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.auGuests:Dr Julia PetrasEpidemiologist, US Centers for Disease Control and PreventionDr Mindy ElrodMicrobiologist, US Centers for Disease Control and PreventionWill MisiSupport worker, CairnsDr Josh HansonGeneral and infectious diseases physician, CairnsDr Ella MeumannInfectious diseases physician; Clinical microbiologist, Menzies School of Health Research, DarwinPresenter: Belinda SmithProducer: Shelby TraynorSenior Producer: James BullenExecutive Producer: Petria LadgroveSound Engineer: Tim Jenkins