Measles, Narrative Truth, and Persuasion: Bruenig’s Hypothetical Essay

An interview analyzes Elizabeth Bruenig's The Atlantic piece that presents a hypothetical, heavily researched measles narrative in second person, blending fiction and journalism to show the disease's biology, public-health response, and long-term risks like SSPE; Bruenig discusses her research, why she framed it as creative nonfiction, and how the editor's note clarifies it's based on reporting rather than a single true family's story—aimed at informing readers and prompting reflection on vaccination decisions despite mixed reader reactions.