Kansas City, Kan- Dr. Steve Stites and his panel discussed the resurgence of measles in the U.S., emphasizing its high contagiousness and preventability through vaccination.

Dr. Dana Hawkinson noted a rare case in 2017 and highlighted the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates.

 Dr. Doug Swanson compared the current outbreak to the 2019 New York outbreak, noting under-immunization in Texas.

Dr. Greg Poland debunked misinformation linking the MMR vaccine to autism and emphasized its safety and effectiveness. The panel also discussed the severe complications of measles, including immune amnesia and SSPE, and the importance of vaccination for community protection.

Dr. Steve Stites, Chief Medical Officer, The University of Kansas Health System

• Dr. Steve Stites introduces the topic of measles, emphasizing its contagious and preventable nature and its recent resurgence in the U.S.
• He discusses the CDC's declaration of measles elimination in 2000, comparing it to polio and smallpox.

Dr. Gregory Poland, Director of the Mayo Vaccine Research Group

• Dr. Poland highlights the early development of the smallpox vaccine by Edward Jenner and its significance in public health.
• He addresses vaccine skepticism, debunking misinformation about the MMR vaccine's safety and effectiveness.
• Dr. Poland discusses SSPE, a fatal brain disease linked to measles, which can take years to develop.

Dr. Doug Swanson, Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist and Interim Division Director of Infectious Disease, Children's Mercy.

• Dr. Swanson compares the current measles resurgence to previous outbreaks, noting the larger scale and ongoing nature of the current outbreak.
• He shares strategies for addressing vaccine hesitancy, including providing accurate information and addressing parents' concerns.

Dr. Dana Hawkinson, Medical Director of Infection Prevention and Control, The University of Kansas Health System

• Dr. Hawkinson mentions a rare case she saw in 2017, attributing the rarity to high vaccination rates.
• He mentions recent studies from Europe showing increased hospitalizations for infections in children who had measles.

Thursday, May 1st, is All Things Heart:

Second Chance at Life thanks to Heart Surgery- He was young and healthy when he suddenly tired easily. Turns out he had an aortic aneurism. Learn about the surgery to save him and the tiny pacemaker that preserves his beating heart.