02 | Outbreaks: The great mimicker

In 2021, four people across four different parts of the United States fall ill. They all have the same disease — a life-threatening bacterial infection. But the weird thing is they haven't travelled anywhere. And the bug that causes the infection isn't found in the US. So how did they get it? This handful of cases kicks off a disease investigation with roots that stretch back to northern Australia. Got feedback? Email us sciencefriction@abc.net.au Guests: Dr Julia PetrasEpidemiologist, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Dr Mindy ElrodMicrobiologist, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Will MisiSupport worker, Cairns Dr Josh HansonGeneral and infectious diseases physician, Cairns Dr Ella MeumannInfectious diseases physician; Clinical microbiologist, Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin Presenter: Belinda Smith Producer: Shelby Traynor Senior Producer: James Bullen Executive Producer: Petria Ladgrove Sound Engineer: Tim Jenkins