Outbreak News Interviews

The mental health of children in the time of pandemic

Fri, 26 Feb 2021 20:06:59 +0000

The restrictions put in place and the resulting social isolation from the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on children’s mental and behavioral health. Joining me today to take a look at Children’s Mental Health during the Pandemic is Dr. Mamilda Robinson. Dr. Robinson is a specialty director and clinical instructor of psychiatric-mental health at […]

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Shingles & the Shingrix vaccine with Dr. Leonard Friedland

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 22:43:39 +0000

With the nation focused on the delivery of a COVID vaccine, the CDC wants to ensure that older individuals are protected against other prevalent yet preventable diseases that can lead to severe health complications and even hospitalization. Vaccine demand declined an average of more than 60 percent across adult vaccines during the height of pandemic. […]

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Guinea worm disease 2020 with the Carter Center’s Adam Weiss

Fri, 29 Jan 2021 15:48:59 +0000

The Carter Center announced this week that the number of Guinea worm disease cases dropped by 50% in 2020 compared to 2019. This includes a dramatic decrease in cases in the country of Chad. What’s more, this happened despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is all great news and the parasitic disease seems […]

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COVID-19 sniffing dogs with Dr. Brittany Busse

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 20:43:37 +0000

As the country tries to open up during this pandemic, a variety of methods are being employed to keep people safe. Dogs are slated to be used at Miami Heat games to screen people for COVID, similar to how dogs have been used to smell out explosives or drugs. How effective is this method and […]

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20 Mosquito-borne diseases

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 20:22:10 +0000

In this podcast, I briefly go over 20 mosquito-borne diseases. In this not all inclusive list, I discuss a range of diseases to include malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever and more of the most common diseases, but also emerging pathogens that are transmitted by the mosquito vector like Mayaro and Madariaga viruses. Aedes aegypti […]

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It’s not just COVID-19: Outbreaks of Lassa fever, plague and monkeypox

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 21:28:43 +0000

While the world’s focus has been on COVID-19, sometimes it seems like nothing else is happening in infectious diseases. But that is far from the reality. In recent years, we’ve seen Nigeria report large numbers of Lassa fever, we continue to see plague outbreaks from Africa to Asia and monkeypox cases have risen in recent […]

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COVID-19 vaccines in Florida: How hospitals manage administering to 65+ population

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 21:06:47 +0000

Florida has reported about 1.6 million total COVID-19 cases, including more than 24,000 deaths. We’ve known for some time that some of the most vulnerable people are those aged 65 years and older and since Florida has the second-highest proportion of retirement-age residents in the nation this makes getting the COVID-19 vaccine available an imperative. […]

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Non-native mosquito, Aedes scapularis, established in South Florida

Tue, 12 Jan 2021 20:09:04 +0000

By Robert Herriman @bactiman63 Researchers from the University of Florida in a new study report the mosquito, Aedes scapularis is now established in mainland Florida in Broward and Miami-Dade counties. How did it arrive in the US? And What is the public health significance of this finding? Joining me today to answer these questions and […]

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Andes virus: Outbreak linked to a super-spreader event in Argentina

Fri, 18 Dec 2020 01:38:56 +0000

In late 2018 into early 2019, an outbreak of a form of hantavirus called Andes virus, swept through a small town in Argentina infecting 34 and killing 11. Researchers led by a team from the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) attribute the size of the outbreak to a super spreader event. […]

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Lyme disease guidelines 2020: A discussion with Lorraine Johnson, JD

Wed, 09 Dec 2020 20:51:46 +0000

Last month, a multidisciplinary panel led by the Infectious Diseases Society of America, the American Academy of Neurology, and the American College of Rheumatology published the 2020 Guidelines for the Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Lyme Disease in Clinical Infectious Diseases. The authors say it provides recommendations aimed to serve as a meaningful resource for […]

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Screening wastewater for the presence of COVID-19 with Edwin Oh, PhD

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 10:37:20 +0000

The U.S. is in the grips of a third wave of the coronavirus pandemic and the numbers are rising at a rapid pace. A vaccine is what public health officials are banking on to get us out of it. With that, viral mutations are a concern. My guest today is screening wastewater for the presence […]

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Michael Osterholm, PhD on lockdowns, masks and COVID-19 testing

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 21:17:50 +0000

President-elect Joe Biden recently announced a new 13 member COVID-19 advisory board to guide his administration during the transition period. One of the members is Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) Director Michael Osterholm, PhD, MPH. Dr Osterholm has been a guest on this show numerous times over recent years. He joined me […]

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COVID-19 vaccines update: Outbreak News This Week, Episode 3

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 00:55:46 +0000

In this news podcast, I look at the success and progress of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines and their situation concerning receiving and Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met to determine recommendations on the distribution of the vaccines, I take a look […]

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Drinking hand sanitizer, vodka eyeballing and vodka tampons??

Fri, 27 Nov 2020 20:37:01 +0000

By NewsDesk @bactiman63 Russian authorities reported seven deaths recently due to people who drank methanol-tainted hand sanitizer after running out of drinks at a party. In this podcast, I look at the dangers of drinking alcohol based hand sanitizer, particularly for children. In addition, I examine other ways people try to get intoxicated like vodka eyeballing […]

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Nigeria yellow fever outbreak

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 18:52:46 +0000

By NewsDesk @bactiman63 In this video, I look at the yellow fever outbreak currently affecting 5 states in Nigeria–Delta, Enugu, Bauchi, and Benue and Ebonyi. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Yellow Fever (YF) is a mosquito-borne viral disease of humans and other primates, and is currently endemic in over 43 countries in the tropical […]

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Polio in Africa: Vaccine-derived polioviruses (VDPVs)

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 14:56:00 +0000

By NewsDesk @bactiman63 In this short podcast, I look at the situation with vaccine-derived polioviruses (VDPVs) in Africa and the Emergency Use Listing recommendation for the type 2 novel oral polio vaccine (nOPV2). Hepatitis A and the Hep A vaccine Atrial fibrillation and other heart arrhythmias Florida COVID-19 death certificates examined Chagas disease treatment research […]

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Ebola outbreak declared over, Chapare virus human-to-human transmission

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 02:02:43 +0000

By NewsDesk @bactiman63 In this episode, I look at two of the biggest stories (outside of COVID-19) during the past week. The first is the 11th Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) was declared over after nearly 6 months and 130 confirmed and probable cases. The second is research that was presented […]

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Hepatitis A and the Hep A vaccine

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 18:04:34 +0000

In a topic that has not received nearly enough attention– since 2016, the US has seen the largest person-to-person Hepatitis A virus outbreak in the post-vaccine era. About two thirds of the states have declared outbreaks which includes tens of thousands of cases with 60% hospitalizations and more than 300 deaths. In Kansas, the most […]

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Atrial fibrillation and other heart arrhythmias

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 19:14:54 +0000

An arrhythmia is a problem with the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat. It means that your heart beats too quickly, too slowly, or with an irregular pattern. There are many types of heart arrhythmias, with Atrial fibrillation or (A Fib) being the most common type of serious arrhythmia. Joining me today to discuss A […]

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Florida COVID-19 death certificates examined

Fri, 06 Nov 2020 23:41:12 +0000

Are the COVID-19 deaths undercounted, as many believe, or are they overcounted, as others think? My guest today had the opportunity to look at a sample of death certificates in Florida and she is here to discuss what she found. Joining me today is the Editor of The Alachua Chronicle and co author of the […]

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Chagas disease treatment research with Rick Tarleton, PhD

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 22:38:47 +0000

Chagas disease is a potentially life-threatening parasitic disease that affects up to 300,000 people in the United States and millions in South America. The current treatment regimen is–oral benznidazole in smaller twice-daily doses over 2 months My guest today and his colleagues say high weekly doses of oral benznidazole over 30 weeks resulted in better […]

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Kedrab: 1st pediatric trial for Human Rabies Immune Globulin

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 22:40:16 +0000

Rabies post exposure prophylaxis, or PEP, consists of a rabies vaccine series and human rabies immune globulin (HRIG). Kedrion Biopharma’s human rabies immune globulin, Kedrab, was FDA approved in 2017. And now for the first time, the safety of HRIG (Kedrab) was studied in children. Joining me today to discuss rabies, PEP and the pediatric […]

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SARS-CoV-2 is NOT transmitted by mosquitoes: A talk with Dr Stephen Higgs

Mon, 27 Jul 2020 22:58:13 +0000

The World Health Organization (WHO) previously stated “To date there has been no information nor evidence to suggest that the new coronavirus could be transmitted by mosquitoes”. Now researchers from Kansas State University report confirming this in a new study published recently in Scientific Reports. Joining me today to discuss this is associate vice president […]

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Cancer screening in the time of COVID-19: Prevent Cancer Foundation’s ‘Back on the Books’ campaign

Fri, 17 Jul 2020 23:20:51 +0000

In a recent Op-Ed, Pacific Research Institute President, Sally Pipes asked–Will COVID-19 launch an epidemic of cancer as the pandemic stay-at-home orders have caused patients to put off routine cancer screening. Mammogram and colonoscopy rates fell between 86 percent and 94 percent in March. One study estimates that during the past three months, more than […]

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Head lice activity is up in the US in the time of the pandemic

Mon, 13 Jul 2020 22:40:24 +0000

Lice Clinics of America (LCA) reported last week that they saw a significant increase in head lice activity through their network of clinics in the US in April and May during the COVID-19 pandemic. Joining me on today’s show is Krista Lauer, MD, National Medical Director of Lice Clinics of America. Dr. Lauer discussed some […]

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NEWS TALK: Coronavirus Q & A

Sun, 28 Jun 2020 04:35:29 +0000

This episode of NEWS TALK with BRANDON & BOB featured insight from Outbreak News Today’s Robert Herriman, discussing COVID-19, good vs. bad coronavirus testing, understanding terms like “viral load,” thoughts on data, tracking and locking down. Related: SARS-CoV-2 transmission in cats: A study Dr. Mike Osterholm on COVID-19 testing, death rates and more COVID-19: […]

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COVID-19 strikes war torn Yemen

Sun, 21 Jun 2020 11:50:35 +0000

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reports that the coronavirus has taken a hold upon Yemen saying “Unfortunately, it is no longer anything but obvious that the virus is circulating widely across the whole of Yemen”. “Five years of fighting had caused Yemen’s healthcare system to collapse in large parts… Now COVID-19 has made that collapse complete, […]

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SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies isolated: Developing a treatment, Aid in vaccine design

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 20:56:18 +0000

Earlier this week, scientists with The Scripps Research Institute announced the discovery of antibodies in the blood of recovered COVID-19 patients that provide powerful protection against SARS-CoV-2 in small animals. The study was published this week in the journal, Science. Here to discuss this research is Elise Landais, PhD. Dr Landais is Principal Scientist with […]

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Dr. Robert Desowitz: Infectious Disease Storyteller

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 00:20:33 +0000

Robert Desowitz, PhD was a scientist, researcher and you may know him best as the author of several very informative and entertaining books like New Guinea Tape Worms and Jewish Grandmothers and Who Gave Pinta to the Santa Maria? Dr. Desowitz left us on Mar 24, 2008. Being such a fan of his books made […]

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Genetically modified mosquitoes coming to the Florida Keys?

Sat, 13 Jun 2020 22:53:41 +0000

In this clip from the NEWS TALK with Brandon & Bob on YouTube, we look at the recent EPA approval of Oxitec’s genetically modified Aedes aegypti mosquito for release in the Florida Keys. What is it and how does it work? What are the criticisms and concerns? We exam these questions in this short podcast. […]

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Outbreak News Update: Robert Herriman talks about the brain eating amoeba, Naegleria fowleri

Sun, 07 Jun 2020 23:56:34 +0000

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews On the recent episode of NEWS TALK with Brandon and Bob, I spend a few moments reminding the public about the swimming risks in warm, fresh water and the brain-eating amoeba, Naegleria fowleri. WATCH my series of interviews at the 2019 Amoeba Summit:

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Coronavirus chat on NEWS TALK with Brandon and Bob

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 00:44:58 +0000

In this clip from the NEWS TALK with Brandon and Bob show, we discuss a myriad of issues concerning the COVID-19, or coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic like where to get your information, what data is useful and what do we know now that we didn’t know before. Brandon Jones and Robert Herriman give you an […]

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Severe malaria treatment receives FDA approval

Wed, 27 May 2020 23:24:01 +0000

Approximately 2,000 US cases of malaria are diagnosed annually. Without appropriate treatment, about 15 percent become severe. Mortality from untreated severe malaria (particularly cerebral malaria) approaches 100 percent. On Tuesday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Artesunate for Injection to Amivas, a Maryland company specializing in treatments for rare and neglected tropical diseases. Joining me […]

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SARS-CoV-2 transmission in cats: A study

Sat, 23 May 2020 00:12:50 +0000

There has been reports of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, infections in both domestic felines and large zoo cats in recent weeks. While these infections were characterized as human to feline transmission, what do we know about feline to feline or feline to human transmission? My guest today, University of Wisconsin-Madison researcher, Peter Halfmann, […]

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Robert Koch: Titan of Microbiology

Fri, 08 May 2020 23:46:05 +0000

On today’s podcast, I had the honor of talking to E.B. Fred Professor of Natural Sciences Emeritus at UW–Madison and author of the book, Robert Koch–A Life in Medicine and Bacteriology, Thomas Brock, PhD about the titan of microbiology, Robert Koch. In this show, I asked the 93-year-old microbiologist about Koch’s life prior to microbiology, […]

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Dr. Mike Osterholm on COVID-19 testing, death rates and more

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 00:48:49 +0000

On today’s podcast, I want to take a look at a couple of much talked about issues when it comes to the COVID-19 pandemic at this point in time–the diagnostic testing (both PCR and antibody, or serology testing) and the death rates associated with the viral illness. I am joined today with friend of the […]

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COVID-19: How does it compare with the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, US pandemic preparedness

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 00:02:18 +0000

On today’s podcast, I want to look at some different issues involving the coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19 pandemic to include the varying fatality rates in certain countries, US pandemic preparedness and what we should be doing moving forward. Joining me to look at these issues and more is Senior Scholar at the Johns Hopkins […]

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Poison Control Centers: Fielding calls on everything from snakebites to coronavirus

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 00:09:54 +0000

This week, March 15-21 is National Poison Prevention Week 2020. What is poison control and what is the role of Poison control centers? Joining me today to answer these questions and more is Dr. Mazda Shirazi. Dr Shirazi is associate professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, a clinical toxicologist and serves as the […]

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Chagas disease: 1st local transmission in Missouri

Thu, 12 Mar 2020 22:43:37 +0000

Locally acquired cases of Chagas disease are exceedingly rare in the United States. Only 28 autochthonous infections were documented from 1955 to 2015. A recent Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) describes the first locally transmitted Chagas disease case in the state of Missouri. Joining me to talk about this unusual case is George Turabelidze, […]

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Lyme Disease Biobank and a new study

Tue, 03 Mar 2020 23:39:55 +0000

Results were recently published in a study in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology that show limitations of currently available diagnostic tests for early-stage Lyme disease, and highlight the need for more research toward improved diagnostics and treatments. Joining me today to discuss the study and the findings is Liz Horn, PhD. Dr Horn is the […]

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Aspergillosis, a new kind of antifungal drug and World Aspergillosis Day

Fri, 28 Feb 2020 01:41:36 +0000

Today is World Aspergillosis Day, a day to raise awareness about a fungal infection that kills more than one million people globally each year. Joining me now to talk about aspergillosis, a new kind of antifungal drug and World Aspergillosis Day is Marco Taglietti, M.D. Dr Taglietti is the president and chief executive officer of […]

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Global outbreaks: How effective is traveler screening?

