In this episode, Mattie walks us through Ebola as it returns to the headlines for the first time in years. She covers what the virus is, its history dating back to the 1976 outbreak near the Ebola River, how it spreads, and the treatments and vaccines in development. Then she gets into the current Bundibugyo outbreak in the DRC's Ituri province (now spilled into Uganda and declared a public health emergency), and why the response is not ideal, thanks to the dismantling of USAID, the US withdrawal from the WHO, and CDC cuts. She also unpacks the Trump administration's plan to build an Ebola quarantine facility in Kenya, a country that has never recorded a case.

This episode's good news revolves around 1) a judge overturning the cancellation of $82.1 million in clean energy grants, and 2) major health insurers committing to cover all vaccines at no cost through 2027. Also, stick around to hear Ariel discuss Ladies First on Netflix and how she connects it to public health.

Recalls: 

Find all recent recalls at: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts

• 6/13/2026: Nara Organics, Whole Milk Powdered Infant Formula, Botulism Risk.
• 6/12/26: Azuma Foods, Seasoned Octopus with Wasabi, may contain undeclared fish.
• 06/12/26: Beekeeper's Naturals, Saline Nasal Spray, may contain Aspergillus spp.
• 06/11/26: TNVitamins (VITA-MINS) and Doctor's Pride, possible Salmonella contamination
• 06/09/26: Clover Hill Dairy, Soft Ricotta/Requeson Cheese, potentially contaminated with Listeria
• 06/08/26: BD, ChloraPrep Clear, possible fungal contamination 
• 06/08/26: Freeze Dried Chicken Recipe Cat & Dog Food, may contain low levels of thiamine (vitamin B1)
• 06/05/26: Requeson 1lb Clamshell packages, possible listeria contamination
• 06/05/26: Up & Up Fragrance Free Baby Wipes AND Up & Up Fresh Cucumber Baby Wipes, may be contaminated with Burkholderia cepacia and Burholderia gladioli
• 06/05/26: Pearl Milling Company, Mezcla Para Panqueques Y Waffles, Debido a la presencia no declarada de leche y soya
• 06/04/26: No brand, Dried Herring Fish, may harbor botulinum 
• 06/04/26: Gas-X Extra Strength (softgels 120 & 72ct), potential chemical contamination
• 06/03/26: TNVita Ultra Potent Complete Green Superfood Capsules and Doctor's Pride, Salmonella
• 06/01/26: Motor City Pizza Cheese Bread Single, Salmonella

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