Transmissible: A Public Health Podcast

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

In this episode of "Transmissible: A Public Health Podcast," we journey to mid-19th century Vienna to uncover the tragic yet inspiring story of Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis. Dr. Semmelweis's revolutionary epidemiologic work proved the importance of handwashing in preventing childbed fever, yet he faced fierce resistance from the medical establishment of his time. Despite the initial rejection and personal...

In this episode, host Jessica Stahl, MPH, explores how health outcomes are improved when patients seek a second opinion. According to the Cleveland Clinic, second opinions change the diagnosis in 28% of cases and modify treatment plans in 72% of cases. The global medical second opinion market is projected to grow from USD 7.12 billion in 2024 to USD 20.45 billion by 2031, reflecting its increasing...

☀️💦🦠In this episode, Jessica (who is also a toddler mom) dives into the pathogen hazards of splash pads when the water is not treated properly. She discusses the dangers posed by Naegleria fowleri, a brain-eating amoeba, and Cryptosporidium, a parasite causing severe gastrointestinal illness. Learn about the risks, symptoms, and essential safety measures to protect your family while enjoying spl...

🐄🦠In this episode, Jessica provides the latest updates on H5N1 bird flu, discussing recent developments, and the third case of cow-to-human transmission. She also discusses what the "H" and "N" mean in H5N1. Come hangout! Citations: H5N1 Bird Flu: Current Situation Summary | Avian Influenza (Flu) (cdc.gov) Influenza Type A Viruses | Avian Influenza (Flu) (cdc.gov) How CDC is...

In this episode, we review CDC's May 24, 2024, MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report) on the outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) viruses in U.S. dairy cattle and the detection of two human cases in 2024. We'll explore the implications for public health and the measures taken to control the outbreak. Outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Viruses in U....

For this episode of Transmissible: A Public Health Podcast, discuss the biology of Lyme disease, the vector responsible for transmission, and the bacteria that cause it. We'll break down the symptoms in humans, the latest treatments available, and the testing methods used for diagnosis. Our journey doesn't stop there; we'll take a look back at the history of Lyme disease and bring you...

In this episode we cover the fascinating history of Nathan Straus, the co-founder of Macy's department store, and how he saved thousands of lives through his milk pasteurization philanthropy. Citations:  ⁠https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0362028X22087610⁠ (graph!) https://ephemeralnewyork.wordpress.com/2011/11/03/the-milk-stations-that-saved-the-lives-of-city-kids/ https://po...

This week Jessica dives into the fascinating and emerging world of Alaskapox virus , now renamed Borealpox virus . She discusses the name change and what we currently know about this "new" virus. Citations: https://health.alaska.gov/dph/Epi/id/Pages/Borealpox.aspx https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=northernredbackedvole.main (cute vole alert!) https://alaskapublic.org/2024/04/01/...

🍋⚓️💀This week Jessica is covering the fascinating and odd history and science of scurvy! She also says "um" too much due to being sick :( enjoy! Disclamer: This podcast provides general information and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider regarding any medical condition. Reliance...

📋✍️🦠This week's episode of "Transmissible: A Public Health Podcast," is all about the world of public health job applications! Whether you're a recent graduate or seasoned professional, we've got you covered with practical tips and a comprehensive list of job titles to explore.

In this episode, we explore the minute by minute timeline of the Chernobyl disaster and its lasting impact on public health . From the 1986 explosion of Reactor 4 to the long-term consequences of radiation exposure on affected communities, we uncover the tragic toll of the accident. We close out the episode with a discussion on disaster preparedness and lessons learned. Citations: https://www.atom...

🧬🦟🌴In this episode of Transmissible: A Public Health Podcast, we dive into the fascinating world of chikungunya virus (CHIKV). We discuss its microbiology, clinical presentation, and how it differs from dengue fever. We also explore the history and epidemiology of CHIKV. Join us as we unravel the complexities of this mosquito-borne disease and its implications for public health worldwide. Citat...

