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Published: April 23, 2025
Read Time: 1.7 Mins
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Inside Outbreaks: Measles in Babies, Hantavirus, and Contaminated Holy Water
In this episode of Thermometer HQ: Inside Outbreaks, Dr. Jay Varma and Dr. Jon Epstein spotlight three important and underreported outbreaks, blending frontline insight with practical public health takeaways.
First up is the ongoing measles surge across the U.S., with over 800 cases reported—more than 500 of them in Texas alone. The virus is now spreading through community transmission, leading health officials in some counties to recommend that babies receive their first dose of the measles vaccine as early as 6 months old. Dr. Varma explains why this early vaccination—normally reserved for outbreak settings—is both safe and necessary, and clarifies why infants still need two additional doses after their first birthday.
The discussion then shifts to a heartbreaking case of hantavirus. Betsy Arakawa, the wife and caregiver of actor Gene Hackman, died after likely being exposed to rodent droppings in their Mammoth, California home. Misdiagnosed as flu or COVID, her symptoms progressed rapidly. The episode highlights the challenges of diagnosing rare but deadly diseases, the importance of seeking medical care when symptoms worsen, and the often-overlooked risks faced by caregivers.
Finally, the hosts examine an unusual outbreak of cholera in Europe linked to holy water from a sacred well in Ethiopia. Several individuals fell seriously ill after bringing the water home or using it in religious rituals. Dr. Epstein and Dr. Varma use the incident to explore how global travel, climate change, and water safety intersect—and to remind travelers to follow basic food and water precautions abroad.
From measles resurgence to spiritual waterborne illness, this week’s discussion underscores the evolving nature of infectious threats and the importance of clear, trusted health communication.
