S7, Ep 2- Measles Outbreak: Where's the Public in Public Health?

With measles outbreaks making headlines in the U.S., The Health Advocates are diving into the history of measles in this country, how we got to these outbreaks after eliminating measles, the role of public health trust, and where we go from here to rebuild public health authority. “I think there tends to be this idea that the measles is just a rash or some spots on your skin. But no, and when you contract it, it's pretty bad,” says Steven Newmark, Director of Policy at GHLF. Among the highlights in this episode: 00:36: Our hosts discuss the resurgence of measles despite widespread vaccination, highlighting recent cases in a few states. They talk about the risk factors, symptoms of measles, and the effectiveness of the measles vaccine 02:50: Steven recounts his personal experience with a measles scare during college 03:46: Steven provides a historical overview of measles in the United States, including its status as a nationally notifiable disease since 1912, and the significant impact of measles before the vaccine era 05:13: Zoe Rothblatt, Associate Director of Community Outreach at GHLF, explains the efforts leading to the elimination of measles in the United States by 2000 and raises the question of why measles is resurfacing now 06:16: Steven discusses the decline in MMR vaccine rates among schoolchildren and the rise in vaccine exemptions, linking these trends to recent measles outbreaks 08:09: Steven and Zoe delve into the decline of public trust in health authorities and the challenge of communicating the importance of public health successes that are often invisible 11:44: Steven explores the balance between individual rights and public health, emphasizing the collective responsibility in preventing the spread of diseases like measles 15:20: Zoe emphasizes the need for better education on public health and vaccine safety, and the role of supporting vaccine legislation at the state level 16:25: What our hosts learned from this episode Contact Our Hosts Steven Newmark, Director of Policy at GHLF: [email protected] Zoe Rothblatt, Associate Director, Community Outreach at GHLF: [email protected] A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF. We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to [email protected] Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.