In this episode, we’re talk about how disease outbreaks, like the current coronavirus crisis, impact our culture and how our culture also affects the trajectory of disease outbreaks.
Obviously our rituals, our families and gatherings are being drastically affected right now across the world and here in Missouri, as we figure out how our communities should be responding to this crisis.
Our guest is Dr. Carolyn Orbann, a medical anthropologist and professor at MU’s School of Health Professions. Dr. Orbann studies how populations respond to disease outbreaks, and how cultural norms and behaviors themselves influence the spread of infectious diseases. Her current research is based in Missouri where she’s looking at the spread of the deadly 1918 Spanish flu across the state.
To participate in the live show, tune in to KBIA 91.3 FM weekdays at noon.