Fri, 28 Feb 2020 01:05:59 +0000

When their is a global infectious disease outbreak, one action governments take is traveler screenings–we saw it during the 2014 Ebola outbreak and we are seeing it with the current COVID-19 outbreak. So, how effective are traveler screenings? My guest today addresses this issue in a recent study published in eLife. Joining me is Katelyn […]

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Screwworm outbreak in Florida 2016

Fri, 21 Feb 2020 01:08:58 +0000

In this October 2016 interview, I speak to University of Florida Associate Professor of Veterinary Entomology, Dr. Phil Kaufman about the screwworm and the situation in the Florida Keys that year. Kaufman talked about the biology of screwworm, the pathology demonstrated on an infected mammal, treatment, the devastating effects on the Key deer and prevention […]

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Leishmaniasis spread in the Middle East during war and conflict

Wed, 19 Feb 2020 00:35:19 +0000

While sifting through the archives I stumbled across several old radio interviews that I never published as podcasts. This interview from March 2014 with founding dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, Dr Peter Hotez was on the spread of the neglected tropical disease, the parasitic disease, Leishmaniasis and […]

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Travel Bans and Disease Outbreaks: Are they effective?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 23:46:50 +0000

The COVID-19 outbreak is spreading and growing rapidly since first seen less than two months ago, prompting many governments, including the United States, to ban or significantly restrict travel to and from China. While travel bans are frequently used to stop the spread of an emerging infectious disease, what do we know about their effectiveness? Joining […]

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Nipah virus with Emily Gurley, PhD

Tue, 11 Feb 2020 23:54:22 +0000

Nipah virus is one of the deadliest viruses, which can kill up to 90 percent of those infected. In fact, the World Health Organization has placed Nipah virus on its 10 “most wanted” list of emerging viruses. Joining me today to talk more about Nipah virus and her research is Emily Gurley, PhD. Dr Gurley […]

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Coronavirus Q&A with Rodney Rohde, PhD

Fri, 07 Feb 2020 03:14:09 +0000

Its been about a month since my last podcast on the novel coronavirus and I thought it was time to revisit the topic as it becomes a bigger global issue. Joining me to talk about coronaviruses and the 2019 novel coronavirus is Rodney Rohde, PhD. Dr Rohde is a Professor Research Dean and Chair of […]

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MARBURG Virus detected in fruit bats in Sierra Leone

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 00:24:21 +0000

Recently, scientists have detected Marburg virus in fruit bats in Sierra Leone, marking the first time the deadly virus has been found in West Africa. The article was published in the journal, Nature Communications last week. Joining me today to discuss Marburg virus and the discovery in Sierra Leone is Tracey Goldstein, PhD. Dr Goldstein […]

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Dengue in 2019, the vaccines and the quest for a World Dengue Day

Sat, 25 Jan 2020 00:04:57 +0000

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews In 2019, we saw one of the worst years on record for dengue worldwide. Numbers were up in Asia, Africa and the Americas. Joining me today from London to look at the past year in dengue, the progress with vaccines and 2020 and beyond is Kamran Rafiq. Kamran is the Co-Founder and Communications […]

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One Health with Cheryl Stroud, DVM, PhD

Thu, 16 Jan 2020 02:21:25 +0000

One Health is a term used frequently in recent years. If you’re not familiar with the term, you’ve come to the right place. Joining me to discuss One Health and a recent resolution passed by the US Senate is Cheryl M. Stroud, DVM, PhD. Dr Stroud is the Executive Director of the One Health Commission. […]

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China pneumonia outbreak and a novel coronavirus

Sat, 11 Jan 2020 01:27:49 +0000

Wuhan City, China has been a focus for infectious disease and public health experts over the past month due to a pneumonia outbreak where the etiology is not quite clear. News keeps trickling in on this outbreak, but there is still a lot unknown. Hoping to shed some light on this outbreak today is Daniel […]

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Rabies and Travel Health with Dr. Jonas Nilsen

Thu, 09 Jan 2020 23:55:06 +0000

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews Last fall, a 44-year-old man from Italy was bitten on his right hand by an aggressive dog on the Island of Zanzibar, Tanzania. The man did not receive any rabies vaccine before travelling. He got a rabies vaccine shortly after exposure, but no immunoglobulin, as it was not available. He died from rabies after […]

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The Top Infectious Disease Stories of the Decade 2010-2019: The Podcast

Fri, 03 Jan 2020 02:57:43 +0000

In this podcast, I look at what I believe are the top infectious disease stories of the last decade. Related: Texas anthrax: A look at the 2019 outbreak Naegleria fowleri: The PAM protocol with Dr Juan Dumois Naegleria fowleri: Lab diagnosis with Shiela Black, MHM, BSMT(ASCP) Louis Pasteur Quote merchandise Lyme disease: The major players, […]

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Top 10 Most Important Infectious Disease News Stories of 2019: The Podcast

Tue, 31 Dec 2019 01:10:10 +0000

By NewsDesk @bactiman63 In this end-of-year podcast, I rank what I believe to be the 10 most important infectious disease news stories of 2019. Related podcasts: Inside the Hot Zone with Dr Mark Kortepeter Encephalitis 101 with Becky Dennis Eastern Equine Encephalitis with Steven LaRosa, MD Texas anthrax: A look at the 2019 outbreak Naegleria […]

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Inside the Hot Zone with Dr Mark Kortepeter

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 02:54:05 +0000

In his first hand account of the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), physician and retired Army Colonel, Mark Kortepeter, MD pens the edge of you seat book, Inside the Hot Zone- A Soldier on the Front Lines of Biological Warfare. In this podcast, Dr Kortepeter talks about USAMRIID and some […]

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Encephalitis 101 with Becky Dennis

Wed, 06 Nov 2019 23:08:01 +0000

Last week, former US Senator from North Carolina, Kay Hagan died from encephalitis caused by the tick-borne disease, Powassan virus. So what is encephalitis and how common is it? Joining me today to answer these questions and more is the president of Encephalitis411.org, Becky Dennis. More information can be found here: Encephalitis411.org Encephalitis411 Facebook page […]

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Flu season is here: Time to get your flu shot

Tue, 22 Oct 2019 01:15:32 +0000

Flu season is upon us once again and experts say it’s time to get your flu shot. On today’s show, Taryn Chapman, aka The Vaccine Mom, joined me to discuss different aspects of influenza to include symptoms, available drugs and a little virology. In addition, she talks to me about the flu vaccine–the types of […]

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Eastern Equine Encephalitis with Steven LaRosa, MD

Thu, 03 Oct 2019 20:11:50 +0000

Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEV) can cause some serious pathology. This mosquito borne virus has seen an increase this year in the US. We see an average of 7 human cases of EEE reported annually; however, there has been some 30 human cases to date in 2019. Massachusetts and Michigan account for more than 20 […]

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Texas anthrax: A look at the 2019 outbreak

Tue, 24 Sep 2019 23:42:41 +0000

Texas officials reported a large anthrax outbreak in 2019 affecting some 20 premises in five counties. My guest today was in the area over the summer to take a closer look at this outbreak. Joining me is University of Florida Associate Professor of Medical Geography and returning guest, Jason Blackburn, PhD. Other podcasts with Dr […]

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Naegleria fowleri: The PAM protocol with Dr Juan Dumois

Sat, 21 Sep 2019 17:01:00 +0000

In this podcast of a video interview from the 4th Annual Amoeba Summit hosted by the Jordan Smelski Foundation, I spoke to Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist at All Children’s Hospital Johns Hopkins Medicine in St. Petersburg, Juan Dumois, MD. Dr Dumois shared his thought on why the rapid diagnosis of Naegleria is so challenging, he […]

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Naegleria fowleri: A public health perspective

Sat, 21 Sep 2019 02:33:02 +0000

In this video interview from the 4th Annual Amoeba Summit sponsored by the Jordan Smelski Foundation, I am joined by the Medical Director of Clinica Mi Salud and clinical professor at the UCF and FSU College of Medicine, Kevin Sherin, MD. In this short video he discusses Naegleria as a reportable disease, Naegleria risk and […]

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Naegleria fowleri and the ER physician with Dr Vincent Valente

Thu, 19 Sep 2019 23:50:38 +0000

Next in the series of interviews from the 4th Annual Amoeba Summit hosted by the Jordan Smelski Foundation, I talked to Asst. Medical Director for Emergency Medicine for AdventHealth, Altamonte Springs. Dr Valente discussed the role of the ER physician and a potential amoebic meningitis case. Related: Naegleria fowleri drug research with Dennis Kyle, […]

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Naegleria fowleri drug research with Dennis Kyle, PhD

Wed, 18 Sep 2019 23:05:47 +0000

A major aspect of the 4th Annual Amoeba Summit, hosted by the Jordan Smelski Foundation, was a strong and necessary devotion to more drug research. I had the chance to speak with the Director, Center for Tropical & Emerging Global Diseases at the University of Georgia, Dennis Kyle, PhD. Dr Kyle discussed the research being […]

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Naegleria fowleri: Lab diagnosis with Shiela Black, MHM, BSMT(ASCP)

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 23:02:58 +0000

In my series of short interviews with the experts presenting at the 4th Annual Amoeba Summit, I look at the topic of laboratory diagnosis. Medical Technologist at AdventHealth in Orlando as the person that found the amoeba in Sebastian DeLeon’s CSF, Shiela Black, MHM, BSMT(ASCP) joins me to recount the day in 2016, the call […]

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Naegleria fowleri: The Sebastian DeLeon case with Dr. Humberto Liriano

Mon, 16 Sep 2019 14:52:25 +0000

In the summer of 2016, then 16-year-old Florida teen, Sebastian DeLeon wound up in a Orlando hospital diagnosed with primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) due to the parasite, Naegleria fowleri. In this short interview from the 4th Annual Amoeba Summit sponsored by the Jordan Smelski Foundation, I spoke to a physician directly involved in the successful […]

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Naegleria fowleri: 4th Annual Amoeba Summit with Dr Jennifer Cope

Sun, 15 Sep 2019 22:22:39 +0000

I attended the 4th Annual Amoeba Summit this past Friday which was hosted by the Jordan Smelski Foundation. The list of speakers was incredible, the biggest experts on Naegleria fowleri in the country, talking about topics ranging from lab diagnosis to the latest research and everything in between. In this short interview, I talk to […]

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Measles and the MMR vaccine

Fri, 30 Aug 2019 21:46:10 +0000

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews Earlier this month, the World Health Organization released some astounding preliminary information concerning measles during the first half of the year. In the first six months of 2019, reported measles cases are the highest they have been in any year since 2006. There have been almost three times as many cases reported to […]

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Lyme disease: The major players, the disagreements and the IDSA draft guidelines

Thu, 29 Aug 2019 22:42:22 +0000

By Robert Herriman @infectiousdiseasenews Lyme disease. So much we seem not to know, in many different areas. Draft guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease were recently issued by the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA)–two really big, contentious issues. And of course there are the disagreements of how the various organizations view […]

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The HPV Vaccine: Talking to The Vaccine Mom

Wed, 21 Aug 2019 00:41:18 +0000

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews The CDC says HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a common virus that can lead to 6 types of cancers later in life. Almost every person who is sexually active will get HPV at some time in their life without HPV vaccination. About 14 million Americans, including teens, become infected with HPV each year. […]

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Ebola news this week: 3rd province to report cases, Two EVD drugs show favorable results

Sat, 17 Aug 2019 21:12:19 +0000

In this look at the week-in-review for Ebola and the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, I look at the new cases reported in the 3rd DRC province, South Kivu. In addition, other big news was narrowing of two Ebola drugs that preliminary studies show promising results. Related podcasts: Ebola, PHEIC and […]

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Singapore dengue cases top 10K in 2019

Sat, 17 Aug 2019 18:52:30 +0000

Singapore has experienced several dengue epidemics in the past ~20 years and it appears that 2019 is one of those years. In this podcast, I look at the current situation (surpassing 10,000 cases this week) and a little on some recent historical trends. Related podcasts: Global measles: The numbers are staggering The Vaccine Mom talks […]

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Global measles: The numbers are staggering

Thu, 15 Aug 2019 00:28:25 +0000

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews The World Health Organization (WHO) reported on some new measles surveillance data this week and we see some astounding numbers of the vaccine-preventable disease across the globe. In this podcast, I look at the global situation and the outbreaks in Europe, Africa, Asia and the United States. Got Smallpox? Merchandise Related […]

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The Vaccine Mom talks vaccines, immunity and some advice for parents

Mon, 12 Aug 2019 23:15:00 +0000

On today’s podcast, I am joined by The Vaccine Mom, Taryn Chapman. We explore some vaccine basics, immunology and immunity and some good information and advice about vaccines for parents. To see and read more of Taryn’s work, please visit: The Vaccine Mom website The Vaccine Mom Facebook page The Vaccine Mom YouTube channel […]

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Anti-specist says don’t kill mosquitoes, It’s a mother trying feed her future children

Tue, 06 Aug 2019 00:29:47 +0000

In one of the most foolish things I’ve seen in a while, French animal-rights activist and anti-specist, Aymeric Caron said, “People should not kill mosquitoes but allow them to take blood donations”?! Even other activists say he’s gone too far. Never mind the great number of pathogens–malaria, yellow fever, dengue and a slew of others. […]

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Lyme and other tickborne diseases: ‘We need a national public-private strategy’

Mon, 05 Aug 2019 22:58:06 +0000

A week ago, an opinion piece was published in Newsday entitled, A bold plan against tick borne disease, which states that a national public -private strategy is needed. Joining me today is the co-author of the article, Holly Ahern, Holly is an associate professor of microbiology at SUNY Adirondack. A bold plan against tick-borne diseases […]

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Lyme disease: A military experiment gone wrong?

