Transmissible: A Public Health Podcast

In this episode of Transmissible: A Public Health Podcast, we investigate the mysterious death at Russia's Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute, examine what authorities have confirmed, and explore the science, transmission, and history of pneumonic plague. We also discuss whether Jessica is worried and how AI will impact the world's next public health emergency.

Citations:

Russia plague scare: Lab worker dies after Siberia incident, US calls for answers |news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site for latest headlines

Growth of the Anti-Plague System during the Soviet Period

https://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/world/russia/irkutsk-knipchi.htm IrkutskAntiplague Research Institute of Siberia and Far East awarded by the Labour RedBanner Yersinia pestis:the Natural History of Plague - PMC

Yersiniapestis: Plague, Its Pathogenesis, and Laboratory Diagnosis — Microbe Online

SiberianAnti-Plague Institute Staff Isolated After Worker's Death

EpidemiologicDeterminants for Modeling Pneumonic Plague Outbreaks - Volume 10, Number4—April 2004 - Emerging Infectious Diseases journal - CDC

Plagueas a Biological Weapon: Medical and Public Health Management | InfectiousDiseases | JAMA | JAMA Network

TheManchurian pandemic of pneumonic plague (1910–1911) - PMC

Gani R, Leach S. Epidemiologic Determinants for ModelingPneumonic Plague Outbreaks. Emerging Infectious Diseases.2004;10(4):608-614. doi:10.3201/eid1004.030509.

Recommendedantibiotic treatment for plague

HumanPlague Transmission from person to person

DeathsAssociated with Pneumonic Plague, 1946–2017 - Volume 26, Number 10—October 2020- Emerging Infectious Diseases journal - CDC

Legal:

This episode is intended for educational, informational, and journalistic purposes. Discussion of the reported incident at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute is based on publicly available reporting and information available at the time of recording. Allegations concerning a laboratory accident, potential exposure to Yersinia pestis, and the cause of the laboratory worker's death have not been independently verified. Russian authorities have denied that a laboratory accident occurred. Any discussion of hypothetical scenarios, public health risks, or potential outcomes should not be interpreted as confirmation that such events occurred. Opinions and scientific interpretations expressed in this episode are those of the host and do not represent the official positions of any current or former affiliated organizations.

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 News

WHO’sresponse to hantavirus cases linked to a cruise ship

Hantavirusexplained: What to know after the cruise ship outbreak - Harvard Health

nmhealth.org/publication/view/general/5072/

Person-to-PersonTransmission of Andes Virus - PMC

Hantaviruspulmonary 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 Medicine

Legal: 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.

In this episode of Transmissible: A Public Health Podcast, we examine the science and the headlines behind Nipah virus, one of the world’s most lethal emerging zoonotic diseases. With case fatality rates reported as high as 75% and periodic outbreaks in South and Southeast Asia, NiV often generates alarming media coverage and pandemic speculation. But how much of that fear reflects real public health risk and how much is driven by click-driven headlines?

Citations: About Nipah Virus | Nipah Virus | CDCNipah virus | Characteristics, Henipavirus, Disease, Symptoms, Transmission, Treatment, Prevention, & Outbreaks | BritannicaNipah virus fact sheet

Nipahvirus expert shares truth on whether it could be next Covid

Interpretingthe natural history and pathogenesis of Nipah virus disease through clinicaldata, to inform clinical trial design: a systematic review - The Lancet Microbe

Twenty-fiveyears of Nipah outbreaks in Southeast Asia: A persistent threat to globalhealth - ScienceDirect

Federal SelectAgent Program

Legal: The information presented in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, legal, or professional advice. Nothing discussed should be interpreted as a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare provider or other licensed professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider regarding any medical condition or health-related decision.

The views expressed are based on publicly available scientific literature, historical data, and expert sources at the time of recording. Public health knowledge evolves, and recommendations may change as new evidence emerges.

Any discussion of organizations, policies, studies, or public figures is intended for educational analysis and commentary purposes only. All opinions are those of the host and do not represent any current or former employer or affiliated institution.

Listeners are responsible for their own decisions and actions.

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) | CDC

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/php/surveillance/in-season-severity.html

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/hcp/clinical-signs/index.html

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/coldflu.htmlUnderstanding Influenza Viruses | Influenza (Flu) | CDC

Legal: 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 of Transmissible, we revisit the lifeand work of Dr. John Snow, often called the father of modern epidemiology, to explore why public health history still matters. Long before germ theory was widely accepted, Snow used careful observation, data mapping, and skepticism ofconventional wisdom to trace a deadly cholera outbreak in 19th-century London to a single contaminated water pump.

But this episode goes beyond the famous Broad Street map. We examine what Snow’s approach teaches us about evidence-based decision making and the social and political forces that shape public health responses. From resistance to new ideas to the consequences of acting too late, Snow’s story offers manyyy parallels to modern outbreaks, misinformation, and policy debates. So grab a coffee and come hangout! Citations:Mapping a London Epidemic (pic of famous epi map)

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7150208/https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0195670106002830https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0195670106002830https://www.choleraandthethames.co.uk/cholera-in-london/cholera-in-soho/https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1325279/

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5334a1.htmhttps://www.choleraandthethames.co.uk/cholera-in-london/cholera-in-soho/https://globalhealthnow.org/object/water-pumphttps://epi-snow.ph.ucla.edu/Stream4_Snowlife_c.htmlhttps://epi-snow.ph.ucla.edu/Stream3_GrandExperiment_d.html

Disclaimer:This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is notintended to provide medical, legal, or professional advice. The views andopinions expressed are solely those of the host and do not necessarily reflectthose of any current or former employers, institutions, organizations, oraffiliates. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor patientrelationship or any other professional relationship. Always seek the advice ofqualified professionals regarding medical or public 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 EPA

Legal:

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 this episode, I break down how to identify your actual dream job in public health using a simple “mental algorithm” so you’re not just scattering applications into the void, but moving with clarity and purpose toward a career that actually excites you. We talk honestly about the brutal November 2025 public health job market and how to think in terms of transferable skills. I walk you through how to network without being awkward or apologetic, including specific outreach emails (that you can use!) using my E.A.S.Y. framework (Establish, Ask, Simplify, Yield). Finally, I rapid-fire a huge list of public health job titles and organizations you can plug into job boards right away and invite listeners to email me for resume and job-hunt questions.

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-iditarod

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560911/

https://apnews.com/article/alaska-diphtheria-outbreak-nome-anniversary-dogs-balto-3fc1889c11e5c310c1cacb186f841125

https://www.cmnh.org/learn/science-blog/2025/01/23/100-years-after-the-great-serum-run-baltos-legacy-endures

https://archives.alaska.gov/education/serum.html

https://www.cdc.gov/diphtheria/about/index.html

A quick breakdown of public health jargon in under five minutes. This week's word is at the heart of public health itself: epidemiology.

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