🏔️🧬In this episode, join us as we uncover the secrets of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) , exploring its biology, history, and epidemiology with a special emphasis on the fearless disease detectives who ventured into the Wild West, particularly in Montana's Bitterroot Valley. From the pioneering work of Dr. Howard T. Ricketts to the groundbreaking research by Drs. Roscoe Spencer and Ralph...

In today's episode, Jessica shares her journey as a public health professional, offering helpful tips and tricks for navigating the application processes along the way. Next week, we'll return to our regular broadcasting schedule. :) Once again, nothing said here reflects the views of any former or current employers or organizations.

Uncover the science surrounding the transmission of Rat Lungworm Disease as Jessica navigates through the life cycle of Angiostrongylus cantonensis and its role in spreading this unique illness. Explore how environmental factors, human behavior, and global travel play pivotal roles in the widespread impact of Rat Lungworm Disease. Citations: https://www.cdc.gov/dpdx/angiostrongyliasis_can/index.ht...

🤰🔬In this episode, we embark on a scientific exploration of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia , two potentially fatal conditions that affect maternal health during pregnancy. Jessica also shares her personal story of pre-eclampsia with the birth of her son. New public health episodes every Wednesday! Citations: https://www.preeclampsia.org/ https://blogs.cdc.gov/genomics/2022/10/25/preeclampsia/ https...

This week Jessica deep dives into the fascinating world of the Zika Virus. We cover the science, history, epidemiology, transmission and more. New episode every Wednesday! Great CBS video about Zika: https://www.cbsnews.com/video/zika-children-of-the-outbreak/ Citations: https://www.cdc.gov/pregnancy/zika/data/index.html https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/zika-virus https://www.paho....

🦟🧬 Uncover the science behind Dengue virus transmission as Jessica navigates through the Aedes mosquitoes' role in spreading this formidable disease. Learn how environmental factors, urbanization, and global travel contribute to Dengue's widespread impact and what public health professionals are doing to build laboratory capacity around the world. As always, nothing Jessica says is medic...

Happy New Year! Mid-week public health news updates + job opening shoutouts for public health professionals: -More Virulent Mpox Clade Can Be Sexually Associated, WHO and CDC Warn (JAMA Network) -Despite Safe and Effective Vaccine, Measles Cases and Deaths Increased Worldwide From 2021 to 2022 (JAMA Network) -Travel Advisory Level 2 for Nigeria and Niger due to Diphtheria + job opportunities that...

Join Jessica as she covers the breaking public health news headlines and goes over current public health/epidemiology job openings. Headlines we cover: -White Lung/North China Respiratory illness updates (it's still clickbait) -Dengue spreading globally -West and Central Africa facing ongoing humanitarian crisis due to conflict, food prices, and climate per UN - Reviewing: The effectiveness of...

Jessica discusses today's public health news updates which include: "Mouse fever" aka hemorrhagic fever renal syndrome spreading among Russian frontline troops Mpox Clade I (previously called Monkeypox) spreading in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, US physicians warned to be on the lookout New malaria vaccine could save more than 600 lives per 100,000 children, as well as preven...

Happy Wednesday! Today we are covering these news stories: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever outbreak in Southern California/Northern Mexico Breakthrough treatment for Sickle Cell Disease (CRISPR) 1,500% increase in poison control calls for Ozempic/Semaglutide overdoses Millenial women not better off than previous generations

Monday morning episode to cover breaking global and public health news for the week of December 11, 2023. Stories: Anthrax outbreak in Zambia Mystery illness in dogs is spreading in the US Food recalls + hospitalization and death stats COVID-19 & Flu cases increase while RSV may have peaked $777 million dollars donated to combat NTDs in Africa and Yemen Citations: https://www.cdc.gov/outbreaks...

Mini episode about the medical buzzword phrase circulating the internet: whit lung syndrome. Let's dig into the facts! Clickbait or threat? I say clickbait. Citation: Tom Frieden interview: https://youtu.be/mqHdozyqpY0?si=N_LNepgJbLPluMJ_ CBS article: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ohio-white-lung-pneumonia-not-linked-to-china-outbreak-novel-pathogen-experts/