Transmissible: A Public Health Podcast

A rare outbreak of Andes virus hantavirus linked to an Antarctic cruise voyage has drawn international attention following multiple deaths, confirmed human-to-human transmission, and quarantine measures involving several countries. In this episode of Transmissible: A Public Health Podcast , scientist Jessica Stahl examines the science behind hantaviruses, the epidemiological data surrounding Andes...

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

Influenza is rising rapidly across the U.S., and headlines about H3N2 and “new variants” are everywhere. In this episode, I break down what the data actually show, what’s driving this flu season, what H3N2 subclade K really means, how well the flu shot is holding up (spoiler- it's doing fine!), and what matters most for protecting your family. Using current CDC surveillance data and real-world...

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

In this episode we dive into the strange and fascinating world of Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), the delayed meat allergy that can appear after a tick bite. We talk through what AGS actually is, how ticks (lone star, blacklegged and western blacklegged ticks) introduce it into the body, and why some people develop an allergic reaction hours after eating red meat. You will hear about the symptoms people...

In this episode, I break down how to identify your actual dream job in public health using a simple “mental algorithm” so you’re not just scattering applications into the void, but moving with clarity and purpose toward a career that actually excites you. We talk honestly about the brutal November 2025 public health job market and how to think in terms of transferable skills. I walk you through ho...

In January 1925, a deadly diphtheria outbreak threatened the small, frozen town of Nome and the only hope was antitoxin that had to be rushed across Alaska by dog sled in the middle of a massive, subzero blizzard. In this episode, we break down the science of diphtheria, the relay that became known as the Great Serum Run, and the real story behind Togo, Balto, and the race that saved lives. Citati...

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

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

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

Phototherapy is one of the most effective and quietly revolutionary treatments in public health. Every year, hundreds of thousands of newborns around the world develop severe jaundice and for most, a simple blue light can prevent irreversible brain damage or even death. But access to that light isn’t universal. In this episode, we explore the science of jaundice and bilirubin, why newborns are par...

In this episode of Transmissible , we take a critical, evidence-based look at the claim that vaccines cause autism — and examine how this misconception gained traction. We systematically review both methodologically sound and methodologically flawed studies, highlighting key differences in study design, bias, confounding, and statistical interpretation. We’ll break down epidemiologic study types (...

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

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

In this special mini-episode of Transmissible , host Jessica shares a heartfelt thank-you to the hardworking federal employees and contractors at the CDC. Amid heated online rhetoric and job eliminations, Jessica, who has worked extensively with CDC in laboratories, international training, and emergency responses, sets the record straight about what these professionals actually do. From combating...

Norovirus—often called the perfect pathogen —is one of the leading causes of acute gastroenteritis outbreaks worldwide. Responsible for widespread illness across all age groups, it remains a major cause of childhood and endemic infections. Originally described as winter vomiting disease due to its seasonal surges, norovirus is infamous for its rapid spread, low infectious dose, and resistance to d...

In 2023, measles claimed an estimated 107,000 lives, yet vaccination has prevented a staggering 60 million deaths since 2000. Despite this, measles remains a pressing issue in many developing countries, particularly in parts of Africa and Asia. On this episode of Transmissible: A Public Health Podcast , we dive deep into the science behind this highly contagious disease. From its pathogenesis and...

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

In this mini-episode of Transmissible , Jessica provides an urgent global health update on a mysterious illness emerging in a remote region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. With symptoms like fever, cough, and anemia, and a widely varying death toll, health officials are racing to identify the cause of this outbreak. Jessica explains the challenges of disease surveillance in such remote areas,...

Correction! Frances Oldham Kelsey was a woman. I accidentally assumed she was a man based on “Frances”. This week on Transmissible: A Public Health Podcast , Jessica shares a deeply personal and scientific exploration of morning sickness AKA nausea and vomiting during pregnancy—a condition she's navigating firsthand while managing type 1 diabetes. Drawing on her professional experience as a scient...

In this episode of Transmissible , we dive into the public health challenges posed by hurricanes, cyclones, and typhoons. These powerful storms go beyond their immediate destruction, sparking a cascade of health crises in their aftermath. From waterborne diseases and injury risks to disruptions in healthcare services and long-term mental health impacts, the effects of these natural disasters are f...

In this episode of Transmissible: A Public Health Podcast , we dive into the intersection of public health and professional sports. With the NFL's 2024 kickoff rule changes aimed at reducing head injuries, we explore the latest data on CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) and its impact on athletes. Join us as we break down what these rule changes mean from a public health perspective, exami...

In this episode of Transmissible , we explore the lasting impact of the September 11th, 2001, terrorist attacks, focusing on the thousands still affected by 9/11-related illnesses. With deaths from these illnesses now believed to have surpassed those from the initial attacks, we dive into the ongoing challenges faced by survivors and first responders. Join us as we discuss the efforts of public he...

Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is a rare but severe viral infection that causes inflammation of the brain, often leading to death or long-term neurological issues. Transmitted by mosquitoes, EEE has a fatality rate of around 30% among those who develop symptoms. While the disease predominantly affects horses, humans can also be infected, though they are considered "dead-end" hosts, me...

Welcome to this mini episode of Transmissible. Jessica Stahl, MPH, covers the latest updates on the unfolding mpox outbreak. CDC has issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Update about the monkeypox virus (MPXV) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern. Tune in to learn more...