Explore every episode of the podcast Outbreak News and Interviews

In this podcast, I look at the recent human plague cases in the United States and discuss some specifics about the 'ancient disease'

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

On today's podcast the topic is meningococcal meningitis.

A new article by Drs. Andrea Prinzi and Rodney Rohde published on the American Society for Microbiology website discusses several aspects of the dangerous bacterial disease, plus it is chock full of interesting history.

Joining me today to talk about meningococcal meningitis is Rodney Rohde, PhD. Dr Rohde is the Associate Director of the Translational Health Research Initiative at Texas State University.

On today's podcast I am joined by Scott O'Neill, PhD, scientist and CEO of the World Mosquito Program. In this interview, Dr. O'Neill discusses the ins and outs of the Wolbachia Method and the work of the World Mosquito Program in the battle against mosquito-borne diseases.

World Mosquito Program

In Manatee County, Florida, county animal welfare is warning the community about a rise in canine parvovirus, or parvo recently.

On today's show, we'll be looking at the ABCs of parvo.

Joining me today is Jennifer Miller, DVM. Dr. Miller is the Veterinary Technical Marketer, US Pet Health with Elanco Animal Health.

A cluster of “atypical” pneumonia cases in Buenos Aires, Argentina has been reported recently and among the cluster, there have been reports of parrot fever.

And today we’ll answer the question, What is parrot fever?

Joining me today to talk about psittacosis, or parrot fever is Chandana Bala. Chandy is the President of Global Insight Advisory Network and writes on the intersection of healthcare and technology. She is also a frequent writer for Gideon Informatics.

My guest today writes that norovirus is known as the perfect pathogen and we’ll find out why.

In addition, she writes that your blood type could be a factor in your susceptibility for the disease.

Joining me today to look at norovirus and some other interesting things abis Madeline Barron, Ph.D. Dr Barron is the Science Communications Specialist at the American Society for Microbiology (ASM).

Susceptibility to Norovirus Might Depend on Blood Type

Pertussis, or whooping cough cases have been on the rise in many places of the world this year, and the Philippines is one of those countries.

During the first three months of the year, Philippines health officials have reported well over 1,100 cases, which is a more than 30 fold increase over the same period in 2023.

In addition more than 50 deaths have been reported, all in young children

Here to talk more about pertussis and the situation in the Philippines is Edsel Salvana, MD. Dr Salvana is Director and Professor, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila.

A vaccine against the bacterium, Burkholderia pseudomallei, that causes melioidosis was tested in a mouse study and found to be highly protective against the disease, according to UCLA researchers.

What is Burkholderia pseudomallei? What is melioidosis? And what about this vaccine study?

Joining me today to answer these questions and more is Marcus Horwitz, MD. Dr Horwitz is a Distinguished Professor of Medicine, in the division of infectious diseases, and of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. He is also the senior author of the paper on this vaccine in the journal mBio.

It's not a worm, it's a fungus among us. Today's topic is ringworm.

Joining me today is Regents Professor of Clinical Laboratory Science at Texas State University and author of an article published in The Conversation last year, but a topic still worth discussing.

Ringworm fungal infections are common in the US and are becoming increasingly resistant to treatment

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that norovirus infections are sweeping the United States.

While all regions have seen an uptick, the Northeast region is being hit particularly hard.

So what is norovirus and how can you protect yourself?

Joining me today to look at these questions and more is Adriana Glenn, PhD. Dr. Glenn is an Assistant Professor in the School of Nursing at George Washington University.

Glaucoma affects over 3 million people in the United States and is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it robs people of vision slowly and without early symptoms. January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, a great time to emphasize the importance of regular eye check-ups for early detection of glaucoma and other eye diseases.

Joining me today to discuss the ABC’s of glaucoma and the importance of this awareness month is Dr. Laura Sperazza. Dr. Sperazza is the Director of Vision Rehabilitation Services at Lighthouse Guild.

A few weeks ago, Alaska health officials reported the first fatality due to an Alaskapox infection, the first such known case.

On today's show, we'll dive into the ABC's of Alaskapox with Bradley Perkins, MD. Dr. Perkins is the Chief Medical Officer at Karius.

In addition, he is a former top CDC official who led the anthrax bioterrorism investigation. He was also a leading expert in the more recent monkeypox, or mpox outbreak.

Check out the work being done at Karius

In 2024 to date, dozens of measles cases have already been reported from multiple states herein the US, according to the CDC.

And cases are increasing worldwide as the World Health Organization announced recently reporting more than 300,000 cases in 2023, a 79% increase from the year prior.

My guest today writes about measles and immune amnesia: The risk associated with measles infection is much greater than the sum of its observable symptoms. The immune memories that you have acquired are priceless, built over many years and from countless exposures to a menagerie of germs. Measles virus is especially dangerous because it has the ability to destroy what’s been earned: immune memory from previous infections.

Joining me today to talk about measles, the importance of vaccination and immune amnesia is Ashley Hagen, MS. Ashley is the Scientific and Digital Editor for the American Society for Microbiology and host of ASM's Microbial Minutes and Meet the Microbiologist.

Show notes:

Meet the Microbiologist

Measles and Immune Amnesia

In 2016, Robert Toulson-Burke traveled with some friends to southeast Asia for a vacation-an exciting thing for sure-however things went bad over there as the young man died from dengue hemorrhagic fever.

Joining me today to tell Bob's story is his mother, Jayne Toulson-Burke. Jayne is also an ambassador for the World Mosquito Programme and is fully passionate with teaching others about the dangers and risks of dengue.

My guest today asks the question, "What will the new year bring to our shores, our cities, and our homes? ", concerning emerging pathogens in an article recently published in Today’s Clinical Lab.

Well, let’s see what he has to say about this topic today here on the show.

Joining me today in Rodney Rohde, PhD. Dr. Rohde is the Chair of the Medical Laboratory Science Program (MLS) in the College of Health Professions at Texas State University.

My guest today focuses her research on why diseases occur and how those diseases influence wildlife populations. One example is chronic wasting disease, or CWD, a fatal condition that is now affecting cervid populations, including deer, elk and moose throughout Michigan and other states.

This will be the topic of this podcast.

Joining me now is Sonja Christensen, Ph.D.  Dr Christensen is an assistant professor in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife in Michigan State University’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

The Sexually Transmitted Infections,chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are pervasive and increasing rapidly in the U.S.

New evidence suggests that the antibiotic doxycycline could help prevent the spread of some bacterial infections if taken as post exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

Joining me today to look at these proposed guidelines is Christopher Foltz, MD. Dr Foltz is an infectious disease specialist at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles.