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Back to To the Point

To the Point

Measles strikes Minnesota town targeted by anti-vaccine activists

Andrew Wakefield founded the movement against vaccinations — with the claim that they're responsible for autism and bowel disease. Detailed investigation has discredited Wakefield's conclusions — and Lancet, the medical journal that originally published his work has retracted it.

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By Warren Olney • May 8, 2017 • 1 min read

Andrew Wakefield founded the movement against vaccinations — with the claim that they're responsible for autism and bowel disease. Detailed investigation has discredited Wakefield's conclusions — and Lancet, the medical journal that originally published his work has retracted it.

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But a new measles outbreak among Somali-Americans in Minneapolis demonstrates its continuing impact. Dr. Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, says it's difficult to convince people about facts when they believe they can't trust the government.

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    Warren Olney

    former KCRW broadcaster

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    Sáša Woodruff

    Producer, 'To the Point'

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    Katie Cooper

    Producer, 'One year Later'

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    Luke Vander Ploeg

    Producer, 'To the Point'

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    Dr. Michael Osterholm

    director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota; former advisor to President Biden’s pandemic response

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