Outbreak News Interviews

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently warned that a major chikungunya virus epidemic risks sweeping around the globe, calling for urgent action to prevent it. The call-to-action urges countries to scale their lab diagnostics and surveillance, train staff, and strengthen healthcare systems as cases are appearing in popular travel destinations across Europe, Africa and Southeast Asia. Joining me today to examine this topic is Ben Simone, MD, FFPH. He is the Global Medical Affairs Director Travel Vaccines at Bavarian Nordic.

August is Psoriasis Awareness Month. This annual observance aims to educate the public about psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune condition that affects millions worldwide, and to support those living with it. Joining me today to talk about psoriasis is Rosanne Paul, DO. Dr Paul is an assistant professor of dermatology at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.

Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a rare but serious eye infection caused by a microscopic parasite called Acanthamoeba. It primarily affects the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, and can lead to significant pain, inflammation, and potential vision loss. Contact lens wearers are particularly at risk due to improper hygiene practices, but anyone can be affected. My guest today founded The Acanthamoeba Keratitis (AK) Eye Foundation in 2022. Joining me today is Juliette Vila Sinclair Spence. Juliette is the Founder & Chairwoman of the Acanthamoeba Keratitis (AK) Eye Foundation.

Rapid data collection can provide an insight into causation, the socio-cultural reality, and complex social processes. This is especially important in disease outbreaks when information is quickly required on local needs that is essential for success. My guest today will discuss rapid data collection and how it is applied in a hantavirus outbreak in Argentina. He will also discuss its use within the contact of Ebola. Joining me today is Glenn Laverack, PhD. Dr Laverack is a professor at the College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Institute of Public Health at UAE University. He is also the author of a number of books on health promotion and outbreaks.   The Challenge of Rapid Data Collection and Health Promotion: A Quick and Easy Approach

In today's news cast, I look at the growing yellow fever outbreak in Tolima Department, Colombia.

In this end of week news cast, I look at some of the news I found most most interesting to includes news from Cambodia, south China, Vietnam, Bolivia and the United States, among others.

AMR Initiative Rwanda is a nonprofit organization implementing the One Health approach to prevent, mitigate, and control the spread of resistant microorganisms, while ensuring the availability of safe, effective, and high-quality antimicrobials, and promoting their prudent and rational use in Rwanda. Joining me today from Kigali, Rwanda is Marcel Ishimwe. Marcel is a pharmacist and the founder and CEO of AMR Initiative Rwanda.

Senegal has eliminated the blinding disease trachoma as a public health problem, the World Health Organization announced last week. This means that more than nine million people in the country are no longer at risk of losing their sight to the disease. Joining me from Nigeria to discuss trachoma and the milestone in Senegal is Dr Caleb Mpyet. Dr Mpyet is a trachoma specialist, epidemiologist and eye doctor. He is trachoma technical adviser for Sightsavers.

Chagas disease is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. Nuisance blood-sucking insects known as kissing bugs spread the parasite to humans when exposure to their feces penetrates the mucus membranes, breaches the skin or gets orally ingested. Researchers from the University of Florida Emerging Pathogens Institute and Texas A&M University gathered their resources to investigate the potential of vector-borne transmission of Chagas in Florida.The 10-year-long study, published in the Public Library of Science Neglected Tropical Diseases, used data from Florida-based submissions, as well as field evidence collected from 23 counties across Florida. Joining me today to talk about the study and their findings is Norman Beatty, MD. Dr Beatty is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Florida College of Medicine. He is also a member of the Emerging Pathogens Institute at the University of Florida.     Field evidence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection, diverse host use and invasion of human dwellings by the Chagas disease vector in Florida, USA

Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe since 1980, is a landlocked country in Southeast Africa. From 1978-1980, Rhodesia experienced one of the largest anthrax epidemics in recorded history. This led to the deaths of hundreds and caused significant economic devastation. The epidemic happened during the Rhodesian Bush War. To this day, the origins of this devastating outbreak remain highly controversial- was it the result of an endemic outbreak or a case of biological warfare? Today I'm going to look at the history of the epidemic and the possible causes with Matthew Turner, MD. Dr Turner is with the Department of Emergency Medicine at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Hershey Pennsylvania. He is also the author of an article on the topic published in the Cureus Journal of Medical Science.     The Rhodesian Anthrax Epidemic: A Case of Biological Warfare?

