Episode description

A measles outbreak continues to spread in Texas. More than 200 people have been infected. One child has died. And health experts are now concerned that low vaccination rates will make it harder to contain.

Teddy Rosenbluth, a health reporter at The New York Times, explains the rapid outbreak — and asks whether the government’s response will signal a turning point in how America views public heath.

Guest: Teddy Rosenbluth, a health reporter at The New York Times.

Background reading: 

• The Texas measles outbreak shows signs of a riskier future for children.
• Here’s where measles is spreading in the United States.
• Robert F. Kennedy Jr. linked the outbreak to poor diet and health, citing fringe theories.

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. 

Photo: Desiree Rios for The New York Times

Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.