Transmissible: A Public Health Podcast

A rare outbreak of Andes virus hantavirus linked to an Antarctic cruise voyage has drawn international attention following multiple deaths, confirmed human-to-human transmission, and quarantine measures involving several countries. In this episode of Transmissible: A Public Health Podcast, scientist Jessica Stahl examines the science behind hantaviruses, the epidemiological data surrounding Andes virus transmission, and how this outbreak compares to past public health events. The episode explores what is currently known about transmission dynamics, case fatality rates, outbreak containment, and whether fears of widespread global spread are supported by the available evidence.Citations: Hantavirus| AP NewsWHO’sresponse to hantavirus cases linked to a cruise shipHantavirusexplained: What to know after the cruise ship outbreak - Harvard Healthnmhealth.org/publication/view/general/5072/Person-to-PersonTransmission of Andes Virus - PMCHantaviruspulmonary syndrome: a clinical description of 17 patients with a newlyrecognized disease. The Hantavirus Study Group - PubMed“Super-Spreaders”and Person-to-Person Transmission of Andes Virus in Argentina | New EnglandJournal of MedicineLegal: This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or individualized public health guidance. The information discussed reflects publicly available data, scientific literature, and the host’s professional interpretation at the time of recording. Because infectious disease events and public health recommendations can evolve rapidly, some information may change as new evidence emerges. Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals and official public health agencies, including Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization, for current guidance regarding medical concerns, travel decisions, or exposure risks. The views expressed are those of the host and do not represent official positions of any government agency, employer, or affiliated institution.

Influenza is rising rapidly across the U.S., and headlines about H3N2 and “new variants” are everywhere. In this episode, I break down what the data actually show, what’s driving this flu season, what H3N2 subclade K really means, how well the flu shot is holding up (spoiler- it's doing fine!), and what matters most for protecting your family. Using current CDC surveillance data and real-world vaccine effectiveness, we put this season into clear perspective. I also share how our household is thinking about and managing play dates, preschool and traveling during an active flu season. Citations:Seasonal Flu Vaccine Basics | Influenza (Flu) | CDCInfluenza (Flu) | Influenza (Flu) | CDChttps://www.cdc.gov/flu/php/surveillance/in-season-severity.htmlhttps://www.cdc.gov/flu/hcp/clinical-signs/index.htmlhttps://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/coldflu.htmlUnderstanding Influenza Viruses | Influenza (Flu) | CDCLegal: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content reflects general public health information and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions regarding a medical condition or health decisions.

In this episode we dive into the strange and fascinating world of Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), the delayed meat allergy that can appear after a tick bite. We talk through what AGS actually is, how ticks (lone star, blacklegged and western blacklegged ticks) introduce it into the body, and why some people develop an allergic reaction hours after eating red meat. You will hear about the symptoms people notice most often and the practical steps you can take to protect yourself from this unusual tickborne illness.Citations: A Review of Alpha-Gal Syndrome for the Infectious Diseases Practitioner - PMCAbout Alpha-gal Syndrome | Alpha-gal Syndrome | CDCPreventing Tick Bites | Ticks | CDCWhat You Need to Know about PermethrinWhat to Do After a Tick Bite | Ticks | CDCRepellents: Protection against Mosquitoes, Ticks and Other Arthropods | US EPALegal:This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nothing in this episode should be used to make decisions about your health without consulting a licensed physician or qualified healthcare professional. If you have questions about symptoms, allergies, prevention strategies, or medical conditions, please speak directly with your healthcare provider.All views expressed in this podcast are my own and do not represent the views of any current or past employers, academic institutions, or professional organizations. This podcast does not establish a clinician–patient relationship, and the use of the information discussed is at your own risk. If you are experiencing a medical emergency or severe allergic reaction, please seek immediate medical attention.

In January 1925, a deadly diphtheria outbreak threatened the small, frozen town of Nome and the only hope was antitoxin that had to be rushed across Alaska by dog sled in the middle of a massive, subzero blizzard. In this episode, we break down the science of diphtheria, the relay that became known as the Great Serum Run, and the real story behind Togo, Balto, and the race that saved lives. Citations:The Cruelest Miles by Gay Salisbury and Laney Salisbury alaskaweb.org⁠https://www.cdc.gov/diphtheria/vaccines/index.html⁠ (tdap resource)⁠https://www.alaskamushingschool.com/learn/1925-serum-run-to-nome/⁠ (fav resource, has pictures at bottom of page)https://www.history.com/articles/the-sled-dog-relay-that-inspired-the-iditarodhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560911/https://apnews.com/article/alaska-diphtheria-outbreak-nome-anniversary-dogs-balto-3fc1889c11e5c310c1cacb186f841125https://www.cmnh.org/learn/science-blog/2025/01/23/100-years-after-the-great-serum-run-baltos-legacy-endureshttps://archives.alaska.gov/education/serum.htmlhttps://www.cdc.gov/diphtheria/about/index.html

A quick breakdown of public health jargon in under five minutes.

