Featured Post from University of Delaware

Florida measles outbreak highlights the cost of vaccine hesitancy

Feb 28, 2024

1 min

Jennifer Horney


A measles outbreak that started in a Florida elementary school has spread and is now up to ten cases. 


University of Delaware epidemiologist Jennifer Horney can comment on the outbreak as well as the risk to U.S. eradication status for measles and the role that vaccine hesitancy plays in the emergence and reemergence of vaccine preventable diseases.


Vaccine hesitancy is relevant in the Florida case, as the state's top health official defied federal guidance to contain it. 


Horney has more than 20 years of experience conducting outbreak investigations and providing technical assistance during pandemics to public health groups domestically and internationally.


To set up an interview, visit her profile and click the contact button; or, contact UD's media relations office.

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Jennifer Horney

Jennifer Horney

Professor and Director, Epidemiology

Jennifer Horney's research focuses on the health impacts of disasters and public health emergencies including climate change.

EpidemiologyepidemicCOVID-19Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency ResponseRapid Assessment

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Pandemic deepened health gaps for people with disabilities, study finds

A new peer-reviewed study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine reveals that U.S. adults with disabilities experienced significant declines in preventive cardiovascular screenings during the COVID-19 pandemic — and continued to face cost-related barriers to care, even after accounting for economic disruptions. Using nationally representative data from more than 150,000 adults between 2019 and 2023, the study highlights how routine care like blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose screenings dropped most sharply for those with cognitive, physical, or multiple disabilities. Adults with disabilities were also more likely to report delaying or missing care due to cost. These findings underscore persistent health inequities and the urgent need for inclusive public health strategies, especially for populations already at greater risk for cardiovascular disease. Why it matters: Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S. Adults with disabilities face higher risks and more barriers to care — making consistent preventive screenings essential. This study offers the first detailed, post-pandemic national look at how different disability groups were affected, with implications for future policy and healthcare reform. For more information on the study and to speak to experts, contact mediarelations@udel.edu. 

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