Public Health Group Chat

In this episode (Part I of II), Olivia breaks down Hantavirus: what it is, how it spreads, and why the outbreak aboard the MV Hondius has the world paying attention. She walks through the science of the Andes Virus (the only known Hantavirus strain capable of human-to-human transmission), the full outbreak timeline as of May 13th, 2026, and what key dates to watch in the coming weeks. Spoiler: this is probably not our next pandemic...but it is a warning sign we can't ignore.

Also, Ariel starts us off by sharing her public health good news: FDA Commissioner Marty McCary is out, and we break down why almost nobody is sad about it, but why we're still a little nervous about what comes next.

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In part two (coming soon!), Mattie & Olivia sit down with Dr. Elizabeth Soda, an infectious disease physician and former CDC employee, to discuss how mass federal layoffs and political appointees have dismantled U.S. public health infrastructure — and what that means for our ability to respond when the next serious outbreak hits.

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In today’s episode, Ariel walks us through the public health impacts of war. We start by providing a very brief history of human conflict. Next, we talk about technological advances during WWI, WWII, and the Cold War that have made modern warfare extremely deadly. We then discuss the on-going Iran War, and finish out the discussion on why war is terrible for public health. Spoiler alert: it affects more than just service members.

Mattie also discusses global wins in renewable energy, more analysis of Survivor as it relates to public health, and a whole long list of recalls.

Recalls:

• 4/14/26 Good Brain Tonic 16 oz & 32 oz - potential botulism
• 4/13/26 Morovan Gel Nail Polish Remover (15ml) - Prohibited Methylene Chloride and Chloroform
• 4/10/26 Vital Nutrient Aller-C Dietary Supplement - Undeclared egg, hazelnut and soy
• 4/08/26 Revitaderm, Tridergel Antiseptic wound care gel bottles and tubes - Lysinibacillus fusiformis, an environmental organism
• 4/07/26 DTF Sexual Chocolate - Undeclared Sildenafil and Tadalafil
• 4/03/26 Karns FoodsMini Dark Chocolate Raspberry Cups - May contain undeclared peanut allergen
• 4/03/26 Wawa Iced Tea Lemon, Iced Tea Diet Lemon, Diet Lemonade and Fruit Punch - Potential or Undeclared Allergen – Undeclared Milk
• 4/02/26 RAW FARM Raw milk cheddar cheese, shredded and block - Potential E. coli
• 4/01/26 Kian Pee Wan Dietary supplement capsules marketed for treatment for gaining weight and stimulating appetite - Device & Drug Safety/Unapproved Drug
• 4/01/26 Christopher Ranch, Garland Peeled Garlic - Potential Clostridium Botulinum

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In this episode, Olivia breaks down measles. She explains what it is, how the US reached measles elimination status in 2000, why it is making a comeback, and whether or not we will keep our measles elimination status. A combination of decreased immunizations during the covid-19 pandemic and the anti-vaxx rhetoric coming from our highest ranking federal officials (and spreading on social media) have contributed to a perfect storm that has allowed measles to find its footing and spread through vulnerable populations like wildfire.

Also, Mattie shares a few tidbits of public health good news and analyzes Survivor with a public health lens. You don’t want to miss this episode.

Recalls:

• Vital Nutrient Aller-C Dietary Supplement - Undeclared egg, hazelnut and soy 
• DTF Sexual Chocolate - Undeclared Sildenafil and Tadalafil 
• Karns Foods Mini Dark Chocolate Raspberry Cups  - May contain undeclared peanut allergen
• RAW FARM Raw milk cheddar cheese, shredded and block  - Potential E. coli
• Christopher Ranch, Garland Peeled Garlic -  Clostridium Botulinum
• Einstein Bros Bagels Honey Cream Cheese - Undeclared almonds 
• Falcon Trading Company Black Beans Organic , Chili Bean Blend Organic, Sunset Soup Mix Organic - contains pesticide residue 
• Gold Lion, ilum Chocolate - contains sildenafil and tadalafil

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Abortion is healthcare...and in this episode, Ariel walks us through the full history of abortion in the US, from pre-colonial practices to Roe v. Wade to where things stand today across all 50 states. She covers why the debate is really a philosophical and moral one rather than a biological one, the very real dangers of restricting access, the US's shameful maternal mortality rate, and why forcing people to carry unwanted pregnancies has consequences that go far beyond the pregnancy itself. 