Phototherapy is one of the most effective and quietly revolutionary treatments in public health. Every year, hundreds of thousands of newborns around the world develop severe jaundice and for most, a simple blue light can prevent irreversible brain damage or even death. But access to that light isn’t universal.In this episode, we explore the science of jaundice and bilirubin, why newborns are particularly vulnerable, describe the mechanism by which blue-green light helps clear toxic levels from the body, and the global inequality in access to this life-saving intervention. We also highlight public health wins, like the innovative Crib A’Glow device and impactful interventions in countries like Myanmar.From the history of phototherapy’s discovery in 1950s England to the modern challenges faced in low-resource settings, this episode brings you deep into the intersection of neonatal care, technology, and global health.Citations:Impact of Universal Bilirubin Screening on Severe Hyperbilirubinemia and Phototherapy Use - PMCFAQs About Phototherapy | Newborn Nursery | Stanford MedicineNeonatal hyperbilirubinaemia: a global perspective - The Lancet Child & Adolescent HealthNeonatal jaundice: phototherapy - PMCBurden of severe neonatal jaundice: a systematic review and meta-analysis | BMJ Paediatrics OpenNeonatal Hyperbilirubinemia: Evaluation and Treatment | AAFPAcceptability and operational feasibility of community health worker-led home phototherapy treatment for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in rural Bangladesh | BMC Pediatrics | Full TextGlobal Prevalence of Severe Neonatal Jaundice among Hospital Admissions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis - PMCDisclaimer:The information in this episode of Transmissible: A Public Health Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition.The views expressed in this episode are solely those of the host and any guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), any other government agency, or any affiliated institutions.Although every effort has been made to present accurate and up-to-date information, listeners should be aware that medical knowledge continues to evolve, and this content may not reflect the most current clinical guidelines or policies.

In this special mini-episode of Transmissible, host Jessica shares a heartfelt thank-you to the hardworking federal employees and contractors at the CDC. Amid heated online rhetoric and job eliminations, Jessica, who has worked extensively with CDC in laboratories, international training, and emergency responses, sets the record straight about what these professionals actually do. From combating antibiotic resistance to field epidemiology and outbreak surveillance, she breaks down the essential work that keeps the public safe. Join her for a candid discussion on the realities of public health work, the sacrifices involved, and why these efforts matter now more than ever.

In 2023, measles claimed an estimated 107,000 lives, yet vaccination has prevented a staggering 60 million deaths since 2000. Despite this, measles remains a pressing issue in many developing countries, particularly in parts of Africa and Asia. On this episode of Transmissible: A Public Health Podcast, we dive deep into the science behind this highly contagious disease. From its pathogenesis and epidemiology to the life-saving MMR vaccine and the fascinating history of measles—including its 10th-century description as being "more dreaded than smallpox"—host Jessica unpacks it all. Drawing on her career as a contractor with CDC, her experience with rare pathogens, and her passion for public health, Jessica sheds light on why measles remains a global challenge. Whether you're a public health enthusiast or just curious about infectious diseases, this episode promises to be both informative and engaging. Tune in to learn something new about a virus that's been plaguing humanity for 5,000 years. Citations: https://asm.org/articles/2019/may/measles-and-immune-amnesia#:~:text=During%20the%20acute%20phase%20of,new%2C%20MV%2Dspecific%20lymphocytes. https://www.cdc.gov/pinkbook/hcp/table-of-contents/chapter-13-measles.html (vaccine safety info) https://archive.cdc.gov/www_cdc_gov/csels/dsepd/ss1978/lesson3/section2.html https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1045187001000589 https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/vaccines/measles-mumps-and-rubella-virus-vaccine-live https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/priorix https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/mmr/hcp/about.html#vaccine-safety https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/308400#google_vignette https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0755498222000422 https://scielo.org.za/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0256-95742010000400013 https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1358&context=thebridge Measles, Mumps, Rubella Vaccination and Autism: A Nationwide Cohort Study: Annals of Internal Medicine: Vol 170, No 8 A Population-Based Study of Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Vaccination and Autism | New England Journal of Medicine Measles cases surge worldwide, infecting 10.3 million people in 2023 Legal: The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, legal, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider, public health expert, or relevant professional for guidance specific to your individual circumstances. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the host and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, policies, or positions of any current or former employers, educational institutions, or affiliations. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information presented, the host and podcast assume no responsibility for errors, omissions, or any consequences arising from the use of this information.

