Rats—they are often seen as pests or spreaders of disease, but they are also surprising public health heroes. This week on Health Wanted, host Laurel Bristow explores the role rats play in disease transmission, from the Black Death to modern outbreaks, and uncovers their contributions to science, from sniffing out landmines to serving as human proxies in lab studies. Then, she is joined by Kaylee Byers, PhD, to talk about rats and humans existing together.

In the Q&A, Bristow tackles questions about measles immunity, how to know if you need an additional MMR vaccine, and what factors determine a baby’s sex.

For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the Show Notes.

Have a question for Laurel? Send it to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630!

For more, visit wabe.org/healthwanted

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.