Sun, 04 Aug 2019 22:10:03 +0000

Kris Newby’s book, Bitten: The Secret History of Lyme Disease and Biological Weapons has sparked a lot of chatter, approving and critical, including being the impetus of legislation in Congress. In this podcast, I look at what some critics have said about this thesis and how Newby responds. I also take a look at New […]

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Bangladesh: A Record Dengue Season

Sat, 03 Aug 2019 17:47:20 +0000

Bangladesh is experiencing the worst dengue outbreak, which has spread to all 64 districts in the country. In July 2019, there were more cases reported than in any full year. In this podcast, I look at the situation a little closer, the numbers, the serotypes, and the protests and criticisms of the government response. […]

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Japanese encephalitis and the new vaccine recommendations

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 23:59:36 +0000

Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus, a mosquitoborne flavivirus, is the most common vaccine-preventable cause of encephalitis in Asia. Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published updated recommendations from it’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for the JE vaccine. Joining me today to discuss JE, the vaccine, travel and the updated recommendations is […]

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Chronic Wasting Disease: A Call to Action

Wed, 31 Jul 2019 22:02:42 +0000

Last week in the journal, mBio, a team of experts issued a new call to action, urging state and federal entities to immediately fund research and develop new diagnostic tests targeting chronic wasting disease, or CWD. Joining me to discuss this issue is the director of the University of Minnesota’s Center for Infectious Disease Research […]

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Ebola, PHEIC and the World Bank with Laurie Garrett

Fri, 26 Jul 2019 23:49:37 +0000

In a recent, very important article published in Foreign Policy, my guest Laurie Garrett writes about how the World Bank was holding back funds to tackle the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. An issue not very well known until her article. To look at this situation and more is Laurie Garrett. […]

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Lyme testing with Monica Embers, PhD

Fri, 26 Jul 2019 23:22:29 +0000

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), has awarded a one-year Phase I Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) grant for $225,000 in funding to Enable Biosciences to develop an improved Lyme disease test. Columbia and Tulane universities are sub-awardees of the grant. Joining me today to discuss this work is Monica Embers, Ph.D., Dr Embers is […]

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It’s Cyclospora season

Sun, 21 Jul 2019 22:55:50 +0000

It’s Cyclospora season in the United States as evidenced by an increasing number of outbreaks and clusters reported in recent weeks. In this podcast, I look at some publicized outbreaks and the work that people are doing to try to minimize these parasitic outbreaks. Related: Toxocara in the UK: A discussion with Dr Ian Wright […]

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Bolivia hemorrhagic fever outbreak: What is Chapare virus?

Sat, 20 Jul 2019 18:08:14 +0000

Bolivia is investigating an outbreak of hemorrhagic fever, which based on preliminary lab testing indicate the Arenavirus, Chapare virus. In this podcast, I look at the current situation, the transmission, a study on the first such outbreak in 2003 and the CDC’s travel advisory. Malaria epidemic in Venezuela: 2.5 million cases predicted for 2020 Philippines […]

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Philippines dengue update: A national alert, ‘states of calamity’

Sat, 20 Jul 2019 16:22:07 +0000

Last Monday, Philippines Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III declared a National Dengue Alert as the number continue to rise in many regions of the archipelago. On today’s news brief I look at the latest numbers for dengue in the country, the increases in costs incurred by the national health care system and states of […]

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Malaria epidemic in Venezuela: 2.5 million cases predicted for 2020

Thu, 18 Jul 2019 22:20:29 +0000

In February this year, a consortium of five global health organizations reported over 1.3 million malaria cases during 2018, much higher than numbers produced by the Venezuelan Ministry of Health and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). Now these organizations are predicting the malaria situation will only get worse, forecasting 2.5 million malaria cases in Venezuela […]

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Cryptosporidium in the US with Joseph Eisenberg, Ph.D.

Tue, 16 Jul 2019 23:04:00 +0000

Last month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) that showed outbreaks of Cryptosporidium (Crypto) in the United States increased an average 13% each year from 2009-2017. On today’s podcast, Joseph Eisenberg, Ph.D., M.P.H., chair of epidemiology at the University of Michigan School of Public Health […]

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Foodborne illness, temperature control and celebrity chefs

Tue, 09 Jul 2019 20:53:12 +0000

Foodborne illness is a significant public health issue in the United States. One of every six Americans is affected by foodborne pathogens. Foodborne illness also creates a big economic burden to the United States with tens of billions of dollars in losses. Temperature control is essential to prevent the rapid growth of foodborne pathogens during […]

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Malaria drug resistance: An alternative for detection in the field

Thu, 04 Jul 2019 00:47:07 +0000

By Robert Herriman @infectiousdiseasenews According to the World Malaria Report, there were 219 million cases of malaria globally during 2017, resulting in 435,000 malaria deaths. Drug resistance poses one of the greatest threats to malaria control and results in increased malaria morbidity and mortality. Vanderbilt University biomedical engineers have discovered how to rapidly detect critical […]

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The Metabiota Epidemic Tracker with Ben Oppenheim, PhD

Thu, 20 Jun 2019 23:13:58 +0000

The World Economic Forum believes pandemics could cause a $570 billion annual loss to the global economy. Recently, the Leader in Epidemic Risk Modeling, Metabiota, released a free tool for tracking events that could impact human and economic health. It’s called the Metabiota Epidemic Tracker, a free, new platform to view, analyze and understand events […]

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Legionnaires’ disease: A personal story

Wed, 19 Jun 2019 22:47:15 +0000

Legionnaires’ disease is a serious type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. Legionella can also cause a milder illness called Pontiac fever. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some 6100 Legionnaires’ disease cases were reported in 2016; however, this number is undoubtedly low due to under-diagnosis. People can get sick when they breathe […]

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Rabies: Signs and symptoms, exposure, transmission and diagnostics

Sat, 15 Jun 2019 00:13:15 +0000

On today’s show I’m going to look at one of my favorite topics–rabies. And I’m honored to have my two guests today, both returning guests. Pamela Wilson and Dr Rodney Rohde have teamed up to write a comprehensive look at many aspects of rabies–clinical signs and symptoms, epidemiology, lab testing, post exposure prophylaxis and even […]

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Ebola: Pathology, treating patients and the current outbreak

Fri, 14 Jun 2019 23:43:20 +0000

Since August 2018, an Ebola Virus Disease outbreak has raged in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, their 10th outbreak and the 2nd largest ever. Earlier this week the disease spilled over into neighboring Uganda. Joining me to discuss this and other topics related to Ebola is Mark Kortepeter, MD, Dr Kortepeter is a Professor […]

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Chickenpox 101 with Donald Kaye, MD

Fri, 14 Jun 2019 23:20:58 +0000

On this podcast, I wanted to look at the once common, highly contagious disease, chickenpox. Joining me today to answer some questions about chickenpox is Donald Kaye, MD. Dr Kaye is Professor of Medicine at the Drexel University College of Medicine. He is also an Associate Editor at the website, ProMED-mail. Related podcasts: Medical […]

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Alzheimer’s disease: Risk factors, treatments and more

Fri, 14 Jun 2019 00:41:42 +0000

Earlier this week in Lakeland, FL, I attended an educational program and panel on Alzheimer’s disease–research, risk prevention and other topics were addressed. The event was hosted by the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. My guest on the show today is one of the expert panelists. Joining me today is Phil Sabel, […]

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Medical history: Vaccines and Immunity

Sat, 01 Jun 2019 01:09:37 +0000

Do you like science and medicine? Do you like history? On today’s show, you’ll get a great dose of both. I talk to the author of the very informative book, Between Hope and Fear: A History of Vaccines and Human Immunity, Michael Kinch, PhD. Dr. Kinch is a professor and Vice Chancellor at Washington University […]

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Florida hepatitis A outbreak with Epidemiologist, Andrea Leapley

Sat, 25 May 2019 02:54:34 +0000

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports since the hepatitis A outbreaks were first identified in 2016, more than 17,000 cases and 170 deaths as a result of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection have been reported. Last year, Florida became one of the 20-something states reporting an outbreak and so far this year, […]

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Hurricane preparedness with Mike Coston

Sat, 25 May 2019 02:21:06 +0000

June 1st is just around the corner–the start of hurricane season. Are you ready? What should you do to prepare? Joining me today to offer some advice and tips in Mike Coston. Mike writes about preparedness often on his website, Avian Flu Diary. Monkeypox in Nigeria: CDC updates travel notice Measles outbreak in England […]

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Lyme disease: New study confirms dogs are sentinels to assess human risk

Fri, 24 May 2019 10:18:30 +0000

New research from the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) gives people and their health care providers a way to assess their risk for Lyme disease, thanks to man’s best friend. The study confirms dogs are sentinels to assess human risk for tick-borne Lyme disease. The study is published in the journal, Geospatial Health. Joining me to discuss the […]

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Myositis with Dr. Cheilonda Johnson

Fri, 24 May 2019 09:40:18 +0000

May is Myositis Awareness Month and on today’s show I want to take a look at these rare conditions and the importance of this month. In addition, there is a new analysis on how myositis affects woman of color that we’ll discuss. Joining me to look at these issues and more is Dr. Cheilonda Johnson. […]

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Florida, national and international news and research

Sat, 18 May 2019 09:22:04 +0000

On the latest Outbreak News This Week, I look at news from Florida and then expand to national and international news, and a little research. The Florida hepatitis A outbreak keeps adding up and we look at the latest on that. I also look at research that lists the 25 counties most at risk for a […]

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Global anthrax maps with Jason Blackburn, PhD

Wed, 15 May 2019 22:38:36 +0000

Earlier this week, research was published in the journal, Nature Microbiology, which has newly published maps that reveal, for the first time, where anthrax poses global risks to people, livestock and wildlife. The maps are the result of 15 years of data collection covering 70 countries. Joining me today to discuss this work and it’s importance […]

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Measles: Counties with highest outbreak risk with Sahotra Sarkar, PhD

Tue, 14 May 2019 00:07:04 +0000

Today the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released updated numbers of measles cases in the United States and through May 10, 839 measles cases have been reported in 23 states. This is an increase of 75 cases from the previous week. This is the greatest number of cases reported in the U.S. since […]

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Naegleria fowleri, Acanthamoeba species and Balamuthia mandrillaris: Uncommon, accidental, yet high consequence

Fri, 10 May 2019 23:50:28 +0000

On this week’s Outbreak News This Week Radio Show, I had the opportunity to spend the whole hour discussing the three most commonly diagnosed free-living amoeba species that infect humans: Naegleria fowleri, Acanthamoeba species, and Balamuthia mandrillaris, with someone with expertise in infectious diseases and the unique perspective of a parent that lost a child to one of these lethal […]

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History of Bioterrorism with Dr Lawrence Roberge

Fri, 10 May 2019 01:05:38 +0000

Bioterrorism expert and Senior lecturer at Western New England University in Springfield, Lawrence Roberge, PhD joined me on the show to look at the history of bioterrorism–from antiquity to contemporary times. Monkeypox confirmed in Singapore, imported from Nigerian traveler Norway reports human rabies death, individual spent 2 months in Asia Reunion dengue outbreak eclipses 9,000 […]

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Chagas disease, kissing bugs and the OSU survey

Thu, 09 May 2019 00:08:34 +0000

The parasitic disease, Chagas disease, and the vector, the kissing bug, have been in US media a lot recently after the CDC published an MMWR about finding the bug in Delaware. My guest today is currently conducting survey work in Oklahoma to estimate the prevalence of T. cruzi infection in domestic dogs and kissing bugs […]

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Outbreak News This Week: Dengue fever, Measles outbreaks are expensive

Sat, 04 May 2019 09:56:43 +0000

On this weeks program, I take a look a the surge of dengue fever cases in the Americas and southeast Asia. A primer of dengue fever and severe dengue is also introduced. Measles does not just have individual health implications, but a measles investigation can be very expensive in terms of manpower and dollars and […]

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Lyme ‘persister’ bacteria and a three-antibiotic cocktail: A study

Wed, 01 May 2019 17:09:59 +0000

Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that a slow-growing variant form of Lyme bacteria caused severe symptoms in a mouse model, which may account for the persistent symptoms seen in up to twenty percent of Lyme patients that are not cured by the current Lyme antibiotic regimen. In addition, they […]

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Bacteriophages and ‘The Perfect Predator’

Fri, 26 Apr 2019 22:44:20 +0000

Pan-resistant superbugs, world travel, a love story and the use of a virus to treat a life-threatening infection–and its all absolutely true. The makings of a great book. On this week’s program, I am joined by the authors of The Perfect Predator: A Scientist’s Race to Save Her Husband from a Deadly Superbug: A Memoir, Steffanie Strathdee […]

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Acanthamoeba case in Michigan with Shahzad Mian, M.D.

Wed, 24 Apr 2019 23:00:55 +0000

The University of Michigan health blog recently reported on a Acanthamoeba case in a Lansing , Michigan woman. She was initially diagnosed as having pink eye; however, things got worse and after going to six doctors, she was referred to the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center where she was diagnosed with the parasitic infection. […]

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Pediatric sepsis with Niranjan Kissoon, MD

Wed, 24 Apr 2019 22:42:08 +0000

This week, Sepsis Alliance launched Pediatric Sepsis Week to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of sepsis in children and to recognize the tens of thousands of children that develop sepsis every year in the U.S. Joining me today to talk about pediatric sepsis and the importance of this week is Niranjan Kissoon, MD. […]

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Outbreak News interview: Vincent Racaniello, PhD

Thu, 18 Apr 2019 09:18:35 +0000

Virology blog was the first science website I followed, its been quite a few years now and it was an inspiration to me in using the internet to disseminate information on infectious diseases and up-to-date outbreak news. Because of my guest today, I saw real value in this type of reporting or blogging. He is […]

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Lab Week 2019 with Dr Rodney Rohde

Wed, 17 Apr 2019 10:05:30 +0000

April 21 marks the beginning of Lab Week 2019, an annual celebration of medical laboratory professionals who play a vital role in health care and patient advocacy! Joining me today to discuss the medical laboratory profession and the importance of this week is Associate Dean for Research, College of Health Professions & Chair & Professor […]

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Cytomegalovirus, the RUSP and the National CMV Foundation

Wed, 17 Apr 2019 00:26:13 +0000

Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is arguably the most common, preventable cause of neonatal disability in the United States, affecting more than 30,000 children a year. My guest today started a Change.org petition advocating for congenital CMV to be added to the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP). Here to talk more about CMV, the petition and […]

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NYC measles and mandatory vaccinations

Sat, 13 Apr 2019 11:27:50 +0000

On this weekends show I look at the most controversial news story of the past week–the public health emergency in select zip codes in the neighborhood of Williamsburg, Brooklyn in light of the rapidly growing measles outbreak primarily among the Orthodox Jewish community. In addition, the health order says unvaccinated individuals living in those ZIP […]

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Venezuela outbreaks: Interview on the Captain’s America: First Watch

Tue, 09 Apr 2019 10:28:30 +0000

This morning, I was a guest for a segment on the Venezuela health and outbreak crisis on the Captain’s America: Third Watch with Capt. Matt Bruce. During the ~7-8 minute segment, I discussed the outbreaks of the vaccine-preventable diseases, measles and diphtheria and the vector-borne disease, malaria affecting Venezuela and other countries in the region. […]

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Enterovirus D68: ‘No evidence it’s an imported disease’

Mon, 08 Apr 2019 09:53:18 +0000

Since 2014, some media and radio personalities have attributed the increase in Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) cases in the US to immigrant children from Central America. The latest was a segment last week on the Savage Nation with Michael Savage, a very popular talk radio program. What is EV-D68 and is it an imported disease from […]

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Infectious disease news brief: Florida Hepatitis A outbreak

Sat, 06 Apr 2019 18:23:37 +0000

The hepatitis A outbreak in Florida is growing and in this news brief I look at the latest numbers and talk about the vaccine.