Chagas disease is a dangerous tropical illness caused by single-cell parasites known as Trypanosoma cruzi. In most cases, if not treated immediately, the infection becomes chronic: the immune system of the host greatly reduces the number of parasites present in the body yet fails to fully eradicate them. Current diagnostic approaches often fail to detect these low numbers of parasites. A research team from the University of Georgia and others aimed to develop a test for cure.  Joining me today is Rick Tarleton, PhD. Dr Tarleton ia a Regents' Professor at the University of Georgia and a Distinguished Professor in Biological Sciences in the Department of Cellular Biology.     Serial ‘deep-sampling' PCR of fragmented DNA reveals the wide range of Trypanosoma cruzi burden among chronically infected human, macaque, and canine hosts, and allows accurate monitoring of parasite load following treatment

Rat lungworm disease is on the rise in eastern Australia in dogs – and there have even been recorded cases in humans, including two known lethal incidents. Research by veterinary scientists at the University of Sydney has unveiled insights into what is behind the growth in the disease, also known as neural angiostrongyliasis. Their study, published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases, highlights how climatic factors act as drivers for this potential public health issue. Joining me to discuss this is Professor Jan Slapeta, Dr Slapeta is a Professor of Veterinary and Molecular Parasitology at the University of Sydney and senior author of the paper.   Rainfall- and Temperature-Driven Emergence of Neural Angiostrongyliasis in Eastern Australia, 2020–2024

In this newscast, I look at a new report of a rare case of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in Greece. I look at the disease, geography and measures and recommendations put in place by Greek authoroties.

In this podcast, I look at Bacillus anthracis as a bioterror agent. This includes history, geography, the three forms of anthrax and what is expected of the clinical laboratory.

In today's newscast, I'll be looking at two serious infectious disease situations in Vietnam- the rise of dengue fever in Ho Chi Minh City and with a little good news, the measles outbreak in the southern region of the country.

In this newscast, I look at the recent arrest and charges against two Chinese nationals for attempting to smuggle a fungal plant pathogen into the United States.

In this newscast, I look at the recent locally acquired malaria cases reported in North Queensland, Australia.

In this newscast, I look at the measles situation in Ontario, Canada, including the recent death. I also review the situation in the other Canadian provinces.

On today's program we're going to look at a drug that America's Poison Centers are warning about–its called pink cocaine or Tusi. Since January 2024, America's Poison Centers National Poison Data System® has documented 18 pink cocaine exposures reported by U.S. Poison Centers in four states. Nearly all patients (83%) received medical treatment. Seven were hospitalized, three with life-threatening symptoms. Additionally, one unconfirmed death has been reported associated with pink cocaine use. Joining me to talk about pink cocaine is Diane Calello MD, Dr Calello is the executive and medical director of the New Jersey Poison Control Center at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.

Accumulating evidence suggests that a common single-celled parasite called Toxoplasma gondii may be a contributor to affecting male fertility. An April 2025 study published in the FEBS (Federation of European Biochemical Societies) Journal showed for the first time that “human sperm lose their heads upon direct contact” with the parasite. Could this be affecting male fertility? Joining me today to discuss this topic is William Sullivan, PhD. Dr Sullivan is a Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at Indiana University  A common parasite can decapitate human sperm − with implications for male fertility  

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and on today's show, we are going to look at four mental health issues -anxiety, adult ADHD, PTSD, and depression. Joining me today to discuss these issues and his personal story is author & social psychologist, Jamie Hughes. Managing Mental Health Watch the video version on YouTube

The warm weather of summer is upon us, people will spend more time doing outdoor activities, as will potentially dangerous pathogens carrying critters like mosquitoes and ticks. My guest today will discuss the risks mosquitoes and ticks pose to Americans across the country. In addition, she'll explain how the public can best protect ourselves and family members from these bloodthirsty pests. Joining me today is Lee Haines, PhD, Dr Haines is medical entomologist and Associate Research Professor at the Department of Biological Science at the University of Notre Dame.

