Measles — a preventable disease the U.S. considered eliminated in 2000 — recently spread through a Mennonite community along with an outbreak of misinformation about vaccines. For this exclusive story in collaboration with the Associated Press, corps member Carlos Nogueras Ramos observed and interviewed the religious community and its leaders with compassion while also helping readers understand how the virus has continued to spread through lack of vaccinations.

He also added the perspectives of doctors at the front line of the outbreak, creating a balanced story that shared both sides of the issue. Carlos said that the church pastor at the center of the story had reached out to him after the story was published to say he had enjoyed the story and was glad he had opened his doors to Carlos.

Carlos Nogueras Ramos is a Report For America corps member covering Permian Basin communities for The Texas Tribune in Austin, Texas.