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Lyme disease, ticks and the ecology with Richard Ostfeld, PhD

Fri, 05 Apr 2019 23:18:21 +0000

Earlier this week, the Pennsylvania government warned the public that as the weather gets warmer and you spend more time outdoors, be aware of ticks and Lyme disease. Pennsylvania has reported the ticks that carry Lyme disease and other infectious agents in all 67 counties and has reported at or near the top of all […]

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Polio eradication successes and struggles, Unusual infectious disease news

Fri, 05 Apr 2019 23:04:14 +0000

On this weekends Outbreak News This Week Radio show, I spend the first half talking to World Health Organization (WHO) spokesperson for polio eradication, Oliver Rosenbauer. During the interview, Mr Rosenbauer discusses some history on polio, including the introduction of the vaccine, the different vaccines and the purposes and differences and the situation and difficulties […]

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Chronic Wasting Disease and the CIDRAP program

Mon, 01 Apr 2019 22:47:29 +0000

Chronic wasting disease, or CWD is a prion disease that affects several cervid species: deer, elk, reindeer, sika deer and moose. It has been found in some areas of North America, including three provinces in Canada and at least 26 states. My guest today has expressed concern that it is probable that human cases of […]

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Asian longhorned ticks with Maria Diuk-Wasser, PhD

Sat, 30 Mar 2019 18:35:27 +0000

The Asian Longhorned Tick made its appearance in the United States recently and has since been found in a number of states. The emergence of these ticks represent a potential threat for livestock, wildlife, and human health, according to experts. In a new study published in Emerging Infectious Diseases, researchers say the infestation in Staten […]

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Outbreak News This Week Radio Show: Rockland measles outbreak, RFK Jr., Health promotion

Fri, 29 Mar 2019 23:59:16 +0000

On Sunday’s show I look at the recent news from Rockland County, New York where the County Executive, Ed Day declared a county wide State of Emergency, which effectively banned all unvaccinated people 18 years and younger from entering public places for 30 days or until they get vaccinated. I also looked at the legal implications […]

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Organ donation: A look at some bioethical issues with Sigrid Fry-Revere, JD, PhD

Wed, 27 Mar 2019 22:51:37 +0000

Organ donation and transplantation has been a medical miracle in saving lives; however, the number of organs available are not nearly enough According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), 113,602 people need a lifesaving organ transplant. Donate Life America says another person is added to the waiting list every 10 minutes and […]

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Ticks with Daniel ‘Tick Man Dan’ Wolff

Sun, 24 Mar 2019 21:46:26 +0000

In this 2015 interview from the radio show, I talk to the owner at TickEase, Inc., Daniel “Tick Man Dan” Wolff who gives a primer on ticks, including tick prevention and removal. Visit Dan’s website for more information on ticks and the TickEase tweezer at TickEase.com. Tick Man Dan says check yourself for ticks and, “Don’t Neglect […]

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Vaccine hesitancy, social media and a federal role in vaccines?

Sun, 24 Mar 2019 21:00:25 +0000

Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) published the Ten threats to global health in 2019 and among the ten is vaccine hesitancy. WHO states: Vaccine hesitancy – the reluctance or refusal to vaccinate despite the availability of vaccines – threatens to reverse progress made in tackling vaccine-preventable diseases. Vaccination is one of the most cost-effective ways of avoiding disease […]

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Disease outbreaks in slum communities

Sat, 23 Mar 2019 00:04:11 +0000

On a recent episode of Outbreak News TV, international public health expert and author, Glenn Laverack, PhD spoke to me about the issue and challenges of dealing with disease outbreaks in slum settings. Blacker than Black: Failing to Reach Slum Communities in Disease Outbreaks

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Ebola: Safe and dignified burials

Fri, 22 Mar 2019 23:49:33 +0000

The World Health Organization says during an Ebola epidemic, any unprotected handling of the bodies of infected patients who have died constitutes a biosafety hazard. The burial process is very sensitive for the family and the community and can be the source of community resistance or even conflict. On a recent episode of Outbreak News […]

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Kentucky chickenpox, Peter Hotez on Joe Rogan and Huntington’s disease

Fri, 22 Mar 2019 23:09:28 +0000

On Sunday’s program I take a quick look at the chickenpox outbreak in Northern Kentucky, the lawsuit, Gov. Matt Bevin and “chickenpox parties”. A guest on the show a number of times, Dr Peter Hotez appeared on one of the largest podcasts out there–The Joe Rogan Experience, where they discussed infectious diseases, vaccines and autism […]

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Glenn Laverack, PhD on Outbreak News TV

Fri, 22 Mar 2019 10:29:13 +0000

Disease outbreak and health emergency response is a massive undertaking and involves a number of stakeholders in different areas of expertise. One important part of the outbreak response is health promotion. Joining me today to talk about this topic is a leader in health promotion and empowerment and has a distinguished career for more than […]

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Huntington’s disease with George Yohrling, PhD

Wed, 20 Mar 2019 23:56:50 +0000

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a progressive brain disorder that deteriorates a person’s physical and mental abilities. It primarily affects adults; however, there is a form that affects children, albeit less common. Many describe the symptoms of HD as having ALS, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s – simultaneously. Joining me today to look at Huntington’s disease is the Senior Director for Mission […]

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Amesh Adalja, MD on Outbreak News TV

Thu, 07 Mar 2019 00:46:31 +0000

On the most recent episode of Outbreak News TV on YouTube, I talk to Senior Scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, Amesh Adalja, MD. He was named one of STAT’s “13 Clinicians to Follow on Twitter and in 2015 named one of 5 “Pennsylvanians to Watch” by the Pittsburgh Tribune Review. We discuss […]

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Healthcare not a market? G. Keith Smith MD dismantles article

Wed, 06 Mar 2019 23:39:41 +0000

Earlier this week, researchers from the Hastings Center published an article in the journal Health Affairs, in which they make the argument that patients should not be considered consumers. The concept of patient-centered care has increasingly merged with the concept of patients as consumers, which “is conceptually confused and potentially harmful,” the authors contend. Joining […]

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Japanese encephalitis with Dr. Melvin Sanicas

Sat, 02 Mar 2019 00:52:30 +0000

Mosquito borne diseases. Many probably have heard of dengue fever, Zika, malaria and West Nile virus, but many people may have never heard of Japanese encephalitis, or JE. Joining me today to discuss JE is vaccinologist, public health physician and returning guest, Melvin Sanicas, MD Other podcasts with Dr. Sanicas: Vaccines: How they work and some […]

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Outbreak News This Week: Measles, hepatitis A, congenital syphilis

Fri, 01 Mar 2019 23:34:18 +0000

On Sunday’s show I look at a variety of topics that are pressing in the news today. Measles and vaccines are important topics as UNICEF says global cases are surging to alarmingly high levels. Madagascar’s outbreak is massive and some are asking, could that happen here? I give my thoughts. The outbreak Vancouver, BC has […]

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Staying Healthy Abroad with Dr Christopher Sanford

Sat, 23 Feb 2019 01:47:43 +0000

Knowing how to prepare for overseas travel becomes more important day-by-day–what vaccines do you need and how to avoid mosquito borne illness are just two critical components to safe travel. My guest today is Christopher Sanford, MD. Dr Sanford is an associate professor of global health and of family medicine at the University of Washington, […]

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Looking at more anti-vaccine rhetoric with Paul Offit, MD

Sat, 23 Feb 2019 01:02:35 +0000

I recently saw an Open letter to Vermont legislators several years ago who were considering vaccine legislation from an immunologist named Dr Tetyana Obukhanych. The letter was resurrected and published on the website called Health Impact News. Basically her goal in the letter is to say that its unwarranted the parents should be forced to get […]

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Resurgence of vector-borne diseases in Venezuela, Gottlieb says states will ‘ force the hand of the federal health agencies’ to enforce vaccines

Sat, 23 Feb 2019 00:29:13 +0000

On Sunday’s Outbreak News This Week Radio Show, I take a look at the new review in the Lancet Infectious Diseases concerning the resurgence of vector-borne diseases and the implications for spillover in the region, particularly looking at the topic of the malaria epidemic in the country. I also look at the recent statement by FDA Commissioner Dr. […]

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Venezuela epidemics: From measles to malaria with Dr. Alberto Paniz-Mondolfi

Sat, 16 Feb 2019 02:05:18 +0000

Venezuela’s tumbling economy and authoritarian rule have precipitated an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. The country is now experiencing a more than 1 million percent inflation, healthcare is in crisis with the exodus of biomedical scientists and qualified healthcare professionals. More than 280,000 children are at risk for death from severe malnutrition and according to the last […]

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CIDRAP Director, Michael Osterholm, PhD on Outbreak News TV

Sat, 16 Feb 2019 00:48:09 +0000

My first guest on the new YouTube program, Outbreak News TV is public health scientist, infectious disease expert and director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, or CIDRAP at the University of Minnesota, Michael Osterholm, PhD, MPH. Dr. Osterholm, who has been a guest on the podcast and radio show several times, […]

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Measles, vaccines and Ebola with Dr Rob Cohen

Wed, 13 Feb 2019 00:27:33 +0000

On today’s show, I want to continue my discussion with experts on the measles situation in the US and vaccines and the antivaccine movement. But I also want to look at the Ebola outbreak in DRC. Joining me today to look at these issues and more is Rob Cohen, MD. Dr. Cohen is a physician, […]

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The importance of vaccines with Dr. Libby Richards

Tue, 12 Feb 2019 02:49:13 +0000

Outbreaks of measles are currently being reported in Washington state, Oregon, Texas and New York. In fact, the CDC reported that in 2018, 349 individual cases of measles were confirmed in 26 states and the District of Columbia. This is the second-greatest number of annual cases reported since measles was eliminated in the U.S. in […]

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Measles, infections you can get from dogs and the cost of the rabies PEP

Fri, 08 Feb 2019 19:00:50 +0000

On this weekend’s show I look at several topics in the world of infectious diseases. The measles outbreaks here and abroad are a concern for many and I look at the latest from the US and the Philippines. I also do a segment of the various infectious disease risks related to dogs. In the second […]

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Vaccines, autism and a very important book

Fri, 25 Jan 2019 02:00:05 +0000

I just finished a must read book–a very important book in this day and age. It’s called Vaccines Did Not Cause Rachel’s Autism: My Journey as a Vaccine Scientist, Pediatrician, and Autism Dad. Author, Peter Hotez, MD, PhD joined me to discuss a number of important topics to include autism, the debunked vaccine-autism link, the huge public […]

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Vaccines and hysteresis with Xingru Chen

Fri, 25 Jan 2019 01:33:23 +0000

Despite the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases and public awareness of vaccine importance, why is it so challenging to boost population vaccination coverage to desired levels especially in the wake of declining vaccine uptake? A new study from Dartmouth College shows that past problems with vaccines can cause a phenomenon known as hysteresis, creating a negative […]

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Outbreak News This Week Radio Show 1-20-19

Sun, 20 Jan 2019 13:18:25 +0000

On today’s show on have two great interviews. First, Metabiota’s director of epidemiology, Patrick Ayscue, DVM joins me to discuss their predictions for the industries that are most likely to be impacted by a healthcare crisis in 2019. In addition, the Agricultural Program Manager with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Gary Flory joins me for a […]

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Madariaga virus with Dr Glenn Morris

Sat, 19 Jan 2019 01:17:33 +0000

Last week we learned of the emergence of yet another mosquito-borne virus. It’s called Madariaga virus and the human cases were confirmed in several schoolchildren in Haiti–the first time reported in the northern Caribbean. The cases were documented in a study in the journal, PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases. Joining me to discuss Madariaga virus, the study and […]

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Top 3 industries that will be impacted by epidemics in 2019 with Metabiota’s Dr Patrick Ayscue

Sat, 19 Jan 2019 01:00:35 +0000

Earlier this month, the pioneer in epidemic risk modeling, Metabiota, unveiled its predictions for the industries that are most likely to be impacted by a healthcare crisis in the year ahead. I was joined by Metabiota’s director of epidemiology, Patrick Ayscue, DVM to discuss these 2019 predictions. Related: The Global Virome Project: Providing timely […]

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Animal outbreaks on farms: How do they dispose of the carcasses?

