In this mini episode of Transmissible: A Public Health Podcast, host Jessica Stahl dives into the latest updates on the H5 bird flu (avian influenza) situation as of December 9, 2024. With her promise to keep listeners informed on global health issues, Jessica breaks down the current status of bird flu in North America, focusing on its impact on wild birds, poultry, and dairy cattle.

Jessica reviews key data from CDC and USDA, including new federal orders for national milk testing and the broader implications for public health. She explains the science behind H5's transmission potential and its low current risk to humans while highlighting the extensive surveillance and testing efforts underway. Jessica also discusses the historical context of the 1997 H5N1 outbreak in Hong Kong.

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Legal Disclaimer: This episode does not constitute medical advice and reflects Jessica's personal opinions, not those of any current or former employers or institutions.

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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!

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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.

Correction! Frances Oldham Kelsey was a woman. I accidentally assumed she was a man based on “Frances”.

This week on Transmissible: A Public Health Podcast, Jessica shares a deeply personal and scientific exploration of morning sickness AKA nausea and vomiting during pregnancy—a condition she's navigating firsthand while managing type 1 diabetes. Drawing on her professional experience as a scientist and her academic background, she unpacks the science, epidemiology and ancient history of this challenging aspect of pregnancy. She also explores the data on available treatment options and recounts the harrowing story of one of modern history's most devastating medical disasters—centered around a morning sickness drug from the 1950s.

Questions or comments? Send an email to [email protected]:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21507989/ 

https://www.acs.org/molecule-of-the-week/archive/t/thalidomide.html 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8458855.stm

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06921-9 

https://www.thalidomide.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/article-miller-stromland-teratogen-update.pdf

https://cambridgebrc.nihr.ac.uk/cambridge-led-study-discovers-cause-of-pregnancy-sickness-and-potential-treatment/#:~:text=Now%2C%20an%20international%20study%2C%20involving,pregnancy%20sickness%2C%20including%20hyperemesis%20gravidarum.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7357866/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3676933/

https://books.google.com/books/about/Soranus_Gynecology.html?id=YsKWfh31gxwC

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10625999/

https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(00)70349-8/abstract

https://youtu.be/M1G6cdgonlE?si=kcTiGFO1UlBkOnHZ

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:

In this episode of Transmissible: A Public Health Podcast, we dive into the intersection of public health and professional sports. With the NFL's 2024 kickoff rule changes aimed at reducing head injuries, we explore the latest data on CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) and its impact on athletes. Join us as we break down what these rule changes mean from a public health perspective, examining whether they truly address the growing concerns around concussions and long-term brain injuries in football.

Citation:

https://med.nyu.edu/departments-institutes/population-health/divisions-sections-centers/medical-ethics/education/high-school-bioethics-project/learning-scenarios/the-nfl-brain-injury#:~:text=After%20studying%20the%20brains%20of,a%20condition%20known%20as%20CTE.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30482357/

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/fullarticle/2808952

https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/how-football-raises-risk-chronic-traumatic-encephalopathy

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37340004/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1044743115000305#:~:text=Some%20studies%20have%20found%20an,MTBI%20and%20neurodegeneration%20are%20needed.

https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/03/11/5-facts-about-americans-and-sports/#:~:text=And%2079%25%20say%20playing%20sports,their%20job%20or%20career%20opportunities.

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0268583

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4554955/

https://news.gallup.com/poll/189206/former-student-athletes-winners.aspx

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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 

Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is a rare but severe viral infection that causes inflammation of the brain, often leading to death or long-term neurological issues. Transmitted by mosquitoes, EEE has a fatality rate of around 30% among those who develop symptoms. While the disease predominantly affects horses, humans can also be infected, though they are considered "dead-end" hosts, meaning they don't transmit the virus further. Recent news highlights concerns in Plymouth, Massachusetts, where new measures have been implemented after mosquitoes tested positive for EEE, marking the first human case in the state since 2020. In this episode, Jessica, dives into the virus's biology, transmission, symptoms, and the recent outbreak's context.

Citations:

https://www.cdc.gov/eastern-equine-encephalitis/php/transmission/index.html

https://cwhl.vet.cornell.edu/disease/eastern-equine-encephalitis

https://www.cdc.gov/eastern-equine-encephalitis/data-maps/index.html

https://www.cdc.gov/eastern-equine-encephalitis/data-maps/current-year-data.html

Legal: The information provided in this episode of Transmissible is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or legal advice. While we strive for accuracy, the content discussed should not be used as a substitute for professional guidance. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any medical concerns or questions. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests and do not represent the opinions of any affiliated institutions or organizations

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

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In this episode, Jessica Stahl, MPH explores the groundbreaking work of Edward Jenner, the physician who developed the first successful smallpox vaccine. Learn about Jenner's observations, his experiments with cowpox, and how his discoveries changed public health forever. Despite facing skepticism, Jenner's work laid the foundation for modern immunology and continues to save lives today.

Legal: The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any employer or affiliated organization. Listeners are encouraged to consult a qualified healthcare professional for any medical concerns or questions.