#17 Measles
From Your Mom on Drugs by Joshua Klaus and Jennifer Seltzer
December 24, 2025 · 1h 10m · Season 1 · Episode 17
About this episode
This episode discusses the resurgence of measles in the U.S., exploring its spread, vaccination challenges, and public health implications.
Measles was officially eliminated from the United States in 2000—but in 2025, that status is now under real threat. With the highest number of U.S. measles cases reported in more than three decades, including major outbreaks in Texas and hospitalizations and deaths nationwide, this episode unpacks how one of the most contagious viruses known to humanity is making a dangerous comeback. We explore what measles is, how it spreads so efficiently, what infection actually looks like in the body, and why even small drops in vaccination rates can allow explosive outbreaks to occur again. This episode also tackles the bigger picture: vaccine hesitancy, persistent myths about the MMR vaccine, and why modern medicine—not sanitation alone—was responsible for dramatically reducing measles deaths in the first place. We walk through real risks, complications, and prevention strategies, including who can and cannot be vaccinated, how post-exposure protection works, and why community immunity matters even for those who never get sick themselves. Whether you’re trying to understand the science, the public-health stakes, or the misinformation surrounding measles, this conversation aims to bring…
People in this episode
Hosts: Joshua Klaus, Jennifer Seltzer
Topics covered
- measles outbreaks
- vaccination rates
- vaccine hesitancy
- public health
- contagious viruses
- community immunity
Keywords
- measles
- vaccination
- public health
- MMR vaccine
- outbreaks
- vaccine hesitancy
- community immunity
- infection
Mentioned in this episode
Products: MMR vaccine
Places: United States, Texas
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