Contagion: An Infectious Diseases Podcast

IDPodcasts
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Contagion: An Infectious Diseases Podcast

IDPodcasts' infectious diseases audio podcast series breaks tradition from the speaker-audience video format that the long running platform has been producing for its worldwide audience since 2007. Epidemiologists and Infectious Diseases Specialists Drs. Vivian Vega and Jackie Sherbuk discuss important infectious diseases subjects around a central theme in an entertaining, engaging and interactive format meant for all audiences. Contagion also features contributions from the USF Division of Infectious Diseases many faculty and invited guests.

Episodes

  1. Climate and Contagion: A Deadly Duo

    12/10/2024

    Climate and Contagion: A Deadly Duo

    Having just survived the calorie-fest of the Thanksgiving Holiday, show hosts Drs. Vivian Vega and Jackie Sherbuk reflect on the changing seasons--and that has them thinking NOT just about the weather, but about the climate. Here to discuss the impact of a changing climate on infectious diseases, they welcome Dr. Lauren Rybolt, Chief Infectious Diseases Fellow at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine. Dr. Rybolt mentions that in the Tampa Bay Area, especially after the recent hurricane season, we are already seeing the effects of climate on infectious diseases occuring in real time. The direct effects of two rapidly intensifying hurricanes, Helene and Milton, that impacted Florida in late September and October have led to increased outbreaks of vibrio vulnificus and other waterborne infections, subjects which were highlighted in our very first episode. Dr. Rybolt explains that the effects of climate change are not singular, but are the results of many interconnected processes. For instance, how warming oceans affect precipitation patterns over the U.S., leading to flooding in some areas and drier conditions in others. Flooding can pollute streams and rivers and contaminate water supplies, while displacing people and increasing exposure to mosquito-borne disease; whereas drought can lead to water insecurity and the health consequences of extreme heat on vulnerable populations. Man made deforestation and land development can worsen the effects of flooding, and at the same time exacerbate climate change due to the loss of ecosystems and carbon-absorbing vegetation, for instance. Dr. Rybolt goes on to describe how the changing climate is producing an expanding zone of tropical infectious diseases in areas where they never occurred. More cases of Malaria and Dengue have been reported in Florida in recent years, for example. Tick-borne infections such as Lyme disease can expand to non-endemic regions due to climate change, but in Florida, we have been protected by a certain ubiquitous reptile. Certain fungal infections such as Candida auris have also spread beyond their typical "endemic areas" as well. Lastly, during their "ID News" segment, Vivian and Jackie discuss World AIDS Day, trends in vaccination and respiratory virus season, as well as the recent discovery of Bird Flu in raw milk. Thanks to Dr. Lauren Rybolt for appearing on this episode to share her knowledge about the infectious diseases impacts of climate change. Dr Vega would like to thank her friend Job Meiller, her YES Man, for the wonderful musical contributions and coming through on every idea she has. This time he is joined by his daughter, Isabelle Meiller, for a moving rendition of "Big Yellow Taxi." Thank you Job! Thanks also to Dr. Ana Velez, our artistic contributor, for her painting used in our episode thumbnail.

    1 hr
  2. In the Heart of the Storm: Surviving Hurricanes and Fall Respiratory Outbreaks

