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 Petras

Epidemiologist, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Dr Mindy Elrod

Microbiologist, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Will Misi