Emerging & Infectious Diseases

Michael Kleinman
Medical Xpress, October 7, 2024

Researchers link electronic cigarettes and vaping to increased cardiovascular risk

"Our results support the growing call for public health policies aimed at reducing exposure to inhaled nicotine and to new synthetic nicotine products not yet on the market. APHEL hopes to further unravel the connection between inhaled environmental toxins and heart disease, contributing to safer, healthier communities. " (Michael Kleinman)
Tetyana_Vasylyeva_Thumbanail
NPR, September 19, 2024

Ukraine keeps up the fight against HIV while fighting a war

"Ukraine has always been, I believe, at the forefront of HIV prevention. These initiatives, which helped find undiagnosed people and link them to care, were tested in Ukraine and have since been adopted by many countries in Southeast Asia and Africa." (Tetyana Vasylyeva)
Andrew Noymer
The Orange Country Register, September 16, 2024

Polio? Mumps? Chicken pox? Many SoCal kids lack required vaccinations

"COVID shots — as well as flu —are not required for public school attendance. The must-do list targets contagious illnesses such as diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis; polio; Hepatitis B; measles, mumps and rubella; and varicella (chickenpox). Many of those require a series of shots, timed for maximum effect, over weeks or months." (Andrew Noymer)
Andrew Noymer
The Orange County Register, September 9, 2024

California’s COVID booster rates are dismal as new shot debuts. More sickness ahead?

"During the Delta surge, it was clear COVID was going hell-for-leather. Now we get these surges, and it’s less predictable. Unlike 2020 and some extent 2021, most people have had a COVID vaccine by now...I still believe it reduces severity. I’d advise readers who haven’t gotten any to get on board. You could be saving your own, or someone else’s, Nana." (Andrew Noymer)
Andrew Noymer
Verywell Health, August 27, 2024

Should You Get Another Mpox Vaccine Dose?

"We haven’t seen any clade 1 cases in the U.S. yet. I’m sure we will, and I’m sure that will be a game changer, but unless we see a large number of cases, dozens of cases, and death, it’s probably going to be kind of in the background. " (Andrew Noymer)
Suellen Hopfer
Verywell Health, August 19, 2024

CDC Issues Alert for Parvovirus B19 Uptick. What Are the Symptoms and Who’s Most at Risk?

"If a pregnant parent has a child who's sick with parvovirus B19-like symptoms, it's best to see a doctor and get the child tested. Since parvovirus B19 is a bone marrow pathogen, it could lead to severe anemia in rare cases, especially in people with cancer, unregulated HIV infection, or conditions like sickle cell disease." (Suellen Hopfer)
Oladele-Ogunseitan
MDLinx, August 13, 2024

Could that summer cold actually be bird flu?

"H5N1 infections may cause typical flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, and muscle aches. As a result, people might not seek care or get tested. " (Oladele Ogunseitan)
Bernadette Boden-Albala
Parade, July 13, 2024

The One Unexpected Thing Infectious Disease Experts Are Begging You to Stop Doing If You Don’t Want to Get COVID This Summer

""As a public health leader, I will always strive to remind our community the substantial evidence backing the effectiveness of vaccines. The key is to keep your vaccines up to date as each season we face a new strain of flu or even a new variant of COVID-19. The most up-to-date shot will protect you from the viruses circulating now." (Bernadette Boden-Albala)