Osterholm Update Episode 202: The Bells Still Ring
Feb 12, 2026
They dig into rising measles cases and outbreaks in immigration detention centers. They discuss plunging public trust in CDC vaccine guidance and a controversial hepatitis B trial in Africa. Funding for global health and current respiratory virus trends get coverage. A listener question about Nipah virus and a sentimental story about community bell ringing round out the conversation.
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Measles Resurgence Threatens Elimination
- Measles resurgence in the U.S. mirrors Canada and may erase elimination status, risking tens of thousands of cases.
- Michael Osterholm warns of severe complications, hospitalizations, and long-term impacts if vaccination gaps persist.
Detention Centers Amplify Disease Risk
- Immigration detention centers create high-risk environments for infectious disease spread due to crowding and poor sanitation.
- Michael Osterholm links reported neglect and abuse in facilities to real public health consequences for detainees and communities.
Federal Changes Erode Public Trust
- Public trust in CDC and federal health agencies has dropped dramatically since the pandemic and recent policy shifts.
- Osterholm notes majority awareness of schedule changes lowered trust, undermining federal vaccine credibility.
