Last week, a sixth measles-associated death was reported in Pennsylvania, which is currently the nation's measles hotspot. Every death from this vaccine-preventable disease is worth noting, especially amid the nationwide measles outbreaks. This week, hosts Chris Dall and Dr. Michael Osterholm discuss some of the complications from measles infection like immune amnesia and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. They'll also talk about Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s new vaccine injury initiatives, provide an on-the-ground view of the Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo, cover the uptick in bird flu activity on US farms and examine how cuts to Medicaid may affect Americans with HIV. Plus, a very special dedication honoring the late journalist Helen Branswell.
This episode was taped Monday evening, October 19th, 2026.
Links:
Helen Branswell, whose reporting on infectious diseases and public health drew acclaim, dies at 69 (STAT)
Experts search for answers in limited information about mystery pneumonia outbreak in China (Helen’s first piece on COVID from January 2020, STAT)
Ebola Has Never Spread This Quickly Before (New York Times)
Changes to Medicaid could have severe consequences for Americans with HIV (CIDRAP News)
Resources for vaccine and public health advocacy:
Voices for Vaccines
Families Fighting Flu
Vaccinate Your Family
Shot@Life
Medical Reserve Corps
Learn more about the Vaccine Integrity Project
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Music:
"Beauty Flow" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
