Ep 28: Measles: The Science, MMR Vaccine, Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, and History

In 2023, measles claimed an estimated 107,000 lives, yet vaccination has prevented a staggering 60 million deaths since 2000. Despite this, measles remains a pressing issue in many developing countries, particularly in parts of Africa and Asia. On this episode of Transmissible: A Public Health Podcast, we dive deep into the science behind this highly contagious disease. From its pathogenesis and epidemiology to the life-saving MMR vaccine and the fascinating history of measles—including its 10th-century description as being "more dreaded than smallpox"—host Jessica unpacks it all. Drawing on her career as a contractor with CDC, her experience with rare pathogens, and her passion for public health, Jessica sheds light on why measles remains a global challenge. Whether you're a public health enthusiast or just curious about infectious diseases, this episode promises to be both informative and engaging. Tune in to learn something new about a virus that's been plaguing humanity for 5,000 years. Citations: https://asm.org/articles/2019/may/measles-and-immune-amnesia#:~:text=During%20the%20acute%20phase%20of,new%2C%20MV%2Dspecific%20lymphocytes. https://www.cdc.gov/pinkbook/hcp/table-of-contents/chapter-13-measles.html (vaccine safety info) https://archive.cdc.gov/www_cdc_gov/csels/dsepd/ss1978/lesson3/section2.html https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1045187001000589 https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/vaccines/measles-mumps-and-rubella-virus-vaccine-live https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/priorix https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/mmr/hcp/about.html#vaccine-safety https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/308400#google_vignette https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0755498222000422 https://scielo.org.za/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0256-95742010000400013 https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1358&context=thebridge Measles, Mumps, Rubella Vaccination and Autism: A Nationwide Cohort Study: Annals of Internal Medicine: Vol 170, No 8 A Population-Based Study of Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Vaccination and Autism | New England Journal of Medicine Measles cases surge worldwide, infecting 10.3 million people in 2023 Legal: The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, legal, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider, public health expert, or relevant professional for guidance specific to your individual circumstances. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the host and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, policies, or positions of any current or former employers, educational institutions, or affiliations. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information presented, the host and podcast assume no responsibility for errors, omissions, or any consequences arising from the use of this information.