Also on the episode: a federal judge hands RFK Jr. a well-deserved L on vaccines, Olivia breaks down the manosphere and the Netflix documentary Louis Theroux: Inside the Manosphere — what it is, who profits from it, and why it's really a men's mental health story in disguise. Plus, an unusually high number of product recalls involving undeclared Viagra. You'll understand when you get there.

Recalls (see FDA.gov for more details):

• 03/15/2026 - Costco Meatloaf with Mashed Yukon Potatoes and Glaze. Salmonella.
• 03/14/2026 - Boner Bears, Red Bull and Blue Bull, Honey Dietary Supplement. Undeclared Sildenafil and Tadalafil (TADA!).
• 03/13/2026 - Omni Pod, Alternative Controller Enabled Insulin Infusion Pump. May have a small tear & leak.
• 03/12/2026 - Favorina, Chocolate Ladybugs - German-Style Nougat Candy. Undeclared hazelnut allergen. 
• 03/11/2026 - Primal Herbs, Dietary Supplement. Contains Sildenafil. 
• 03/04/2026 - Miss Vickie's Spicy Dill Pickle Potato Chips. Undeclared Milk Allergen. 
• 02/27/2026 - RHINO CHOCO VIP 10X, Chocolate. Undeclared Tadalafil.

Minor correction: Ariel doesn’t do math in public, and when she does she thinks 1849 was 75 years ago, it was in fact 175 years ago. 

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SPECIAL RELEASE EPISODE: We are publishing this episode early to ensure timely release. 

Qualifications for the US Surgeon General are outlined in the US Code  (TITLE 42 / CHAPTER 6A / SUBCHAPTER I / Part A / Section 205). Casey Means, current nominee for US Surgeon General (as of March 2026), does not meet these qualifications. In this episode, Mattie leads us through the history of the US Surgeon General, the importance of this position, the necessary credentials to hold this position, and why Casey Means is not qualified for this role. Plus, listen to Casey Means as she tries to defend herself against Senate questioning...it went as well as you can assume.

Recalls (see FDA.gov for more details):

• 02/27/2026 - Savannah Bee Company, BBQ Sauce. Undeclared allergens, including wheat & soy. 
• 02/27/2026 - RHINO CHOCO VIP 10x, Chocolate. Undeclared Tadalafil
• 02/26/2026 - Quest, Cat Food Chicken Recipe Frozen. May contain low levels of thiamine (Vitamin B1)
• 02/25/2026 - Boner Bears, Chocolate Syrup. Undeclared Sildenafil
• 02/25/2026 - Great Value, Cottage Cheese. Not fully pasteurized
• 02/24/2026 - Elite Treats, Chicken Dog Treats. Salmonella
• 02/20/2026 - Made Fresh Salad, Various Cream Cheeses & Tofu Spreads. Listeria

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---

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We are available by email at [email protected] and on Instagram and TikTok at @publichealthgroupchat.

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The US government has been issuing nutrition guidance for over 100 years — so what's the deal with the new 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines? In this episode, Ariel breaks down the history of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, what's actually in the new 10-page document, and why it looks so different from previous editions. She and Mattie dig into the industry ties behind the people who wrote it, why ditching a health equity framework is a major red flag, and what it would actually take to improve nutrition at the population level. Spoiler: it's not beef tallow. Also on the agenda: Flavor Flav championing women's sports, F1 season kicks off, and a product recall segment that somehow ends with Viagra in chocolate syrup.

