Post Reports: Inside Texas’s Growing Measles Outbreak The Washington Post | Released March 4, 2025

Introduction

In the March 4, 2025 episode of Post Reports, hosts Martine Powers and Fenit Neerapil delve deep into the escalating measles outbreak in Texas, a region grappling with one of the most significant resurgences of the disease in the United States since its elimination decades ago. The episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the outbreak's origins, its impact on local communities, particularly within the Mennonite population, and the broader implications for public health and vaccination efforts nationwide.

Personal Stories: The Brantner Family

The episode opens with a poignant account of Kaylee Brantner and her seven-year-old son, who contracted measles. Martine Powers introduces Kaylee's harrowing experience:

• [00:02] Martine Powers: "A few weeks ago, Kaylee Brantner's seven-year-old son got a fever. Days later, he developed a rash."

• [00:09] Kaylee Brantner: "He got the measles."

Despite Kaylee's initial fears, her son's illness turned out to be milder than anticipated:

• [01:28] Kaylee Brantner: "I expected it to be horrible and scary... it was a really smooth ride."

Kaylee's decision to forgo vaccinations is central to understanding the outbreak's dynamics. She articulates her stance:

• [01:00] Kaylee Brantner: "We don't not care about the community. We just, we're not going to harm our children or the potential to harm our children so that we can save yours."

Her approach to managing her son's illness—through isolation, organic nutrition, and hydration—reflects a broader skepticism towards vaccines prevalent in her community.

Medical Overview: Understanding Measles

Fenit Neerapil provides an in-depth explanation of measles, emphasizing its highly contagious nature and potential complications:

• [03:59] Fenit Neerapil: "Measles is one of the most contagious diseases on the planet... it can really spread like wildfire."

He outlines the symptoms and serious long-term effects, including brain swelling, pneumonia, and death:

• [04:45] Fenit Neerapil: "Scientists estimate that about 1 in 4 children with measles will get hospitalized and about 1 in 20 will develop pneumonia."

The discussion underscores the preventable nature of measles through vaccination, highlighting the critical role of herd immunity, which requires about 95% of the population to be vaccinated to prevent outbreaks.

Community Response: The Mennonite Population

The outbreak's concentration in Gaines County, Texas, home to a significant Mennonite population, is examined in detail:

• [09:13] Fenit Neerapil: "One of the things that's unique about Gaines county is it has a large Mennonite population."

Contrary to common misconceptions, the Mennonite community in Seminole practices a variety of lifestyles, and vaccination rates vary within the population. The outbreak has been fueled by a small but substantial segment opting out of vaccination due to fears about vaccine safety and distrust in governmental mandates.

Official Responses: Public Health Efforts

Public Health Director Kathryn Wells shares her shock and concerns regarding the outbreak:

• [06:29] Kathryn Wells: "This is the first measles outbreak that I've ever seen in my 25-year career."

She discusses the challenges faced by health officials in containing the outbreak and the limitations of testing in rural areas, which likely means the reported case numbers are underestimates.

• [08:37] Fenit Neerapil: "Whatever official measles case tally that you're seeing during an outbreak is almost certainly an undercount."

Impact of the First Measles Death

The tragic death of a six-year-old child marks the first measles-related fatality in the U.S. since 2015, intensifying the urgency of the outbreak response:

• [22:06] Fenit Neerapil: "It was a child who died in a children's hospital in Lubbock was six years old, unvaccinated and otherwise healthy."

Pediatrician Tammy Camp reflects on the preventable nature of the death:

• [02:34] Tammy Camp: "A death of a child is always hard, but when you know it did not have to occur, it's really tough."

The community's reaction to the death is mixed. While some, like Kaylee Brantner, remain steadfast in their beliefs against vaccination, others express increased concern and a reconsideration of their stance.

• [19:46] Helen Neerapil: "He described the decision to vaccinate as a very personal one."

Public Sentiment and Misinformation

The outbreak has sparked varied sentiments within the community. Some view the situation as overblown, relying on personal measures to protect their families without addressing the broader public health implications:

• [14:55] Kaylee Brantner: "It's being blown way out of proportion. It's a disease, it's a virus. Your body can combat it if you feed it."

Conversely, others express frustration over the lack of collective responsibility, emphasizing that individual decisions not to vaccinate can endanger vulnerable populations who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.

• [16:09] Fenit Neerapil: "There are a lot of children who can't be vaccinated... it's not just a, you protect your kid the way you see fit."

Official Statements and Future Outlook

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an anti-vaccine figure and health official in President Trump's cabinet, commented on the outbreak but faced criticism for downplaying its severity:

• [24:30] Fenit Neerapil: "He said that there were two deaths when both the CDC and Texas state officials said they were only aware of one."

Despite some public officials beginning to acknowledge the importance of vaccination, overall messaging has been inconsistent, potentially undermining public health efforts.

Fenit Neerapil concludes the episode by outlining the potential trajectory of the outbreak, emphasizing the importance of monitoring its spread beyond Texas and anticipating possible long-term health consequences for affected individuals.

• [30:30] Fenit Neerapil: "This measles outbreak that's happening now, it may last for months. We may see a lot more children hospitalized and we may see more deaths that happen."

Conclusion

Post Reports effectively highlights the complexities surrounding the measles outbreak in Texas, illustrating the clash between individual beliefs and public health imperatives. Through personal narratives, expert insights, and on-the-ground reporting, the episode underscores the critical need for vaccination to prevent such preventable diseases from resurging. As the situation evolves, the podcast emphasizes the importance of sustained public health campaigns and community engagement to mitigate the outbreak's impact.

Notable Quotes

• Kaylee Brantner [01:00]: "We don't not care about the community. We just, we're not going to harm our children or the potential to harm our children so that we can save yours."

• Fenit Neerapil [03:59]: "Measles is one of the most contagious diseases on the planet... it can really spread like wildfire."

• Tammy Camp [02:34]: "A death of a child is always hard, but when you know it did not have to occur, it's really tough."

• Robert F. Kennedy Jr. [24:30]: "It's this being America, and if they're American citizens, it's their choice."

This summary captures the essence of the "Inside Texas’s Growing Measles Outbreak" episode, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the key discussions, personal stories, and expert analyses presented by Post Reports.