    11/04/2024

    In the Heart of the Storm: Surviving Hurricanes and Fall Respiratory Outbreaks

    They're back! Infectious Diseases Clinicians and show hosts Drs. Vivian Vega and Jackie Sherbuk reflect on the last few weeks since Episode 4. In the face of devastating storm surge from Hurricane Helene, and severe wind and flooding from Hurricane Milton, the Tampa Bay Area and its medical centers experienced a back to back punch, separated by only two weeks. This left some hospitals flooded, beaches seriously eroded, streets filled with debris, power outages lasting as much as 5-7 days, and countless people with immersed or damaged homes. Vivian and Jackie open the show by discussing how their lives were affected by evacuation orders, "hurricane call," and the stress of--in the words of a local weatherman--"stalking the turtle." That is, stressfully following daily hurricane forecasts without knowing if its slowly changing track would take it over the Tampa Bay Area. Now that the storms have passed, the recovery will likely take weeks to months. And diseases directly related to storm waters and flooding, such as Vibrio vulnificus and mosquito-borne illnesses, will likely be on the rise. Next, as Florida begins to experience cooler weather in the wake of the storms, the duo go on to discuss the coming respiratory virus season. First, acknowledging the renewed thread of COVID-19, Vivian reviews the "alphabet soup" of influenza virus strains, how to decipher the H's and N's of flu season, and what is meant by "antigenic shift" and "angenic drift." For some historical context, the Drs. Vega and Sherbuk review the 1918 outbreak of the "Spanish Flu" in Philadelphia related to a War Bonds parade. And they then move on to discuss the impact of RSV in both babies and adults during the fall respiratory virus season. Fortunately, an RSV vaccine is available. Also covered are non-pharmacologic interventions to avoid the spread of respiratory infections, such as mask wearing, handwashing, and isolating yourself if you are sick. Lastly, the show closes with some recent ID news about Pertussis (Whooping cough), continuing Listeria outbreaks from meat products, and the McDonalds Quarter Pounder outbreak related to slivered onions. Dr. Vega would like to give a special thank you to her good friend Mr Job Meiller for his musical contributions for our podcast. Thanks also to Dr. Ana Velez, our artistic contributor, for her painting used in our episode thumbnail.

    56 min
  3. Polio and the 'Pox: A Tale of Two Plagues

    09/03/2024

    Polio and the 'Pox: A Tale of Two Plagues

    For our fourth episode, show hosts Dr. Vivian Vega and Dr. Jackie Sherbuk candidly admit that they've been spending a LOT of time thinking about "not-so-forgotten infectious diseases." These are syndromes that the public may not hear about everyday, but that are still very important to the medical community and to the public at large. Although it was the first human contagion ever successfully eradicated, Smallpox as a disease still looms large, not just as a potential agent of bioterrorism, but as a cousin (orthopoxvirus) to Monkeypox (Mpox), which is currently experiencing a deadly outbreak in Africa. In fact, the American Mpox vaccine given to many at-risk U.S. individuals in the 2022 outbreak was originally created as a Smallpox vaccine. Vivian shares the fascinating tale of the last ever case of Smallpox which unexpectedly took the life of an unlikely victim. Both hosts share information on the typical presentation of Smallpox in its victims and its distinct characteristics. The eradication of Smallpox still is considered one of the great accomplishments of Medicine. Next, Vivian and Jackie discuss another feared but not forgotten infectious illness, Polio. Once endemic, this waterborne illness once affected tens of thousands of victims across the U.S., and led to the closure of parks, swimming pools, schools, and other public places. This devastating illness was vanquished by the discovery of effective, easy to administer, and inexpensive vaccines. Even so, many victims lived out their lives in an iron lung, including Paul Alexander, a courageous American man who lived out the remaining 72 years of his life in such a device, passing away earlier this year. Despite the great accomplishments in the eradication of Polio, this small RNA virus is still endemic in a handful of countries, and a case prompting the mass vaccination of children was just reported in Gaza in late August 2024. In their ID news segment, there is plenty to discuss, including more information about the Listeria outbreak involving Boar's Head meat products, the Mpox Public Health Emergency declared by the WHO in Africa, and "Triple-E" (Eastern Equine Encephalitis) and West Nile virus cases being reported in areas of the U.S. Dr. Vega would like to give a special thank you to her good friend Mr Job Meiller for his musical contributions for our podcast. Thanks also to Dr. Ana Velez, our artistic contributor, for her painting used in our episode thumbnail.