RECALLS

• 02/27/2026 - Savannah Bee Company, BBQ Sauce.Undeclared allergens, including wheat & soy. 
• 02/27/2026 - RHINO CHOCO VIP 10x, Chocolate. Undeclared Tadalafil
• 02/26/2026 - Quest, Cat Food Chicken Recipe Frozen. May contain low levels of thiamine (Vitamin B1)
• 02/25/2026 - Boner Bears, Chocolate Syrup. Undeclared Sildenafil
• 02/25/2026 - Great Value, Cottage Cheese. Not fully pasteurized
• 02/24/2026 - Elite Treats, Chicken Dog Treats. Salmonella
• 02/20/2026 - Made Fresh Salad, Various Cream Cheeses & Tofu Spreads. Listeria
• 02/17/2026 - Advanced Alkaloids, Dietary Supplements. Contains 7-OH
• 02/17/2026 - Quest, Cat Food Chicken Recipe Freeze Dried Nuggets, 10oz bag. Low levels of b1.

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We are available by email at [email protected] and on Instagram and TikTok at @publichealthgroupchat.

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If you want to learn about Nipah virus, you’re in the right place. In this episode, Olivia walks us through what Nipah virus is, how it is transmitted, the recent outbreak in India, and how to prevent it. While it may not be front and center of the health news in the US, it is important to pay attention and understand that viruses in one part of the world can make their way to other parts of the world.

RECALLS

• Ambrosia Brands, LLC Rosabella Moringa Capsules (salmonella) - sold online
• Tippy Toes Apple Pear Banana Fruit Puree (patulin) - all US states except Alaska; Guam; Puerto Rico
• Wellsley Farms Farm-Raised Atlantic Salmon (listeria monocytogenes) - BJ’s Wholesale Club stores in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Virginia 
• Why Not Natural Organic Moringa Green Superfood (salmonella) - sold online
• Navitas Organics Chia Seeds (salmonella) - locations unclear, but sold by Whole Foods
• Gerber Arrowroot Biscuits (potential presence of plastic) - location unclear 
• Genova (Tri-Union Seafoods) - Yellowfin Tuna - (Clostridium botulinum) 
  • Meijer – Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin
  • Giant Foods – Maryland and Virginia
  • Safeway, Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions – California
• Superfoods Inc - Live It Up: Super Greens Original and Wild Berry Flavored pouches and packs (Salmonella) 

Minor clarification: mRNA vaccine development began in the 1990s, Olivia’s statement about mRNA vaccine development in 2001 is related to the utilization of mRNA vaccine technology for coronaviruses specifically.  

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In the past year, the CDC really took a beating from the Trump administration. In this episode, we discuss a timeline of some of the most important events, including:

• Reductions in Force (RIFs)
• Shooting at the CDC on 8/8/25
• Loss of senior leadership
• Budget changes and reorganization
• The longest government shutdown in US history
• Implications for public health

And more!

THINGS YOU SHOULD WATCH:

• The Pitt (HBO)
• Episodes of Parks and Rec you should watch that have town-hall scenes:
  • Sister City, S2E5
  • Sweetums, S2E15
  • Time capsule, S3E3
  • Bailout, S5/E16 

RECALLS:

• Navitas Organice Chia Seeds (Salmonella) - locations unclear, but sold by Whole Foods (more info)
• Geber Arrowroot Biscuits (potential presence of plastic) - location unclear (more info)
• Genova (Tri-Union Seafoods) - Yellowfin Tuna - (Clostridium botulinum) (more info)
  • Meijer – Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin
  • Giant Foods – Maryland and Virginia
  • Safeway, Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions – California
• Superfoods Inc - Live It Up: Super Greens Original and Wild Berry Flavored pouches and packs (Salmonella) (more info)
  • Sold nationwide including US, Puerto Rico, Guam and Virgin Islands
  • 45 illnesses and 12 hospitalizations
• Diva Fam Inc - Sea Moss Gel (Superfood product) - Botulism. Distributed online nationwide. (more info)
• Primavera Nuevo tamales, various flavors (more info) - listeria contamination
• Klong Kone Shrimp Paste, sold exclusively at Golden Land in Des Moines, Iowa and Terri Lee Oriental Groceries in Maywood, New Jersey (more info) - lead contamination
• Spring & Mulberry Mint Leaf Date Sweetened Chocolate Bar - Salmonella (more info)

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We are available by email at [email protected] and on Instagram and TikTok at @publichealthgroupchat.

