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Back to To the Point

To the Point

Preventable Diseases Are Making a Comeback

The development of vaccines has changed modern history by preventing diseases that once killed millions of people. But there have recently been outbreaks of childhood maladies thought to have been eliminated. Most Americans don't remember measles, because the disease was declared eradicated in the year 2000.

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By Warren Olney • May 10, 2014 • 1 min read

The development of vaccines has changed modern history by preventing diseases that once killed millions of people. But there have recently been outbreaks of childhood maladies thought to have been eliminated. Most Americans don't remember measles, because the disease was declared eradicated in the year 2000. But, from New York to California, recent outbreaks are reminders of the potentially deadly disease, due to a drop in the vaccination of vulnerable children. Elsewhere in the world, polio's making a comeback, where violence and religious beliefs have discouraged vaccination or made it impossible. In America, some parents are making a choice. Is there a lack of trust in the public health system? Are the media spreading misinformation? How's a parent to know?

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    Warren Olney

    former KCRW broadcaster

  • KCRW placeholder

    Andrea Brody

    Senior Producer, KCRW's Life Examined and To the Point podcast

  • KCRW placeholder

    Kareem Maddox

    Three-on-three basketball player in the final stages of qualifying for Olympics; former KCRW intern

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    Evan George

    Director of Content, News

  • KCRW placeholder

    Laurie Garrett

    Council on Foreign Relations

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    Wendy Sue Swanson

    Seattle Children's Hospital

  • KCRW placeholder

    Jennifer Margulis

    Brandeis University

    NewsNationalPolitics
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