading. Are you safe?
Personal Story: The Lasting Impact of Measles
The episode opens with Dr. Alex Yanovich, a pediatrician, recounting a poignant experience from her early career. She shares the story of a teenage boy who contracted measles at seven months old—too young to be vaccinated.
"[He] had contracted measles when he was just seven months old, too young to have been vaccinated."
(00:01)
Despite an initial mild infection and subsequent healthy childhood, the boy began showing severe symptoms in middle school. Dr. Yanovich explains that he was eventually diagnosed with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a fatal degenerative neurological condition that typically emerges seven to ten years post-measles infection.
"Studies suggest that this condition, which is almost always fatal, is more common than once thought."
(01:08)
Dr. Yanovich emphasizes the gravity of declining vaccination rates, warning of potential long-term consequences if these trends continue.
"Which is why experts continue to say that the best way to protect yourselves and your children from measles is to vaccinate."
(01:52)
Current Measles Outbreak: Scope and Spread
Transitioning to a broader perspective, NPR Reporter Maria Godoy provides an update on the ongoing measles outbreak in the United States. She distinguishes between isolated cases and widespread outbreaks, noting that while isolated cases in various states are often linked to international travel, the significant outbreak in West Texas and New Mexico poses a different threat.
"The US declared measles eliminated in 2000, and that just means there's not ongoing transmission for greater than 12 months in an area."
(03:26)
However, the current outbreak in remote areas could potentially seed new outbreaks in regions with low vaccination rates, especially if infected individuals travel.
Understanding Measles Transmission and Prevention
Maria Godoy delves into the highly contagious nature of measles, highlighting its ability to spread more easily than diseases like Ebola or polio.
"Measles is the most contagious infectious disease known to man. It's more contagious than Ebola, than polio, than chickenpox."
(04:06)
Key points include:
- Transmission: Measles can linger in the air for up to two hours, making airborne transmission a significant risk.
- Infectious Period: Individuals are contagious from four days before to four days after the appearance of the measles rash.
- Vaccine Efficacy: Two doses of the measles vaccine are 97% effective, making high vaccination rates crucial for community immunity.
"Two doses of the vaccine is 97% effective, which... you need high vaccination rates in a community so that there's no one vulnerable to measles."
(04:53)
Federal Response and Public Health Messaging
The episode examines the federal government's response to the outbreak, noting a mixed approach within different branches. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has actively issued alerts, distributed vaccines, and advocated for vaccination, the Health and Human Services Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has taken a more nuanced stance.
"He's also called vaccination a personal choice and he didn't outright urge people to get vaccinated."
(05:12)
Kennedy Jr. has promoted alternative defenses against measles, such as good nutrition and vitamin A supplementation, rather than emphasizing vaccination as the primary defense. Maria Godoy clarifies the role of vitamin A, acknowledging its benefits in treating complications of measles in malnourished children but sternly rejecting claims that it can prevent or protect against the virus itself.
"Vitamin A can't prevent or protect you against measles. But it can actually be harmful because vitamin A builds up in your body and over time it can be toxic."
(07:23)
Debunking Myths: Vaccine Safety and Misinformation
Addressing prevalent myths, Godoy robustly defends the safety and efficacy of the measles vaccine against misinformation suggesting it is more dangerous than the virus.
"The vaccine is very safe and highly effective. Again, two doses, 97% effective."
(07:33)
She contrasts this with the severe dangers posed by measles, including mortality rates, blindness, deafness, brain swelling, and long-term immune system effects known as immune amnesia.
"Immune amnesia... it can even cause neurological problems years after infection."
(08:15)
Public Concern and Future Implications
Concluding the discussion, Maria Godoy urges the public to remain vigilant without succumbing to panic. She stresses the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to prevent a resurgence of widespread outbreaks.
"There's no reason to panic right now. Vaccination rates are still high enough nationwide in most places to stop a major outbreak from happening."
(08:27)
However, she warns that continuing declines in vaccination could lead to future crises reminiscent of pre-vaccine eras, with thousands of cases and numerous deaths.
"In five to 10 years, experts I spoke with say we might go back to the days when we had measles outbreaks with thousands of cases and, you know, many deaths."
(08:50)
Protective Measures and Vaccine Recommendations
To safeguard against the current outbreak, Maria Godoy advises:
- Getting Vaccinated: Ensuring both adults and children receive two doses of the measles vaccine.
- Early Vaccination for Infants: For those traveling abroad or residing in outbreak areas, getting younger children vaccinated early as per CDC guidelines.
- Verifying Vaccination Status: Individuals unsure of their immunization records should consider getting an additional dose for peace of mind.
"Get vaccinated. If you're not already, make sure you've had two shots of the measles vaccine and, you know, get your kids vaccinated, too."
(08:54)
She reaffirms the high efficacy of the vaccine and the amplified protection conferred by high community vaccination rates.
"They're really, really low. So no vaccine is 100% effective, but measles is pretty darn high, 97% effective."
(09:34)
Production Notes
This episode was produced by Mallory Yu and Connor Donovan, edited by Jeanette Woods, Nadia Lancy, Jane Greenholsh, and Courtney Dorney, with executive production by Sammy Yenigun. The host, Ailsa Cheng, also mentions related NPR content and encourages listeners to access the podcast through various platforms, including a sponsor-free option for Amazon Prime members.
Conclusion
"Measles is spreading. Are you safe?" serves as a comprehensive exploration of the current measles outbreak in the United States, emphasizing the critical role of vaccination in preventing the disease's spread and mitigating its severe health consequences. Through expert insights and personal narratives, NPR underscores the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to protect individual and community health.