Thu, 17 Jan 2019 00:40:50 +0000

Bird flu outbreaks among flocks, pig disease outbreaks like African swine fever. We see this in the news frequently enough. Have you ever wondered what is done with the carcasses of the dead and culled animals on livestock farms and how well do these methods protect the public health? Joining me today to shed some […]

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Outbreak News This Week Radio Show 1-13-19

Sun, 13 Jan 2019 12:41:16 +0000

On today’s show, I touch on some Florida news to include the suspected norovirus outbreak onboard the Royal Caribbean vessel, Oasis of the Seas, which as of today has accounted for some 600 GI cases in passengers and crew. I also look at some year end data from the Sunshine state concerning hepatitis A, mosquito […]

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Rabies: The fatal Virginia case and some important lessons

Sat, 12 Jan 2019 02:39:07 +0000

Rabies is a topic we report on on the website often and have discussed on the podcast several times. Last May, we reported on a human rabies death in a Virginia resident who traveled overseas, where she contracted it. Last week in the CDC publication, the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report or (MMWR), they published a […]

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Chikungunya and Lyme vaccine candidates with Valneva CEO Thomas Lingelbach

Sun, 30 Dec 2018 11:53:32 +0000

The biotech company, Valneva announced this month about the promising work and progress on two vaccine candidates–the mosquito borne virus, chikungunya and Lyme disease. On today’s show I am joined by Valneva President and CEO, Thomas Lingelbach to discuss the latest on these vaccine candidates. Related: Neglected Tropical Diseases: Chagas disease and schistosomiasis Lyme bacteria […]

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Outbreak News This Week Radio Show: 2018 Year in Review

Sun, 30 Dec 2018 11:25:40 +0000

On the final show of the year, I do my annual year in review with a look at the top 10 most important infectious disease news stories of the year, in my opinion of course. In addition, I unveil the top podcast of 2018 from Outbreak News Interviews (as far as downloads) and the top […]

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Neglected Tropical Diseases: Chagas disease and schistosomiasis

Sun, 23 Dec 2018 18:00:06 +0000

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs)– a diverse group of communicable diseases that prevail in tropical and subtropical conditions in 149 countries – affect more than one billion people and cost developing economies billions of dollars every year. Populations living in poverty, without adequate sanitation and in close contact with infectious vectors […]

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Lyme disease, the Federal Tick-borne Disease Working Group and an IDSA letter with Timothy Sellati, PhD

Sat, 22 Dec 2018 00:59:33 +0000

The Federal Tick-borne Disease Working Group recently released their first report to Congress about one year after the panel first convened. The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) responded to the report in a letter that contained some criticisms of the report. What is the Federal Tick-borne Disease Working Group, what’s in the report and […]

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Lyme bacteria persister forms, antibiotics and essential oils with Dr. Ying Zhang

Wed, 19 Dec 2018 23:04:56 +0000

Lyme disease is the most common vector borne-disease in the United States with approximately 300,000 cases reported annually. It is caused by the spirochetal organism Borrelia burgdorferi. While the majority of the Lyme disease patients can be cured with 2–4 weeks antibiotic treatment, about 10–20% of patients continue to suffer from persisting symptoms. My guest today […]

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Outbreak News This Week Radio Show 12-16-18

Sun, 16 Dec 2018 11:45:02 +0000

On today’s show, I look at a recent study from the Journal of Wildlife Management that looks at the population estimates and management options for introduced rhesus macaques in Florida. When you talk about rhesus macaques, that invariably leads into discussion about the dangerous virus for humans that get infected, herpes B. I spend a little time on […]

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Artemisia tea infusions used in the treatment of Schistosomiasis: A look at the study

Sat, 15 Dec 2018 03:16:49 +0000

Schistosomiasis, which is caused by parasitic flatworms, affects nearly 210 million people worldwide, primarily in Africa, Asia, and South America, and is responsible for about 200,000 deaths each year, according to the World Health Organization. A research team from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and several international organizations looked at tea infusions made from two species of […]

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Outbreak News This Week Radio Show 12-9-18

Sun, 09 Dec 2018 16:31:01 +0000

On today’s show I look at the ins and outs of Medicare for All, a single payer, government health insurance program popularized most recently by Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and now a number of new progressives recently elected are carrying the mantle with Sanders. I discuss what the program is designed to cover (which is […]

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Enterovirus D68, Acute flaccid myelitis and some of the research

Sat, 08 Dec 2018 00:56:17 +0000

Enteroviruses are the cause of a number of infections including hand, foot and mouth disease, the common cold and most recently, the condition called Acute flaccid myelitis or AFM. What are enteroviruses, particularly enterovirus D68, what do we know about them and what research is being done? Joining me to answer these questions about enteroviruses […]

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Outbreak News This Week Radio Show 12-2-18

Sun, 02 Dec 2018 11:41:13 +0000

On today’s show I look at two topics that are big–one in Africa and one here in the United States–and that’s the Ebola outbreak in the North Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the large hepatitis A outbreak in a number of states. The Outbreak News This Week Radio Show, the first and […]

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Chickenpox outbreak in an Asheville school: A ‘viral exchange center’

Mon, 26 Nov 2018 01:14:56 +0000

News of North Carolina’s largest chickenpox outbreak since the vaccine was available 23 years ago was reported in an Asheville school, which has grabbed a lot of attention recently. Closer to home, a chickenpox outbreak has been reported in a Polk County, Fl school where a half dozen children were infected. The common denominator among the […]

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Infant botulism and honey pacifiers

Mon, 26 Nov 2018 00:52:12 +0000

The Food and Drug Administration and the Texas Department of Health recently issued health alerts after four infants were hospitalized with botulism after using pacifiers containing honey. While essentially rare worldwide, ninety percent of the world’s cases of infant botulism are diagnosed in the United States, mainly because of physician awareness. So what is infant […]

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Medical history: 1918 influenza pandemic, Yellow fever in the US in the 18th and 19th centuries

Thu, 22 Nov 2018 15:30:57 +0000

On this Thanksgiving holiday weekend, I put together a show on two of the most important and interesting topics in medical history–the 1918 influenza pandemic and the yellow fever outbreak in the United States in the 18th and 19th centuries. These are older; however, very informative interviews. To discuss the 1918 influenza pandemic is historian […]

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Naegleria fowleri and the Jordan Smelski Foundation for Amoeba Awareness

Sat, 17 Nov 2018 18:43:30 +0000

The Outbreak News This Week Radio Show is prerecorded every Thursday and airs Sundays at 1 pm ET in the Tampa Bay area and worldwide streaming. I don’t typically put out the podcast of the show until after the show airs; however, I wanted for people to hear this particular show ahead of time. I was […]

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Bernie Sanders single payer health plan vs. the Canadian system: Some significant differences

Fri, 16 Nov 2018 03:14:31 +0000

Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders has been the most outspoken advocate for a single payer health care system in the US, or a “Medicare for all” system. In fact, he is frequently citing the Canadian system as one to emulate. Straight from his website we learn that Sander’s universal single-payer health care means comprehensive coverage for […]

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Trachoma: The SAFE strategy, the successes and a look forward to elimination

Wed, 14 Nov 2018 11:21:26 +0000

Trachoma is the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide. This bacterial neglected tropical disease is targeted to be eliminated as a public health problem in 2020. My guest today says in a post in the blog BugBitten that the future looks bright for trachoma elimination. Joining me to discuss trachoma , the elimination strategy and the […]

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Outbreak News This Week Radio Show 11-18-18

Sun, 11 Nov 2018 18:00:46 +0000

Measles, measles and more measles. On today’s show, I look at the measles situation here in the states and in Israel and Asia. I also look at a paper that demonstrates the importance of herd immunity. I play part of an older interview with an infection preventionist on measles. I look at some local hepatitis […]

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African swine fever, China and the risk to the US

Thu, 08 Nov 2018 00:31:37 +0000

African swine fever, or ASF, appeared for the first time in China over the summer and since that time, more than 50 outbreaks of ASF have been reported in domestic pigs in 13 provinces of China. Back in September, the UN warned at the time that the swine fever situation was “just the tip of […]

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Outbreak News This Week Radio Show 11-4-18

Sun, 04 Nov 2018 18:00:26 +0000

Crazy things in the media this week, and it’s not politics–that’s one of the major things I look at on the show today–anti-vaxx article being pulled and the massive Twitter backlash, fear mongering, buffoonish statements concerning infectious diseases crossing the US-Mexico border and warnings not to dress up your chickens for Halloween. In addition, I […]

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Adenovirus: What is it and why the high percentage of deaths in the NJ outbreak?

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 23:09:37 +0000

A rehab facility in Haskell NJ has been in the news cycle for the past week as they deal with an adenovirus outbreak. To date, 26 cases have been reported, primarily pediatric patients and nine have died. What is adenovirus and why the high percentage of deaths in this outbreak? Joining me to answer these questions […]

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Silicosis: What is it and how common is it in the US?

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 22:53:58 +0000

I recently read a report from India about miners in certain areas of the country coming down with a condition called silicosis. Demand from India’s booming construction industry for granite, sandstone and other minerals has seen the commissioning of more and more stone quarries and people to work in the quarries. What is silicosis and […]

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Outbreak News This Week Radio Show 10-28-18

Sun, 28 Oct 2018 18:00:15 +0000

On today’s show, I look at a wide range of important infectious disease news to include hepatitis A and the current situation in Florida and Pinellas County in particular. In addition, I look at the deadly adenovirus outbreak in a New Jersey rehab facility. With Halloween just a few days away, the Centers for Disease […]

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Outbreak New This Week Radio Show 10-21-18

Sun, 21 Oct 2018 18:00:26 +0000

On today’s show I spend a lot of time looking at the flu shot/flu season in light of the recent pediatric death reported here in Florida. I look at some disturbing trends and beliefs when it comes to flu shots and vaccines in general. Does the flu shot cause the flu? A survey by Orlando […]

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Lymphatic filariasis elimination: ‘The Government of Vietnam really deserve congratulations’

Fri, 19 Oct 2018 22:31:18 +0000

A mosquito-borne parasitic disease, lymphatic filariasis is one of nearly two dozen neglected tropical diseases. Infection is usually acquired in childhood and causes hidden damage to the lymphatic system. The painful and profoundly disfiguring visible manifestations of the disease, notably lymphoedema, elephantiasis and scrotal swelling, occur later in life and lead to permanent disability. In some exciting […]

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Hernias 101: What are they, who’s at risk and more

Fri, 19 Oct 2018 00:48:38 +0000

A hernia is a common medical condition that happens when part of an internal organ or tissue pushes through a weak area of muscle, creating a bulge. It is caused by a combination of muscle weakness and straining, like lifting something heavy. Most hernias occur in the abdomen, between the chest and the hips, and […]

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Outbreak News This Week Radio Show 10-14-18

Sun, 14 Oct 2018 18:00:40 +0000

On today’s show, I look at some various topics popular in the infectious disease news circles including Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM). This story has dominated the news this cycle ever since the cases out of Minnesota were reported. Since then, cases from Texas, New York, Washington, Colorado and others have made the headlines. Earlier this […]

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Balamuthia, neti pots and a unique case report

Fri, 12 Oct 2018 00:21:26 +0000

Balamuthia mandrillarisis a free-living ameba that can cause a serious encephalitis infection of the brain. It is thought to enter the body when soil containing Balamuthia comes in contact with skin wounds and cuts, or when dust containing Balamuthia is breathed in or gets in the mouth. More than 200 cases of Balamuthia infection have been diagnosed worldwide and according to […]

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Acute flaccid myelitis in Minnesota: An interview with Michael Osterholm, PhD

Tue, 09 Oct 2018 20:15:11 +0000

Minnesota state health officials reported recently on a number of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) cases in children that occurred in the past month. What is acute flaccid myelitis and what is the situation in Minnesota? Joining me today to discuss this important topic is Michael Osterholm, PhD, MPH. Dr Osterholm is the Director of the Center […]

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Trichomonas vaginalis treatment: New research shows multi-dose metronidazole is better in women

Tue, 09 Oct 2018 16:53:15 +0000

A new study led by a Tulane University researcher and recently published in the journal, Lancet Infectious Diseases, could change the way doctors treat the common, sexually transmitted parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis. Joining me today to talk about trichomoniasis and the new study is the lead author, infectious disease epidemiologist at the Tulane University School of Public Health and […]

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Outbreak News This Week: October 7, 2018

Sun, 07 Oct 2018 18:00:39 +0000

It was a huge news week in infectious disease and we cover some of the biggest stories here on the show today. I go over the odd report on a father-to-son HIV transmission in a very atypical way. The study was published in the journal, AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses. Another unusual report came from researchers […]

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Listeria monocytogenes: Who’s most at risk, pathology and common sources

Fri, 05 Oct 2018 10:38:11 +0000

South Africa just came out of a massive Listeria outbreak that sickened more than 1000 and killed more than 200. Associate Professor, Infectious Disease and International Medicine, USF Health, Sandra Gompf, MD joined me recently to discuss Listeria in this short podcast–who’s most at risk, the pathology, common sources of the bacterium and treatment. Gompf’s […]

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Ricin: A weapon of assassination rather than mass destruction

Tue, 02 Oct 2018 23:24:57 +0000

Today it was reported that the Pentagon mail facility received two pieces of mail Monday that initially tested positive for the toxin, ricin. CNN reports that the letters were addressed to Secretary of Defense James Mattis and to Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral John Richardson. It was latter reported that one piece of mail was […]

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Flu shots: Some protection is better than no protection

Tue, 02 Oct 2018 22:57:12 +0000

Last week, the CDC reported on a record-breaking estimated 900,000 flu hospitalizations and more than 80,000 deaths in the U.S. last flu season. My guest today, makes the case in Self magazine recently that while the flu shot is not 100 percent effective, you still need it. Joining me now is the author of the piece, Tara […]

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Bartonella and vampire bats: A look at the recent research

Tue, 02 Oct 2018 22:34:32 +0000

Bartonella are globally distributed bacteria that can cause endocarditis in humans and domestic animals. Bats have been implicated as a likely reservoir host for these bacteria, but little is known about how prevalence varies over time, routes of transmission, and the genetic diversity of Bartonella in bats. My guest today sheds some light on this topic in a […]

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Infectious disease ‘pearls’, part 2: Outbreak News This Week

Sun, 30 Sep 2018 18:00:35 +0000

A little over a month ago I did a podcast with today’s guest on various infectious disease topics from her book Gompfs ID pearls and because it was so well received and the fact that we really just scratched the surface on this interesting topic, I had to have her on for another round of […]

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Yersinia enterocolitica: Chitlins, blood transfusions and Reiter’s syndrome

Sat, 29 Sep 2018 18:47:32 +0000

Yersiniosis is an infection caused most often by eating raw or undercooked pork contaminated with Yersinia enterocolitica bacteria. CDC estimates Y. enterocolitica causes almost 117,000 illnesses, 640 hospitalizations, and 35 deaths in the United States every year. Associate Professor of Infectious Disease and International Medicine at USF Health, Sandra Gompf, MD joined me to talk about Y. enterocolitica infections, transmission via […]

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Osteomyelitis: Types, complications and imaging studies

Fri, 28 Sep 2018 23:28:43 +0000

Infection of the bone–short and sweet, that is the definition of osteomyelitis. Associate Professor of Infectious Disease and International Medicine at USF Health, Sandra Gompf, MD joined me to answer a few questions about this topic, something she addresses in her handy guide, Gompf’s ID pearls. During the discussion, Dr Gompf explains what the three basic types of […]

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Tetanus: Symptoms, treatment, prevention and more

Fri, 28 Sep 2018 08:53:05 +0000

Tetanus is a very serious, potentially fatal disease that typically occurs in people who have not been vaccinated. In this short Q&A, I talk to Associate Professor of Infectious Disease and International Medicine at USF Health, Sandra Gompf, MD about this topic, something she addresses in her handy guide, Gompf’s ID pearls. I ask her about the […]

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African sleeping sickness: A short Q&A with an ID physician

Thu, 27 Sep 2018 10:32:59 +0000

Transmitted by the bite of the tsetse flu (Glossina spp.), African trypanosomiasis, of sleeping sickness is a serious infection caused by microscopic parasites of the species Trypanosoma brucei. Although the infection is not found in the United States, historically, it has been a serious public health problem in some regions of sub-Saharan Africa. In 2014, 3,796 sleeping sickness […]

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Sepsis awareness with Dr Amy Sprague

Thu, 20 Sep 2018 17:30:58 +0000

September is Sepsis Awareness Month and according to the CDC, 1 in 3 people who die in a hospital have sepsis. 250,000 Americans die from sepsis each year. Joining me to talk about sepsis diagnostics, treatment, recovery and more is Dr. Amy Sprague. Dr Sprague is the Patient Safety Manager at the Roudebush VA Medical […]

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Undocumented immigrants and the import of infectious diseases: A real health security risk to the US?

