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.

A quick breakdown of public health jargon in under five minutes that is made for curious minds.

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 - PMC

Disclaimer:
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 episode of Transmissible, we take a critical, evidence-based look at the claim that vaccines cause autism — and examine how this misconception gained traction. We systematically review both methodologically sound and methodologically flawed studies, highlighting key differences in study design, bias, confounding, and statistical interpretation. We’ll break down epidemiologic study types (including cohort studies, case-control studies, ecological studies, and retrospective studies), demystify essential statistical concepts like relative risk, odds ratios, and confidence intervals, and clarify the crucial distinction between correlation and causation. All explanations are presented in plain language without sacrificing scientific rigor. No judgment, just facts. Whether you're an epidemiologist, a healthcare professional, or someone seeking to better understand how scientific evidence is evaluated, this episode provides a clear, grounded analysis of one of the most persistent myths in public health.

Medical Disclaimer:
This podcast episode is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding vaccines, autism, or any other medical condition.

Defamation Disclaimer:
The opinions expressed in this podcast are based on publicly available information and scientific consensus at the time of recording. No statements made are intended to malign any individual, organization, or group. Any claims discussed regarding individuals or studies are based on verifiable public records and peer-reviewed research.

Affiliation Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or any other governmental or public health agency. The host is not acting on behalf of, or representing, CDC in any capacity.

A powerful earthquake recently struck Myanmar and Thailand, shaking communities and raising urgent public health concerns. In this mini-episode of Transmissible: A Public Health Podcast, we break down what happened, where it hit hardest, and how organizations like the WHO are responding. From emergency medical aid to disease prevention efforts, we explore this disaster through a public health lens—because when the ground shakes, the ripple effects go far beyond the epicenter.

Disclaimer: The information in this episode of Transmissible is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or emergency response advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, details may change as the situation evolves. Always refer to official sources such as the World Health Organization (WHO), government agencies, and local emergency services for the latest updates and guidance. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the host and do not necessarily reflect the positions of any affiliated organizations.

For years, parents were told to avoid peanuts in infancy to prevent allergies. But the groundbreaking LEAP study flipped that advice on its head, showing that early peanut introduction can dramatically reduce peanut allergy risk by over 80%. In this episode of Transmissible: A Public Health Podcast, we dive into how this discovery became a major public health win, changing national guidelines, reducing healthcare costs, and reshaping how we think about food allergy prevention.

Legal: The information provided in this episode of Transmissible: A Public Health Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical or professional advice. While we discuss scientific research and public health guidelines, this podcast does not substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare provider. If you have questions about food allergies, early peanut introduction, or any medical concerns, please consult your doctor, pediatrician, or a board-certified allergist. The views expressed in this episode are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policies of any organization or institution.

Citations:Randomized Trial of Peanut Consumption in Infants at Risk for Peanut Allergy | New England Journal of MedicineLearning Early About Peanut Allergy (LEAP) - FoodAllergy.orgFollow-up to Adolescence after Early Peanut Introduction for Allergy Prevention | NEJM Evidence

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.

Norovirus—often called the perfect pathogen—is one of the leading causes of acute gastroenteritis outbreaks worldwide. Responsible for widespread illness across all age groups, it remains a major cause of childhood and endemic infections. Originally described as winter vomiting disease due to its seasonal surges, norovirus is infamous for its rapid spread, low infectious dose, and resistance to disinfection. In this episode of Transmissible: A Public Health Podcast, host and scientist Jessica Stahl breaks down what makes norovirus so uniquely contagious, how it wreaks havoc on cruise ships, in schools, and in prisons, and why it continues to be a persistent public health challenge.Citations and additional reading:Norovirus | Norovirus | CDCNorovirus (vomiting bug) - NHShttps://academic.oup.com/jid/article-abstract/205/11/1622/844989?redirectedFrom=fulltext Norovirus Disease in the United States - PMCEID_9-13_NorovirusInTheUnitedStates.pdfNorovirus: Facts and Reflections from Past, Present, and Future - PMC

Legal Disclaimer: The information provided in Transmissible: A Public Health Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. While host Jessica Stahl is a scientist with public health expertise, she is not a medical doctor, and the content of this podcast should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

Furthermore, the views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the positions, policies, or opinions of any employer, past or present. The podcast is an independent production and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any organization.

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

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.