In this mini-episode of Transmissible, Jessica provides an urgent global health update on a mysterious illness emerging in a remote region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. With symptoms like fever, cough, and anemia, and a widely varying death toll, health officials are racing to identify the cause of this outbreak. Jessica explains the challenges of disease surveillance in such remote areas, the impact of malnutrition on affected communities, and the global response, including updates from WHO and CDC. Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds, and don’t miss next week’s deep dive into measles! Citations: WHO supports Democratic Republic of the Congo reinforce efforts to diagnose disease in remote area | WHO | Regional Office for Africa https://acp.cd/sante/kwango-67-deces-dus-a-une-epidemie-dorigine-inconnue-enregistres-a-panzi/ Legal Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, this podcast should not be used as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. The host and contributors are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided in this podcast. Reliance on any information shared is solely at your own risk. This podcast may discuss historical events, medical research, and treatment options; however, these discussions are not endorsements of any particular therapy, medication, or approach. Additionally, the content may not reflect the most up-to-date research or medical guidelines at the time of listening. The host, contributors, and associated parties are not liable for any adverse outcomes, complications, or damages resulting from the use or misuse of the information provided. Please consult a licensed healthcare provider for advice tailored to your specific situation. By listening to this podcast, you agree to these terms.

In this episode of Transmissible, we dive into the public health challenges posed by hurricanes, cyclones, and typhoons. These powerful storms go beyond their immediate destruction, sparking a cascade of health crises in their aftermath. From waterborne diseases and injury risks to disruptions in healthcare services and long-term mental health impacts, the effects of these natural disasters are far-reaching and often underestimated. Join us as we explore the science behind these storms, their impact on communities, and the strategies needed to build resilient public health systems in the face ofthese violent storm systems. Citations: National Hurricane Center (noaa.gov) Hurricanes | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (noaa.gov) Hurricanes: Science and Society: 1970- The Great Bhola Cyclone (hurricanescience.org) National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (noaa.gov) (I can't find my environmental disaster textbook online anymore-sad!) Legal: The content of this episode of Transmissible is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical, legal, or professional advice. The views and opinions expressed by the guests and host are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any affiliated organizations. Always seek the guidance of qualified professionals regarding health-related decisions or legal matters. In case of an emergency or if you need medical assistance, please contact a healthcare provider or your local emergency services immediately.

In this episode of Transmissible, we explore the lasting impact of the September 11th, 2001, terrorist attacks, focusing on the thousands still affected by 9/11-related illnesses. With deaths from these illnesses now believed to have surpassed those from the initial attacks, we dive into the ongoing challenges faced by survivors and first responders. Join us as we discuss the efforts of public health professionals to provide care and support to those who continue to suffer from the long-term health consequences of that tragic day. Citation: ⁠https://www.nyc.gov/site/911health/researchers/what-we-know.page⁠ ⁠https://www.911memorial.org/911-faqs⁠ ⁠https://www.cdc.gov/wtc/⁠ ⁠https://www.cdc.gov/wtc/pdfs/research/Development_of_the_Inventory_of_9-11_Agents_20180717.pdf⁠

Welcome to this mini episode of Transmissible. Jessica Stahl, MPH, covers the latest updates on the unfolding mpox outbreak. CDC has issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Update about the monkeypox virus (MPXV) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern. Tune in to learn more about what this means and its potential impact. Citations: Mpox – Africa CDC WHO declares mpox virus a public health emergency of international concern | UN News Health Alert Network (HAN) - 00513 | Mpox Caused by Human-to-Human Transmission of Monkeypox Virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo with Spread to Neighboring Countries (cdc.gov) Legal: The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical advice and treatment. The views expressed in this episode are those of the host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any affiliated organizations or institutions.

In this episode of "Transmissible: A Public Health Podcast," we journey to mid-19th century Vienna to uncover the tragic yet inspiring story of Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis. Dr. Semmelweis's revolutionary epidemiologic work proved the importance of handwashing in preventing childbed fever, yet he faced fierce resistance from the medical establishment of his time. Despite the initial rejection and personal sacrifices, his discoveries eventually transformed medical practices and saved countless lives. Citations: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9902590/ https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(96)06481-1/fulltext https://www.amazon.com/Gordis-Epidemiology-David-Celentano-ScD/dp/0323552293 https://magazine.punch.co.uk/gallery-image/Victorian-Era-Cartoons/G0000czGdMEOaVXY/I00009EE9wIky71Q https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ignaz-Semmelweis