Tue, 18 Sep 2018 00:01:20 +0000

George Mason University economics professor, Dr Walter Williams recently published an op-ed suggesting that illegal or undocumented immigrants are a source of infectious diseases in the country. Senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, Amesh Adalja, MD responded to Dr Williams thesis with a countering op-ed. So the question is, does the […]

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Outbreak News This Week: Monkeypox, Florida mosquito-borne viruses

Sun, 16 Sep 2018 12:03:04 +0000

With the unusual, in fact, first time the viral disease monkeypox was reported not once but twice in England this past week, I thought it would be good to learn more about the disease. Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics and Epidemiology at the Yale schools of Medicine and Public health and author of the book, Animal […]

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Sleep apnea in African Americans: Prevalent and undiagnosed according to study

Fri, 14 Sep 2018 23:40:26 +0000

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that is associated with an increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes and other chronic health disorders. Up to 90 percent of individuals with sleep apnea are undiagnosed and a large number of them are African-Americans. A new study by investigators at Brigham and Women’s Hospital looked at […]

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Leptospirosis: Risk, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Wed, 12 Sep 2018 22:24:28 +0000

Leptospirosis is a disease spread by animal urine. People get infected when they come in contact with urine of infected animals or with urine-contaminated water, soil, or food. We’ve seen recent news reports of increases in leptospirosis cases in countries like the Philippines and India due to recent storms and the subsequent flooding. To look at […]

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Sleep apnea: Symptoms, diagnosis and the CPAP machine

Wed, 12 Sep 2018 22:00:59 +0000

Sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, have become a significant health issue in the United States. It is estimated that 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, with 80 percent of the cases of moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnea undiagnosed. Obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA when left untreated can lead a multitude of health disorders. […]

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Chagas disease: UTEP professor discusses research and involving community

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 22:03:18 +0000

A professor at the University of Texas-El Paso is reaching out to the community there to help with research on Chagas disease and its vector, the kissing bug. Joining me to talk about Chagas, kissing bugs, the community involvement and Chagas research being done is Rosa Maldonado, PhD. Dr Maldanado is an Associate Professor with […]

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Florida experiencing high levels of mosquito-borne virus transmission: How to protect yourself?

Mon, 10 Sep 2018 22:56:39 +0000

A University of Florida entomologist recently urged Floridians to protect themselves against biting mosquitoes because of unusually high levels of mosquito-borne virus transmission, particularly Eastern Equine Encephalitis or EEE and West Nile Virus, in sentinel chickens, horses and humans so far this summer. Joining me today is said entomologist, Jonathan Day, PhD. Dr Day is […]

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Hospital bills: The enormous costs, negotiated insurance prices and the self-pay patient

Mon, 10 Sep 2018 22:29:50 +0000

Have you ever received a hospital bill and couldn’t quite figure out how it could possibly be that expensive? I recently had a same day surgery at a local hospital which had a price tag of $47,000. Fortunately for me, a contract with my health insurance negotiated the cost down to $6,000. How is this possible? […]

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Outbreak News This Week: Guests include Kamran Khan MD and Michael Osterholm, PhD

Sun, 09 Sep 2018 17:57:20 +0000

On the September 9 airing of the Outbreak News This Week Radio Show, I am joined by two great guests. In the first half, practicing infectious disease physician, Associate Professor of Medicine with the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Toronto and CEO of BlueDot, Dr Kamran Khan joined me to talk about some current […]

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STD contraction law explained

Fri, 07 Sep 2018 23:29:50 +0000

What is sexually transmitted disease (STD) contraction law? Is against the law for a person to knowingly infect someone or put someone at risk for contracting a STD? These and other questions are answered when I talk to leading STD contraction lawyer, Todd Kelly. Mr Kelly is an attorney with The Carlson Law Firm based out […]

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Cyclospora Blue-Ribbon Panel, China withholding H7N9 avian flu samples

Fri, 07 Sep 2018 09:01:54 +0000

Federal and state health officials have been investigating a multistate outbreak of Cyclospora infections linked to salad mixes distributed to McDonald’s by the Fresh Express since mid July. The latest numbers from the CDC put the parasite outbreak total to over 500 cases from 16 states. Fresh Express pulled the salad mix during the last week […]

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Measles, global surveillance and the work of BlueDot

Fri, 07 Sep 2018 08:40:06 +0000

Timely global surveillance of infectious disease threats around the world is critical for governments, healthcare organizations and businesses as they need actionable intelligence. BlueDot is a company that that does just that. Joining me to talk about some current and past outbreaks and the work of BlueDot is CEO Dr. Kamran Khan. In addition, Dr […]

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Antibiotics: Fluoroquinolone prescribing in the US

Mon, 03 Sep 2018 22:54:13 +0000

Fluoroquinolones are a type of antibiotic that is an important part of a physicians prescribing arsenal. However, they do carry with them some serious side effects and according to a new study published in the journal, Clinical Infectious Diseases, fluoroquinolones are commonly prescribed for conditions when antibiotics are not needed at all, or when they are […]

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Rabies: History, myths and diagnosis on Outbreak News This Week

Sun, 02 Sep 2018 18:00:20 +0000

Rabies has been a topic several times on the radio show where I looked at a variety of topics related to this lethal virus. On the return to the airwaves of the Outbreak News This Week Radio Show Sunday, I look at rabies with a different set of topics–some history, some mythology and public health and […]

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Monkeypox: Q&A with Dr Warren Andiman

Sat, 01 Sep 2018 00:17:23 +0000

Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that occurs mainly in the rain forest countries of central and west Africa. The disease was first discovered in laboratory monkeys in 1958. In 1970, monkeypox was reported in humans for the first time. In June 2003, monkeypox was reported in prairie dogs and humans in the United States. […]

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Doctorate in Clinical Laboratory Science (DCLS) with Dr Rodney Rohde

Tue, 28 Aug 2018 09:13:48 +0000

A relatively new advanced degree is now available at select institutions for Clinical Laboratory Scientists (CLS), or Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS), and that’s the Doctorate in Clinical Laboratory Science (DCLS). Texas State University Program Chair for the Clinical Laboratory Science Program, Rodney Rohde, PhD joins me on the show to talk about this exciting new degree for […]

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Infectious diseases: Some select ‘pearls’ with Sandra Gompf, MD

Tue, 21 Aug 2018 00:10:24 +0000

Infectious diseases are caused by pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi; the diseases can be spread, directly or indirectly, from one person to another. Zoonotic diseases are infectious diseases of animals that can cause disease when transmitted to humans. Infectious disease medicine requires an extensive understanding of the way in which bacterial, […]

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A ridiculous measles vaccine article examined

Thu, 16 Aug 2018 22:35:21 +0000

A person on my Facebook page, Infectious disease news, who frequently posts anti-vaccine comments and links to certain posts placed a link to a article from a website called Natural News. The author, SD Wells, asks the question and gives his or her answer in a piece called– Which has killed more people, measles or the […]

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Alzheimer’s Disease: The need to test the viral hypothesis

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 22:31:31 +0000

Today’s topic is hot with 3 major papers in the last few months, that is the viral hypothesis of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) was estimated to affect 35.5 million people worldwide in 2010 and is expected to affect 115.4 million people by 2050. Four members of the Human Herpes Virus family have been associated […]

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Fake medicines in developing countries: An interview with Dr Sachiko Ozawa

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 01:53:11 +0000

A new study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that substandard and falsified medicines, including medicines to treat malaria, are a serious problem in much of the world. Here to talk about this serious issue in more detail is Sachiko Ozawa, Ph.D. Dr Ozawa is a health economist and associate professor […]

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Totalitarian governments spawn infectious disease outbreaks that place other countries at risk

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 00:08:53 +0000

A recent Reuters article on the problem with Venezuela’s measles outbreak crossing the Brazilian border said the following: Brazil complained on Thursday that Venezuela was doing nothing to stop the spread of an outbreak of measles in Brazil and other neighboring countries that has been sparked by an exodus of Venezuelans fleeing economic collapse. This […]

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Lyme disease in the US: The Quest Diagnostics Health Trends report

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:50:25 +0000

Lyme disease is a potentially serious bacterial infection that is spread by bites from infected blacklegged ticks and deer ticks. The bacterium, called Borrelia burgdorferi, causes more than 300,000 illnesses each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The prevalence of Lyme disease is increasing in the United States and according […]

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Rat lungworm in the US: An interview with Dr Eugene Liu

Tue, 07 Aug 2018 20:20:11 +0000

Rat lungworm infection or Angiostrongyliasis is a parasitic infection that is relatively rare in the US; however, its effects on those infected can be quite serious. Last Friday, a CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report or (MMWR) looked at cases of CNS disease in the continental US for a 6 year period. Joining me on today’s […]

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Flu, amphiregulin and faster recovery in men

Mon, 06 Aug 2018 11:53:56 +0000

A recent study by Johns Hopkins researchers look at the flu and what may explain why men recover faster. The study published in the journal Biology of Sex Differences demonstrates increased amounts of a lung-healing protein called amphiregulin (AREG) could be the reason why men recover from influenza more quickly than women. Public health physician and vaccinologist, […]

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What is Capnocytophaga?

Sun, 05 Aug 2018 22:34:51 +0000

Last week I reported on a Wisconsin man who contracted a very serious infection with the bacterium, Capnocytophaga canimorsus and quickly went into septic shock. It is suspected he contracted the bacterium from a dog lick. The latest news on his condition was he had all four limbs amputated. So what is Capnocytophaga? Joining me […]

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Filariasis: Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia malayi

Wed, 01 Aug 2018 00:24:40 +0000

Filarial worms are long thread like worms that live in the tissue and body cavities of vertebrates. Their eggs mature into tiny larvae called microfilariae. There are at least eight filarids that are of importance to humans and today we’ll be talking about two of them—Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia malayi. Joining me to discuss filariasis […]

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Aum Shinrikyo: A look back at the terror

Fri, 20 Jul 2018 00:41:24 +0000

Shoko Asahara, founder of the doomsday cult Aum Shinrikyo and mastermind behind the deadly 1995 nerve gas attack in the Tokyo subway system and other crimes and acts of terror, and 6 other members were recently executed in Japan. Joining me to look at the cult Aum Shinrikyo and the acts of terror they committed […]

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Toxocara in the UK: A discussion with Dr Ian Wright

Wed, 18 Jul 2018 22:00:13 +0000

The CDC reports–A U.S. study in 1996 showed that 30% of dogs younger than 6 months deposit Toxocara eggs in their feces; other studies have shown that almost all puppies are born already infected with Toxocara canis. Research also suggests that 25% of all cats are infected with Toxocara cati. In humans, it has been […]

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Epstein-Barr Virus: The red-headed step child of the Herpes Virus family

Fri, 13 Jul 2018 23:17:29 +0000

The Herpes Virus family consist of a number of viruses–herpes simplex-1 and 2, cytomegalovirus (CMV), Varicella Zoster Virus (VSV) and Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV). EBV infects about nine out of 10 people and a good number will develop infectious mononucleosis (IM) Despite this, my guest today, infectious disease physician, Steven LaRosa, MD calls EBV “The red-headed step child […]

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Philippines: Manila Leptospirosis outbreak update with Dr. Ted Herbosa

Fri, 13 Jul 2018 10:30:59 +0000

Leptospirosis is a bacterial zoonotic disease caused by the corkscrew shaped organism, Leptospira. It goes by several other names depending on the locale; mud fever, swamp fever, sugar cane and Fort Bragg fever, among others. It is a disease of both humans and animals. On July 5th, the Philippines Department of Health declared a leptospirosis outbreak […]

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Giardia: The most common intestinal parasite found in humans in the US

Wed, 11 Jul 2018 00:06:57 +0000

Giardiasis is a diarrheal illness caused by the parasite Giardia intestinalis (also known as Giardia lamblia or Giardia duodenalis). It is the most common intestinal parasite found in humans in the United States. Globally, it infects nearly 2% of adults and 6% to 8% of children in developed countries and nearly 33% of people in developing […]

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Ron Paul is against compulsory vaccinations: Why I disagree

Sun, 08 Jul 2018 01:45:39 +0000

Earlier this week, former Texas Congressman and retired physician, Dr Ron Paul and his co host, Daniel McAdams did a show on the Ron Paul Liberty Report on state mandated, or compulsory vaccines and the latest on the Dr Bob Sears case. I’ve been a big supporter of Dr Paul for many years and agree […]

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Capillaria philippinensis: First described in the 1960s in the Northern Philippines

Wed, 04 Jul 2018 00:40:28 +0000

On today’s podcast, I talk to parasitologist and author, Rosemary Drisdelle about a potentially fatal roundworm first described in Northern Luzon, Philippines in the early 1960s, Capillaria philippinensis. Rosemary discusses the life cycle, pathology diagnosis and treatment of this serious nematode infection. In addition, she tells an interesting story concerning the history of the parasite. Related: […]

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Sustaining vaccine confidence in a post-truth era: Panel Q&A from ISNTD d³ 2018

Mon, 02 Jul 2018 11:55:53 +0000

In the second in a series of expert question and answer panels from the International Society of Neglected Tropical Diseases d³ (ISNTD d³) conference in London June 25-26th 2018, The Lancet Global Health’s Zoe Mullan chairs a great panel taking questions on the topic, Sustaining vaccine confidence in a post-truth era. The panel includes Angus Thomson (Sanofi Pasteur), Tikki Pangestu (Lee Kuan […]

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Redefining Access to Medicines: Panel Q&A from ISNTD d³ 2018

Mon, 02 Jul 2018 11:14:50 +0000

On today’s podcast, I’ll be playing an expert question and answer panel from the International Society of Neglected Tropical Diseases d³ (ISNTD d³) conference in London June 25-26th 2018. The Q & A is on the topic, Redefining Access to Medicines and is chaired by Andrew Jack of The Financial Times. Panel participants include: Dr. Beatrice Greco (Merck […]

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Keystone virus: An interview with John Lednicky, Ph.D.

