To the Point
Measles Makes a Comeback
Fifteen years after measles was declared eradicated in the United States, more than 70 people have come down with the disease — an outbreak that started at Disneyland. It's not enough cases to be a real epidemic. But public health officials are warning that too many people are refusing the vaccination that once eliminated a highly contagious, potentially deadly, disease.
By Warren Olney • • 52m ListenFifteen years after measles was declared eradicated in the United States, more than 70 people have come down with the disease — an outbreak that started at Disneyland. It's not enough cases to be a real epidemic. But public health officials are warning that too many people are refusing the vaccination that once eliminated a highly contagious, potentially deadly, disease.
Also, after the death of King Abdullah, a Saudi succession plan unfolds. On today's Talking Point, can Facebook crack down on fake news without silencing satire?
Photo: Amanda Mills/CDC
In this episode
3 storiesSaudi Succession Plan Unfolds
King Abdullah, he 90-year old King of Saudi Arabia, died yesterday, and he'll be replaced by his 79-year old brother, King Salman. In a region of increased tension, how will the country move to the next generation?
Read the story6 minMeasles Starts a Comeback…at Disneyland
Measles is highly contagious, and it can lead to pneumonia, lifelong brain damage, deafness and even death. Fifty years ago, there were three to four million cases of measles every year in the United States, and four or five hundred deaths.
Read the story35 minCan Facebook Crack Down on Fake News without Silencing Satire?
Facebook and other social media have become sources of news — and also of satire, which is often false, even though it reads like news. Actor Macauley Culkin is dead; Paul Krugman has declared bankruptcy; Sara Palin has joined Al Jazeera America.
Read the story8 min