Antimicrobial resistance is a rising global threat. When these become ineffective, infections can become difficult or impossible to treat, leading to an increase in the spread and severity of disease. In a new study, published in Nature Medicine, a team of researchers at the Center for Phage Biology and Therapy at Yale discovered a novel approach that may revolutionize the fight against antimicrobial resistance. In the study, the research team investigated the use of phage therapy—the use of viruses, or phages, to target and kill bacteria—to help patients with cystic fibrosis, a disease in which antimicrobial resistance is a significant issue. The team pioneered a strategy to select phages that not only kill bacteria that cause infections but also weaken surviving bacteria to become less virulent or less resistant to antibiotics. Joining me today to discuss phage therapy and their research is Jon Koff, MD, Dr. Koff is an associate professor in Yale School of Medicine's Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine and medical director of the Center for Phage Biology and Therapy.   Check out the paper: Phage Therapy May Treat Drug Resistance in Patients With Cystic Fibrosis, Study Finds   Watch the video version at Outbreak News TV

On today's show, I want to take a look at three news stories about rabies recently and have my expert guest break them down. I want to look at the fatal case in a organ transplant recipient, catching rabies from cow's milk and the upsurge in positive raccoons in Quebec. Joining me today is Charles E. Rupprecht, VMD, MS, PhD. Dr Rupprecht is the CEO of Lyssa LLC, a biomedical consulting company and among many prestigious positions, he was the Chief of the Rabies Program at the CDC for nearly 20 years. Watch the video version at Outbreak News TV

In today's news report, I give an update on the measles situation in the three major countries of North America--the United States, Canada and Mexico. Watch the video version on Outbreak News TV

In this news cast, I look at the latest numbers from the measles outbreak in the United States through March 15 this year. For the video version, see Outbreak News TV

In today's news cast, I take a look at the dramatic increases in locally acquired chikungunya virus cases on Reunion Island, off the African coast in the Indian Ocean. Watch video version at Outbreak News TV

Today I want to take a look at the Basic Reproduction Number, or R0 (r-naught). We saw this term become more commonplace in the news and other talk during the COVID-19 pandemic. What is R0 and what does it mean? How do public health officials come up with this number? What are the limitations? And how is it used in everyday public health? Joining me to offer some clarity on R0 is Chandana Bala. Chandy is a science writer for Gideon Informatics. Watch the video at Outbreak News TV

In this short podcast, I look at the latest numbers for Lyme disease in Maine for 2024. Watch the video version at Outbreak News TV

In this short podcast, I look at the pertussis outbreak in the United States in 2024, the most cases in more than a decade. Watch the video version at Outbreak News TV

In this short podcast, I look at the situation with Guinea Worm disease (GWD) in 2024, the progress made and other diseases that have been eradicated or are closing in on eradication. Watch the video version at Outbreak News TV

On today's Livestream special, the topic will be polio. We'll look at, among other things- history, vaccines and the current global situation and the challenges. Joining me will be two great guests to look at this important topic I have first time guest, Andrea Prinzi, PhD. Dr Prinzi is a field medical director of U.S. medical affairs with bioMérieux, Inc And I also have returning guest and friend to the show, Rodney Rohde, PhD. Dr Rohde is the Associate Director of the Translational Health Research Initiative at Texas State University. Check out Drs Prinzi's and Rohde's article: Polio's Last Stand: The Global Fight for Eradication Watch the video version at Outbreak News TV

Officials with the Florida Department of Health reported four additional locally transmitted dengue fever cases in Miami-Dade County during the last week of November. This brings the total autochthonous cases to 70 in the state since the beginning of the year. Watch the video version at Outbreak News TV

After recording just six cases of polio, wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) in 2023, Pakistan has already reached at least 59 polio cases this year, with a month still left to go. In this podcast, I look at the current situation in Pakistan, the stumbling blocks and a brief history of polio. Watch the video version at Outbreak News TV