Mon, 25 Jun 2018 23:49:35 +0000

Mosquito borne viruses that infect humans–the number are plenty with Zika, dengue, chikungunya, West Nile and Keystone virus? University of Florida researchers discuss the first human case of Keystone virus in a recent issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases. Joining me to talk more about this arbovirus and the first human case in a North Central Florida […]

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Strongyloides stercoralis: Severe and life-threatening infection in the immunosuppressed

Wed, 20 Jun 2018 00:19:11 +0000

On today’s show we discuss a most interesting parasite, the soil transmitted helminth, Strongyloides stercoralis. This parasite is more commonly found in areas that are relatively warm and moist, in rural areas, and areas associated with agricultural activity, but it can occur anywhere. Strongyloidiasis can be severe and life-threatening in persons who are immunosuppressed where forms of […]

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Animal Viruses and Humans: A discussion with author, Dr Warren Andiman

Thu, 14 Jun 2018 01:07:40 +0000

Animal viral diseases and spillover to humans results in some of the most important and devastating infections and outbreaks known to humans. My guest today looks at a number of these zoonotic diseases with superb storytelling interwoven with history, virology and public health. The name of the newly published book is titled Animal Viruses and […]

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Malaria series: Plasmodium malariae, P. ovale and the monkey malaria- Plasmodium knowlesi

Wed, 13 Jun 2018 00:12:12 +0000

In the final podcast in our short series on malarial parasites, we’re look at the two less common species–P. malariae and P. ovale. In addition, we will spend some time talking about the so called “monkey malaria”or the more common than we thought, Plasmodium knowlesi. Joining me is out go-to parasitology expert, author, Rosemary Drisdelle. […]

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Plasmodium falciparum, cerebral malaria and blackwater fever

Wed, 06 Jun 2018 00:06:30 +0000

In a follow-up to the podcast last week, Malaria: A general introduction and Plasmodium vivax, I continue the series on the malaria species. On today’s show, Parasitology teacher and author, Rosemary Drisdelle, joins me to talk about the deadliest species of malaria, Plasmodium falciparum. P. falciparum can cause severe malaria because it multiples rapidly in the blood, and […]

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Antibiotics: How to optimize the use and dosing of Vancomycin

Mon, 04 Jun 2018 23:02:25 +0000

We’ve discussed the use and misuse of antibiotics and antibiotic stewardship a number of times on this show and today we are going to look at the use of vancomycin. Infectious disease physician, Steven LaRosa, MD joins me to talk about vancomycin, evaluating the need to use it, the use of a loading dose and […]

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Lyme disease: Climate change and public policy

Thu, 31 May 2018 22:50:58 +0000

On today’s show, I talk about Lyme disease, the effects of climate change on the tickborne illness and issues of Lyme medical and public policy with the author of the book, Lyme: The First Epidemic of Climate Change, Mary Beth Pfeiffer. Check out more at The First Epidemic Zika, West Nile, Lyme and other vector-borne diseases […]

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Malaria: A general introduction and Plasmodium vivax

Wed, 30 May 2018 01:04:43 +0000

Malaria is probably the most important parasitic disease affecting man. The parasite belongs to the class Sporozoa and the genus Plasmodium, a name which means multinucleated mass. There are scores of named species of Plasmodium which infect various species of vertebrates. Four species are considered true parasites of humans, as they utilize humans almost exclusively […]

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Grain beetles and rat tapeworms

Wed, 16 May 2018 00:11:54 +0000

In a follow-up to an interview on the dwarf tapeworm, Hymenolepsis nana last week, this week we look a related cestode, the rat tapeworm. Hymenolepis diminuta is a tapeworm that occurs throughout the world. Its principal definitive hosts are rodents. Nevertheless, in rare instances, it can infect humans, typically by accidental ingestion of infected arthropods, often grain beetles. […]

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Skin Cancer Awareness Month: A discussion with Dr Edi Kaminska

Wed, 09 May 2018 23:44:20 +0000

As the title of the podcast indicates and as regular listeners know, the majority of the time I focus of infectious diseases. However, I do like to dedicate air time to other important health issues, and today’s topic is indeed important and unfortunately, all too common– and thats skin cancer. In fact, skin cancer is […]

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Hymenolepis nana: The dwarf tapeworm

Wed, 09 May 2018 00:25:18 +0000

In our running series on parasites, we’re going to look at another tapeworm–The dwarf tapeworm or Hymenolepis nana. Joining me is parasitology expert, author and friend of the show, Rosemary Drisdelle. Fasciola hepatica: The sheep liver fluke Dicrocoelium dendriticum: The lancet liver fluke Paragonimus: A look at this parasitic lung fluke Clonorchis sinensis: The Chinese liver […]

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Lyme Disease Awareness Month: Prevention, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Tue, 08 May 2018 23:06:14 +0000

Lyme disease season is here. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Lyme disease is the most commonly reported vector-borne illness in the United States, and 300,000 Americans are infected with Lyme disease each year. May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month and today we’ll be discussing Lyme disease prevention, signs and symptoms, […]

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Pubic Lice: They Don’t Call Them Crabs For Nothing

Wed, 25 Apr 2018 00:00:52 +0000

On today’s podcast we are going to finish up talking about human lice. On the last podcast we looked at head and body lice and we’ll tackle pubic lice or crabs on today’s show. It doesn’t matter what’s your status in life, crabs can be found on anyone, anywhere. The pubic louse, Phthirus pubis, is typically […]

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Pediculosis: Head and body lice

Wed, 04 Apr 2018 00:17:46 +0000

On today’s show we are going to look at some common ectoparasites–lice. According to the CDC, lice are parasitic insects that can be found on people’s heads, and bodies, including the pubic area. Human lice survive by feeding on human blood. Lice found on each area of the body are different from each other. The three […]

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STD testing with myLab Box co-founder, Lora Ivanova

Wed, 28 Mar 2018 23:51:25 +0000

Sexually transmitted infections are on the rise in the US and testing and treatment, if necessary, is important to prevent the spread of disease. Making lab testing more accessible, reliable and affordable with no need to drive, schedule appointments or wait in line is what myLab Box is all about. myLab Box co-founder, Lora Ivanova […]

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Trichomonas vaginalis: The sexually transmitted parasite

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 23:51:52 +0000

Trichomoniasis is the most common curable sexually transmitted infection. It is caused by the protozoan parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates 3.7 million people have the infection. Joining me today to discuss this protozoa is Parasitology teacher and author of Parasites, Tales of Humanity’s Most Unwelcome […]

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Schistosomiasis: In terms of impact, it’s second only to malaria as the most devastating parasitic disease

Wed, 14 Mar 2018 00:21:54 +0000

On today’s show, we talk about schistosomiasis. Health authorities say more than 200 million people are infected worldwide and in terms of impact, this disease is second only to malaria as the most devastating parasitic disease. My guest, Parasitology teacher and author of the book, Parasites: Tales of Humanity’s Most Unwelcome Guests, Rosemary Drisdelle joined me […]

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Travel health topics with Dr. Duellyn Pandis

Mon, 12 Mar 2018 00:59:33 +0000

Nurse practitioner and President and CEO of Passport Health of Tampa, Dr. Duellyn Pandis joined me in this interview from last summer to catch up on various topics of travel health and medicine. We discussed several travel destinations and the travel issues and advice for each. Dr. Pandis went over in detail the issue with the […]

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Organ donation: Kidney paired donations, Donate Life Month

Mon, 12 Mar 2018 00:41:29 +0000

In this podcast, I pull out two interviews from the past couple years concerning organ donation. The first interview, from June 2016, I am joined by President and Founder of the Living Kidney Donors Network (LKDN) and two-time kidney transplant recipient, Harvey Mysel to discuss kidney paired donations, or paired exchanges and how they work. In the second interview, I […]

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Vaccine law and exemptions

Sun, 11 Mar 2018 12:19:56 +0000

In this January 2017 interview, Professor of Law at UC Hastings College of Law, Dorit Rubinstein Reiss, PhD joined me to discuss the types and issues of vaccine exemption, the role and purposes of the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act and the corresponding National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program and other topics of vaccine law. Related: Thoughts on the […]

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The Global Virome Project: Providing timely data to battle future pandemics

Fri, 09 Mar 2018 23:44:04 +0000

Outbreaks of previously unknown viral and other diseases have the potential to inflict serious and massive negative health and economic impact on the world. A new program, a really big idea, is set to start this year and looks to stay one step ahead of this situation identifying viruses in advance and provide timely data for […]

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Lyme disease: Olivia’s story, the LivLyme Foundation and the TickTracker app

Fri, 09 Mar 2018 00:19:22 +0000

13-year old Olivia Goodreau has been living with Lyme disease for half her life. She joined me today to tell her story from the tick bite to a myriad of symptoms to visiting 51 doctors before being diagnosed with the tick-borne disease. Olivia also talked about her nonprofit organization, LivLyme Foundation, which supports the work of researchers and […]

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Legionella Conference 2018: Approaches for successfully preventing the spread of Legionella in buildings, hospitals and other at-risk facilities

Fri, 02 Mar 2018 00:25:08 +0000

NSF International, a global public health and safety organization, is hosting Legionella Conference 2018 – Managing Legionella and Other Pathogens in Building Water Systems on May 9-11, 2018, in Baltimore, Maryland. The three-day conference is sponsored by the National Science Foundation and marks the first time experts from industry, academia, public health, medicine and government […]

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Lassa fever: An interview with Dr Judy Stone

Thu, 01 Mar 2018 23:34:40 +0000

Nigeria is currently experiencing what is described as an “unprecedented outbreak” of Lassa fever. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and partners like the World Health Organization (WHO)are intensifying the outbreak response. So what is Lassa fever? I was joined by infectious disease physician, Dr Judy Stone in this Mar. 2016 interview to learn the […]

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Fasciola hepatica: The sheep liver fluke

Wed, 28 Feb 2018 01:08:12 +0000

On today’s podcast, we ventured back into the world of trematodes, or flukes and discussed the sheep liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica. Parasitology teacher and author of the book, Parasites: Tales of Humanity’s Most Unwelcome Guests, Rosemary Drisdelle joined me to talk about this parasite. Podcasts on other flukes: Dicrocoelium dendriticum: The lancet liver fluke Paragonimus: A look […]

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The Medical Laboratory profession: A discussion with Dr Rodney Rohde

Sat, 24 Feb 2018 10:56:01 +0000

According to the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS), Medical laboratory science professionals, often called medical laboratorians, are vital healthcare detectives, uncovering and providing laboratory information from laboratory analyses that assist physicians in patient diagnosis and treatment, as well as in disease monitoring or prevention (maintenance of health). Professor and Program Chair for the Clinical Laboratory Science Program at […]

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Thoughts on the eradicator of smallpox: ‘You can argue that he’s may of saved more lives than any other single human being in human history’

Fri, 23 Feb 2018 10:22:33 +0000

“If you induce a back of the envelope calculations given the hundreds of thousands of people who died every year of smallpox prior to when the campaign was started and looking at it now that its gone, D.A.’s work has saved literally tens of millions of lives. You can argue that he’s may of saved more […]

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Naegleria fowleri: A personal story

Fri, 23 Feb 2018 09:55:47 +0000

In 2009, infectious disease physician and University of South Florida professor, Dr. Sandra Gompf and her husband lost their son Philip to the parasite , Naegleria fowleri. In this 2015 interview, Dr Gompf joined me to discuss the amoeba, Philip’s infection, awareness campaigns she is involved in, new developments at the time in diagnostics and treatment and some […]

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The 1918 Influenza Pandemic: A short history and lessons learned

Thu, 22 Feb 2018 00:38:46 +0000

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the 1918 influenza pandemic–history’s worst epidemic which killed more people than all the military deaths in World War I and World War II combined. Historian and author of the book, The Great Influenza: The Story of the Deadliest Pandemic in History, John M. Barry joined me to discuss several […]

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Cystoisospora belli: The least common of the three intestinal coccidia

Wed, 21 Feb 2018 01:06:27 +0000

On today’s show we talke about a 3rd intestinal coccidian parasite and least common (remember we already discussed Cryptosporidium and Cyclospora), Cystoisospora belli, or you may remember it as Isospora belli. Joining me as always to talk about parasites is Parasitology teacher and author of the book, Parasites: Tales of Humanity’s Most Unwelcome Guests, Rosemary Drisdelle. Travel Deals […]

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Yellow fever in the US: A short history

Tue, 20 Feb 2018 01:34:53 +0000

Writer and author, Bob Arnebeck once wrote in A Short History of Yellow Fever in the US–From 1793 to 1822 yellow fever was one of the most dreaded diseases in the port cities of the United States. Statistically, one can dismiss it as inconsequential in comparison to tuberculosis and smallpox. Yellow fever did not kill that […]

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Gnathostomes and Asian swamp eels in the US

Sat, 17 Feb 2018 17:14:12 +0000

During 2005–2008, more than 1 billion live animals were legally imported into the United States for food or pet trade markets. One such animal, the swamp eel, can carry parasites (worms) called gnathostomes. If those eels are eaten undercooked or raw, this parasite can cause mild to serious (blindness, paralysis, and even death) consequences. This […]

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DVT and pulmonary embolism

Sat, 17 Feb 2018 13:21:39 +0000

An average 274 people in the US die from blood clots each and every day, according to data on the National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) website. Former Chair of Medicine, Lenox Hill Hospital and Professor of Medicine at Hofstra-NorthShore/LIJ School of Medicine, Dr. Jack Ansell joined to discuss the most important medical issue. Dr. Ansell went through a number […]

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Cannibal sandwiches and the health risks

Sat, 17 Feb 2018 12:15:34 +0000

What is a cannibal sandwich? A cannibal sandwich is by definition, raw ground beef typically served on rye bread or crackers with onions. Occasionally, a raw egg will be mixed with the meat. It is a traditional winter holiday specialty in certain regions of the upper Midwest. These are also called “tiger meat” sandwiches. In […]

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Bedbugs 101: An interview with Sarah Zukoff, PhD

Wed, 14 Feb 2018 12:01:57 +0000

In this radio interview from March 2015, my guest reminds us all that bedbugs are “still out there” despite the recent lack of media attention. Assistant professor of entomology at the Kansas State University Research and Extension Center, Sarah Zukoff, PhD joined me to answer some of the most common questions concerning these nuisance creatures: Where are bedbugs found?, […]

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The parasite best known as ‘Crypto’

Wed, 14 Feb 2018 01:04:21 +0000

In this episode in the series, Parasites 101, I talk to Parasitology teacher and author of the book, Parasites: Tales of Humanity’s Most Unwelcome Guests, Rosemary Drisdelle about the protozoa Cryptosporidiosis (or “Crypto” for short). Rosemary answers the question, “How common is it”, along with discussing the symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment of the parasite. […]

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Troubling statements about vaccines: Gloria Copeland and Milwaukee’s Patricia McManus

Tue, 13 Feb 2018 23:49:28 +0000

In recent weeks, two high profile individuals– a televangelist and the newly appointed Health commissioner of Milwaukee, WI–made very troubling anti-vaccine statements that garnered critiques by health experts. Charismatic televangelist Gloria Copeland basically told followers to skip the flu shot in favor of prayer and Milwaukee’s new Health commissioner, Dr Patricia McManus, the person responsible for […]

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Food allergies: An interview with Scott Riccio

Mon, 12 Feb 2018 02:23:43 +0000

According to Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), a food allergy is a serious and potentially life-threatening medical condition affecting up to 15 million Americans. One in every 13 children has a food allergy—that’s about 2 in every U.S. classroom. And every 3 minutes, a food allergy reaction sends someone to the emergency room. Scott Riccio, […]

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Lupus: An interview with Amy Yalden

Mon, 12 Feb 2018 02:00:05 +0000

The Lupus Foundation of America says lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body. Their research estimates that at least 1.5 million Americans have lupus. The actual number may be higher; however, there have been no large-scale studies to show the actual number of people in the U.S. living with lupus. […]

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Lone star ticks do not transmit the Lyme bacteria: Entomologist

Fri, 09 Feb 2018 00:26:41 +0000

Lyme disease was first described in the US in 1975– it’s a vector borne illness caused the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. It is transmitted to humans primarily by the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis and other species. Is the Lone Star Tick, Amblyomma americanum, also a vector of the Lyme bacteria? My guest today says it is not. Ellen […]

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Travel health: Philippines

Thu, 08 Feb 2018 00:14:56 +0000

The CDC Yellow Book says the number of people traveling internationally has continued to grow substantially in the past decade. According to the World Tourism Organization, there were 1.2 billion worldwide international tourist arrivals in 2015, an increase of 4% from 2013; 50 million more people spent a night at an international destination than in […]

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CDC: Lack of funding threatens the Global Health Security Agenda, What are the implications?