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For more than 60 years, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) quietly did the kind of public health work that actually saves lives. Founded in 1961, USAID supported global programs that reduced maternal and child mortality, prevented infectious diseases, and improved access to clean water and basic care. All of this cost Americans $24 per person per year. 

Then, in 2025, it was dismantled almost overnight. Under the Trump administration, foreign aid was frozen under claims of “waste, fraud, and abuse,” unleashing chaos instead: stranded food aid, sudden medication shortages, and a flood of misinformation about what USAID even did. By July 2025, the agency was officially shut down and folded into the State Department.

Public health experts now estimate hundreds of thousands of preventable deaths,  with more expected as the ripple effects grow. The most frustrating part is that most Americans will never see these consequences firsthand—which makes it easier not to care.

In this episode, we break down what USAID was, why it mattered, and why letting prevention die quietly might be the most dangerous policy choice of all.

RECALLS:

Genova (Tri-Union Seafoods) - Yellowfin Tuna - (Clostridium botulinum) (more info)

• Meijer – IL, IN, KY, MI, OH, WI
• Giant Foods – MD, VA
• Safeway, Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions – CA

Superfoods Inc - Live It Up: Super Greens Original and Wild Berry Flavored pouches and packs (Salmonella) (more info)

• Sold nationwide including US, Puerto Rico, Guam and Virgin Islands

Diva Fam Inc - Sea Moss Gel (Superfood product) - Botulism. Distributed online nationwide. (more info)

Primavera Nuevo tamales, various flavors (more info) - listeria 

Klong Kone Shrimp Paste, sold exclusively at Golden Land in Des Moines, IA and Terri Lee Oriental Groceries in Maywood, NJ (more info) - lead contamination

Spring & Mulberry Mint Leaf Date Sweetened Chocolate Bar - Salmonella (more info)

Grated Pecorino Romano (Under multiple brands including Boars Head) - listeria (impacting 20 states and commonly bought brands) (check this list)

ByHeart Infant Formula due to potential botulism contamination (more info)

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 A public health podcast more reliable than your federal government. Get to know your cohosts! 

If you are just tuning in, please know that our audio improves tenfold after this episode. We had some fine-tuning to do during this episode, please bear with us.

In this episode, Ariel, Olivia & Mattie introduce themselves and discuss:

• The end of the Affordable Care Act subsidies
• The change in the US vaccine schedule
• Heated Rivalry
• Food Recalls

Episode 01 Recall Information This Week (1/11-1/18):

• Diva Fam Inc - Sea Moss Gel (Superfood product), Distributed online nationwide - Botulism (more info).
• Primavera Nuevo tamales, various flavors (more info) - Listeria.
• Klong Kone Shrimp Paste, sold exclusively at Golden Land in Des Moines, Iowa, and Terri Lee Oriental Groceries in Maywood, New Jersey - Lead contamination (more info)  
• Spring & Mulberry Mint Leaf Date Sweetened Chocolate Bar - Salmonella (more info).
• Multiple brand names, like hundreds of products. Rat droppings - Salmonella risk (more info).
• Grated Pecorino Romano (Under multiple brands including Boars Head) - Listeria (check this list)
• Country Vet Biscuits & Heartland Harvest Dog Biscuits [for dogs] - Salmonella (more info)
• Forward Farms Grass-Fed Ground Beef - EColi (more info)
• Frozen raw shrimp sold under the Market 32 and Waterfront Bistro brand names - Possible cesium-137 contamination (more info)
• Lucky Foods cinnamon powder - Potential lead contamination (more info)

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