Measles and Misinformation 2025: The Real Viral Threat

Upcoming on-site and virtual lecture:
Mon., May 5
7–9 p.m.
Register for the free lecture! opens in a new window

Use this link to view the webinar:
https://carnegiemuseums.zoom.us/j/83285936369?pwd=RFpucENuSC9uVzhSK0N3ZTl0T01WZz09 opens in a new window

Presenter

Dr. Andrew Nowalk
Associate Professor of Pediatrics at UPMC Children’s Hospital

Dr. Andrew Nowalk M.D., Ph.D.

Worried about measles? Join Dr. Nowalk, a pediatric infectious disease specialist, as he discusses the ongoing measles outbreak in the United States. He will review the importance of measles as a serious disease of childhood and walk through the history of vaccination, including its dramatic effect on child health in the United States and around the world. The recent rise of the anti-vaccine movement will be defined, while highlighting key players and sources that drive disinformation. Finally, misinformation, under-vaccination, and the “medical freedom” movement will all be expanded upon. Dr. Nowalk will conclude with tips to stay safe and a focus on simple ways to reduce the spread of measles. This lecture will provide simple tools for working with friends, families, and our community to promote vaccines and protect Pittsburgh.

About Professor Dr. Andrew Nowalk M.D., Ph.D.:

Dr. Nowalk is an associate professor of pediatrics and interim division director in the Division of Infectious Diseases in the Department of Pediatrics at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. A native of the Greensburg, Pa. area, he graduated from Georgetown University with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry before enrolling at Pitt in the combined M.D.-Ph.D. program where he conducted research in microbiology and biochemistry. Dr. Nowalk joined the faculty of the School of Medicine in 2005. He maintains a clinical practice and an active research program in Lyme disease and healthcare-associated infections, and frequently teaches students, nurses, and residents about combating vaccine hesitancy. A published author of more than 60 papers in medical journals, Dr. Nowalk is the director for the pediatric residency program at Children’s Hospital and serves as the vice chair for international relations. His passions include promoting vaccines and visiting the Carnegie Museums with his wife and three children.

Register for Café Sci

The event is FREE to attend, but preregistration is required opens in a new window! Carnegie Science Center would like to continue to offer programs like Café Sci, Women in STEM, and others. Please consider making a donation when you register. Once you sign up, you’ll get an email confirmation. Have a question for Dr. Andrew Nowalk? You’ll be able to type your questions in the Q&A section during the presentation!

Additional Measles Related Articles

Who Gets Measles and Why Is it Back?

Carnegie Science Center is committed to being a trusted and reliable source of science-based information for our community. As part of our pilot program, the Rapid Science Engagement Initiative (RSEI), we have launched a series of blogs focusing on measles in the United States.

Our first article provides an overview of measles opens in a new window, including its symptoms, vaccine history, and the recent outbreak in Texas. The second article examines measles trends nationwide and in Allegheny County opens in a new window over the past decade. In the third article, we discuss the importance of vaccination and maintaining herd immunity. opens in a new window Finally, our fourth article addresses misinformation surrounding vitamin A opens in a new window and its role in measles treatment.

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What impact has Café Sci had on you? Are you a scientist interested in speaking at Café Sci? Do you have a recommendation for a speaker or topic? Contact us at info@carnegiesciencecenter.org.

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