Tue, 06 Feb 2018 23:34:14 +0000

Last week it was reported in a number of media outlets that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) would be dramatically downsizing its epidemic prevention activities in 39 out of 49 countries because money is running out–That money is slated to run out by September 2019. The program is called the Global Health […]

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Lyme Madness: An interview with Lori Dennis

Sat, 03 Feb 2018 12:31:11 +0000

In this June 2016 interview, I talk to the author of Lyme Madness: Rescuing My Son Down The Rabbit Hole of Chronic Lyme Disease, Lori Dennis about the book, chronic Lyme disease and the multi-layers of issues surrounding it. In addition to being a writer, Lori is a Registered Psychotherapist and the mother of an adult son who […]

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Flashback: Discussing the West Africa Ebola outbreak (Circa 2014)

Fri, 02 Feb 2018 00:43:07 +0000

In this podcast, that was actually recorded in early November 2014, I started by giving some thoughts on Ebola in the US. This segwayed into a discussion with Associate Professor with the Department of Biostatistics, Environmental Health Sciences, and Epidemiology at Kent State University’s College of Public Health, Tara Smith, PhD. Dr. Smith addressed topics of how […]

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Pork tapeworm and cysticercosis

Wed, 31 Jan 2018 00:56:03 +0000

Taenia solium is a tapeworm that people get from eating raw or undercooked “measly pork”. The pork meat has cysticerci (the larval stage) which in the human intestine mature to an adult tapeworm. Here the tapeworm attaches to the intestine and produces thousands of eggs. Human cysticercosis occurs either by the direct transfer of Taenia […]

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India eliminating trachoma and other global health successes in 2017

Tue, 30 Jan 2018 11:18:22 +0000

My guest on today’s podcast says that while there were many successes in human development in 2017, arguably, the most significant achievements of the last 12 months were in global health. Public health physician and a vaccinologist, Dr Melvin Sanicas wrote in an article in Project Syndicate that he counted at least 18 unique successes in […]

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Balamuthia mandrillaris: Koral Reef’s story

Mon, 29 Jan 2018 23:40:04 +0000

This podcast is from a February 2015 radio interview with Sybil Meister. Sybil is the mother of Koral Reef Meister Pier, a young lady from California who contracted the rarely encountered parasite, Balamuthia mandrillaris in March 2013. Unfortunately, Koral lost her battle against the 95% fatal amoeba in Oct. 2014. I had the opportunity and honor to talk to Sybil and […]

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Raw sushi’s microbial risks: The worms and germs

Sat, 27 Jan 2018 00:58:50 +0000

The internet has been flooded by every possible news source covering a story about a man, who claimed he ate sushi daily, who presented to his doctor a 5 ½ ft long tapeworm. This is from a podcast called “This won’t hurt a bit” where a Fresno California physician told the story. What was this parasite […]

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Rabies: What should you do if you’re exposed?

Wed, 17 Jan 2018 23:41:38 +0000

Sadly, as many of you may know, a 6-year-old Eustis, Florida boy lost his battle with rabies earlier this week after contracting the lethal virus through a scratch from a bat. A Orlando hospital and the team of providers attempted the experimental Milwaukee protocol in an attempt to save his life but unfortunately it fell […]

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Bioterrorism, antibiotic resistance and pandemic flu: Discussing ‘Deadliest Enemy’

Mon, 15 Jan 2018 18:33:24 +0000

Last year, CIDRAP Director Michael Osterholm, PhD along with Mark Olshaker released the very interesting and relevant book, Deadliest Enemy: Our War Against Killer Germs. I talked to “Bad News Mike” last April on the radio show about some of the most important public health issues addressed in the book to include bioterrorism, vaccines, antibiotic resistance and pandemic […]

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PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections)

Mon, 15 Jan 2018 12:09:48 +0000

It is estimated that as many as 1 in 200 children are affected by PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections), according to the PANDAS Network. In this Feb. 2016 interview, Executive Director for the PANDAS Network, JC Konecny joined me to talk about PANDAS and PANS, the course of the illness, and the diagnosis and treatment of this […]

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The flu pandemic clock is ticking: Are we ready?

Wed, 10 Jan 2018 23:55:56 +0000

Many experts say a flu pandemic is clearly on the horizon, so the question is– Are we ready for a flu pandemic? My guest today says- not so much -as he outlined in a NY Times op-ed earlier this week. CIDRAP director, Michael Osterholm PhD joined me to discuss his views on why he believes […]

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Taenia saginata: The beef tapeworm

Wed, 10 Jan 2018 01:24:17 +0000

Taeniasis is a parasitic disease due to infection with tapeworms belonging to the genus Taenia. Three tapeworm species cause taeniasis in humans, Taenia solium, Taenia saginata and Taenia asiatica. On today’s show, I will be talking to my guest, Parasitology teacher, author and friend of the show, Rosemary Drisdelle about the beef tapeworm, Taenia saginata. Parasites: Tales of Humanity’s […]

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Rotary International and the battle against polio

Tue, 09 Jan 2018 23:14:00 +0000

The latest report from the Global Polio Eradication Initiative shows that 21 wild poliovirus cases were reported in 2017 from two countries–Afghanistan and Pakistan. The question some are asking is –Is 2018 the year we make history and see zero cases of polio? Rotary International has been integral in this amazing success in the battle […]

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Raw water: ‘In defiance of everything science tells us’

Tue, 09 Jan 2018 01:54:57 +0000

Fads and movements on what we do and don’t put in our bodies seem to plague the US and latest one has originated out of California. There has been a huge demand in Silicon Valley for very expensive “raw water”. Raw water is supposedly unfiltered, untreated, unsterilized spring water according to a NY Times report. […]

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Measles: The ABCs of this very contagious viral disease

Sat, 06 Jan 2018 14:22:42 +0000

In this podcast from a Outbreak News This Week Radio Show interview from Jun. 2016, we examine the ABCs of the extremely contagious viral disease, measles. I am joined by registered nurse, infection control specialist and a freelance writer, Erin Archer Kelser. Erin discusses the history of measles in the United States, symptomology, complications, the vaccine and […]

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The growing anti-vaccine movement: A discussion with Dr Peter Hotez

Fri, 05 Jan 2018 17:16:42 +0000

The successes of vaccines in the battle with infectious diseases is quite clear with the dramatic drop in measles deaths, the elimination of smallpox and the near elimination of polio, just to name a few. However, there is a growing anti-vaccine movement despite this and my guest, Dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at […]

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Infectious diseases Year-in-review 2017 with Dr Judy Stone

Fri, 05 Jan 2018 16:45:27 +0000

Antibiotic resistance, Sexually transmitted diseases,Vaccine preventable diseases and septic shock. These important infectious disease topics and others were featured in a recent “Year-in-review”article on Forbes entitled, Infectious Disease Roundup 2017 — The Year In Review . The author, infectious disease physician Judy Stone, MD, joined me to give her thoughts– scientific, medical and political– on these issues. Read […]

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The Donald Trump neurosyphilis article: Should a physician comment on this from a distance?

Thu, 04 Jan 2018 02:11:08 +0000

Nearly one year ago, an infectious disease physician named Dr. Steven Beutler wrote a piece in the New Republic where he asked the speculative question–Many mental health professionals believe the president is ill. But what if the cause is an untreated STD? In a Feb. 2017 interview from the radio show, infectious disease physician, Amesh Adalja, MD joined […]

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Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever: Increasing spread predicted

Mon, 01 Jan 2018 23:28:15 +0000

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is caused by a dangerous tick-borne virus, (Nairovirus) of the Bunyaviridae family, that is endemic in Africa, the Balkans, the Middle East and Asian countries south of the 50th parallel north – the geographical limit of the principal tick vector. In Sept. 2016, we reported on the first local transmission of the tick-borne infection, Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic […]

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A syphilis primer

Mon, 01 Jan 2018 00:56:03 +0000

Syphilis numbers are growing around the US and around the world as more and more states and countries release data. In this interview from Apr. 2016, I speak to the Director of Communications for the American Sexual Health Association/National Cervical Cancer Coalition, Fred Wyand to discuss the syphilis situation. We go over the ABC’s of syphilis, why […]

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Foodborne parasites in the US

Sat, 30 Dec 2017 15:31:06 +0000

In this podcast, I pulled out a radio interview from the 4th of July 2016 weekend where the discussion was on foodborne parasites found in the United States. I was joined by microbiologist and the man behind the website, Parasitology Illustrated, Wilson Vientos. We spent at least a half hour talking about the Centers for Disease Control […]

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Stevens-Johnson Syndrome: A personal story

Fri, 29 Dec 2017 11:20:06 +0000

In this podcast episode, originally from the Outbreak News This Week Radio Show in Mar. 2017, I look at the rare condition, usually brought on by medications or infections, Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) with a person that actually went through this painful immune-complex–mediated hypersensitivity complex. Donna Rushing of Tampa was diagnosed with SJS one year ago and talks about the […]

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Anti-vaccine arguments rebutted

Thu, 28 Dec 2017 01:34:53 +0000

About three years ago, the website, VacTruth.com published an article entitled, “10 Reasons Not To Vaccinate”, which laid out such arguments like “Vaccine do NOT work”, “Are vaccines cause a host of ‘chronic, incurable, and life threatening diseases’? and “Vaccines have never been proven safe or effective”. The theme of my Jan. 2015 interview with Director of the […]

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Bats, White-nose syndrome and Bat Conservation International

Wed, 27 Dec 2017 01:51:20 +0000

According to the USGS, White-nose syndrome (WNS) is an emergent fungal disease of hibernating bats that has spread from the northeastern to the central United States at an alarming rate. Since the winter of 2007-2008, millions of insect-eating bats in 31 states and five Canadian provinces (as of September 2017) have died from this devastating disease. Bat Conservation International Director […]

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Hashimoto’s disease Q & A

Wed, 27 Dec 2017 01:08:35 +0000

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States with some 200,000 cases reported annually. It is an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies directed against the thyroid gland lead to chronic inflammation. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis occurs most commonly in middle aged women, but can be seen at […]

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Vaccine history: Cell strain WI-38

Tue, 26 Dec 2017 01:24:56 +0000

According to a paper published in AIMS Public Health earlier this year–We estimate the number of lives saved and morbidity reduction associated with the discovery of the first human cell strain used for the production of licensed human virus vaccines, known as WI-38. The diseases studied include poliomyelitis, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), herpes […]

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Lyme disease: New research on Borrelia burgdorferi persistence

Sat, 23 Dec 2017 12:22:55 +0000

Lyme disease is one of the most common infectious diseases in the United States with about 329,000 new cases each year, according to statistics released in 2015 by the CDC. Lyme disease is a potentially disabling infection caused by bacteria transmitted through the bite of an infected tick to people and pets. The efficacy and accepted regimen […]

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Naegleria fowleri: Study on death estimates, treatment success and the northward expansion of infections

Tue, 19 Dec 2017 00:25:29 +0000

Naegleria fowleri is a protozoan parasite , more specifically an amoeba. This lethal parasite is commonly referred to as the “brain eating amoeba” in mainstream media. It is generally considered a rare cause of human infections in the US with a handful of cases (2-3) reported annually on average, almost universally fatal. However, researchers in […]

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Outbreaks and the role of health promotion

Sat, 16 Dec 2017 12:43:28 +0000

What is health promotion and what is its role and importance in disease outbreaks? Author of the new book, Health Promotion in Disease Outbreaks and Health Emergencies, Glenn Laverack, PhD joined me on the show to answer these questions and more. He discussed the role of community involvement, communications and social media in a health emergency. In […]

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Animal research: The benefits, the regulations and the reality

Sat, 16 Dec 2017 02:42:22 +0000

Tens of millions of animals are used for scientific and commercial research in the US that benefits humans and animals alike. Despite the obvious benefits, animal research draws much criticism in some circles with the most common argument revolving around the case that it is cruel and inhumane. Director, Center for Comparative Medicine at the Baylor College of […]

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Bacterial meningitis and vaccinations: A discussion with Dr. Leonard Friedland

Wed, 13 Dec 2017 23:48:01 +0000

Meningitis is an inflammation or swelling of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. Bacterial meningitis is very serious and potentially deadly. In recent weeks we’ve reported on cases on college campuses like Oregon State University and UMass Amherst. In addition, we’ve seen outbreaks in […]

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Guinea worm disease: A discussion about the ‘fiery serpent’

Wed, 06 Dec 2017 00:56:14 +0000

Dracunculus medinensis. The “fiery serpent”. Guinea worm. It is set to become the second human disease in history, after smallpox, to be eradicated. It will be the first parasitic disease to be eradicated and the first disease to be eradicated without the use of a vaccine or medicine. Joining me to discuss this parasite is Parasitology […]

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The cost of measles: A CDC review

Tue, 05 Dec 2017 23:17:55 +0000

A measles outbreak investigation can be a very expensive task as was demonstrated in the Minnesota outbreak earlier this year when some 79 mostly children were infected costing the health department $2.3 million during the five-month outbreak. Recently in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), an analysis was published looking at the Public Health […]

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Dicrocoelium dendriticum: The lancet liver fluke

Wed, 22 Nov 2017 01:49:01 +0000

On today’s show we will be talking about a trematode or fluke that is not seen often in humans, but is fascinating just the same Dicrocoelium dendriticum, or the lancet liver fluke. Joining me to lend her expertise in answering questions about this flatworm is Parasitology teacher and author of Parasites: Tales of Humanity’s Most Unwelcome […]

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