Researchers from the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences are closer to developing an oral vaccine for anthrax as demonstrated in a study published earlier this year in the Journal of Zoo and Wildlife medicine. Joining me to discuss this development is Chase Nunez, MS PhD, Jamie Benn, PhD, AWB and Walter Cook, Phd, DVM. To watch the video version- go to Outbreak News TV

My guest today asks the question, What should be done with Obamacare? This comes as Democratic subsidies and the Trump tax cuts are getting closer to expiring. He makes a case for reform. Joining me today is John C Goodman, PhD. Dr Goodman is president and CEO of the Goodman institute for Public Policy Research, a think tank focused on public policy issues. He is also author of a number of notable books to include Priceless, A Better Choice and of course Patient Power, among others.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reports investigating two unrelated cases of Baylisascaris procyonis (raccoon roundworm) in children residing in the South Bay area of Los Angeles County. On today's show, I will talk a little about the little known and very dangerous raccoon roundworm.

A recent Pew Research Center survey found nearly a third of American adults have a tattoo and almost a quarter have more than one. Today, I'd like to look at some things to consider when deciding on a tattoo-- what risks are there when getting a tattoo and how should you take care of it afterwards? Joining me today to discuss these issues is Adam Friedman, MD. Dr Friedman is a professor and the chair of dermatology at The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. Watch the video interview at Outbreak News TV

The recent Listeria outbreak linked to Boar's Head deli meats have received much national attention. Besides a massive recall of more than 7 million pounds of deli meat, this has been the largest Listeria outbreak in the US in more than a decade. Joining me today to talk about listeria and the outbreak is Brenda Wilson, PhD. Dr Wilson is a professor of microbiology and adjunct professor of pathobiology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Watch the video version on YouTube  

In this podcast, I look at the recent report of a human rabies case reported in Ontario, Canada. Watch the video version on Outbreak News TV

A few weeks ago, the CDC issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to notify healthcare providers, public health authorities, and the public about current increases in human parvovirus B19 activity in the United States. So what is Parvovirus B19 and why this alert? Joining me today to discuss the viral disease is Judy Stone, MD. Judy is an infectious disease specialist and a longtime contributor to Forbes.com.  

In this Outbreak Newscast, I go over the most recent human influenza A variant virus, or "swine flu" cases reported in the US. I also talk about some information about the viruses and things you can do to prevent infection.

On this episode of Outbreak News This Week, I look at several stories on mosquito-borne diseases, in light of World Mosquito Day on August 20, the latest on H5N1 avian influenza and Legionnaires' disease.

On today's podcast, we're going to look at a parasite that is relatively common in people, however, and fortunately, actual disease is rare. And that parasite is Toxoplasma gondii. Joining me today for a Toxoplasmosis 101 is Fatima Khan. Fatima is a parasitologist who hails from Islamabad , Pakistan and she has written about parasites for several media outlets.

On today's newscast, I look at four of the biggest outbreak news stories of the week ending August 17-Mpox, Polio in Gaza, Oropouche fever and Parvovirus B19.

Oropouche fever is piercing the sphere of mainstream media this year as thousands of cases of the vector borne disease have been reported in the Caribbean and South America. Joining me today for a Q&A on Oropouche fever is Karina Mondragon-Shem, PhD. Dr Mondragon-Shem is a vector biologist who specializes in the ecoepidemiology and social impact of tropical diseases. Oropouche fever: from rainforests to clinics

In this outbreak newscast, I look at the current outbreak of Chandipura virus in Gujarat, India, and go over some history and other information on the virus.

On today's newscast, I look at the West Nile virus outbreak in Israel this year.

In today's newscast, I look at the latest about the Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Melbourne, Australia.

In this newscast, I look at the latest out of Nigeria concerning the growing cholera outbreak

In this short podcast, I take you back 40 years ago in the US to what is considered to be the first confirmed instance of chemical or biological terrorism to have occurred in the United States.