    55 min
  4. 99% Fatal, 100% Preventable

    07/31/2024

    99% Fatal, 100% Preventable

    In our third episode, show hosts Dr. Vivian Vega and Dr. Jackie Sherbuk kick things off by discussing the latest news from the world of infectious diseases. Important topics highlighted include a Listeria outbreak linked to deli meat, a progress report on long acting medications for HIV prevention, and an update on bird flu (H5N1 Influenza) associated with poultry and dairy cattle. With summer clearly in full swing, our main topic this episode is Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis, or PAM. Guest expert and Infectious Diseases clinician Dr. Sandra Gompf, Professor of Medicine at the University of South Florida, shares her experiences as head of Amoeba-Season.com. For more than 10 years, her organization has been dedicated to raising awareness about amoebic brain infections associated with fresh water exposure. Dr. Gompf identifies the organism that causes most infections--Naegleria fowleri, and the risk factors, recreational situations, and mechanisms by which most victims (mainly young children) are exposed. Although, as our episode title suggests, PAM is 99% fatal--encouraging stories of survival have emerged from cases where early diagnosis of the disease permitted prompt treatment. Our guest provides important information sites for parents and clinicians and how some communities and health care facilities are being proactive in making sure diagnostic and therapeutic resources are in place during the warmest summer months. Dr. Gompf also shares her own personal story about PAM, and offers information on treatment options and the simple and inexpensive ways for families to enjoy aquatic activities while making this condition 100% preventable. For more information, visit Amoeba-season.com Vivian would like to express her deep appreciation to Nathalia Estrada and Chrissy Derado for their musical contributions this episode. Thanks also to Dr. Ana Velez, our artistic contributor, for her painting used in our episode thumbnail.

    45 min

  5. TRAILER

    Contagion: An Infectious Diseases Podcast Trailer

    A preview of our podcast series from our hosts, Drs. Vivian Vega and Dr. Jackie Sherbuk

    1 min
  6. Surviving Summer Scaries: Ticked off and Buzzed Out!

    06/28/2024

    Surviving Summer Scaries: Ticked off and Buzzed Out!

    In 2007, Australian former pro tennis player, former World No. 1 in doubles and US Open singles champion, Sam Stosur was at the top of her game, before succumbing to a mysterious illness that left her unable to play--with prolonged fatigue, severe headaches, chest pains, and weakness. She struggled for months before seeing an infectious diseases (ID) specialist who ultimately diagnosed her with a tick-borne illness. Sam tells her own story to open the episode, and then hosts and ID clinicians, Dr. Vivian Vega and Dr. Jackie Sherbuk, summarize her syndrome and the symptoms she experienced. Using this as a springboard to discuss other zoonotic (transmitted from animals to humans) infections of the summer, Vivian and Jackie next discuss what are known as vector-borne diseases (VBDs). These are infections that use an intermediary host (such as a blood-sucking insect) to transmit the infection to a human victim. VBDs kill up to a million persons per year, according to the World Health Organization. Among the most important vectors of summertime infections are ticks. Our hosts explain how ticks attach to their hosts and the factors that make these six-legged creatures so adept and spreading infections to humans. Lyme disease is a perennial tick-related syndrome in the US and Europe that is a major cause of illness and prolonged complications in endemic areas. Vivian and Jackie review the history of Lyme disease and its different clinical manifestations. Lyme disease diagnosis, treatment strategies, and prevention are explained. As an aside, the duo also discusses alpha-gal syndrome, a fascinating but under-recognized food allergy related to tick exposure. Next, the duo move on to discuss mosquito-borne illnesses. Important summertime infections of these buzzing pests are described, including West Nile virus, Dengue, and Chikungunya. And demonstrating the power of preventing disease through engineering, they explain the reason behind why there are no mosquitoes in Disney World. In our last segment, Vivian and Jackie share important Infectious Diseases news stories for the month, including the reporting of even more cases of Avian Influenza and the threat they pose to agriculture and humans. Finally, DoxyPEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is highlighted, a promising new approach to preventing sexually transmitted infections in vulnerable persons in high risk groups. Vivian would like to thank her friend Sam Stosur for sharing her story on this episode. She would also like to thank her friend Natalie Buono for putting together the theme song for this episode and vocals. John Ferrell on lead guitar. Thanks also to Dr. Ana Velez, our artistic contributor, for the custom oil painting and thumbnail art for this episode.

    55 min

  7. 05/28/2024

    Water is Life...and Death?

    In our inaugural episode, show hosts Drs. Vivian Vega and Jackie Sherbuk discuss the upcoming Summer travel season and important infections spread by contact with water. Vibrio vulnificus is a potentially deadly illness spreading in the U.S. due to climate change that peaks in the hottest summer months. Vivian discusses risk factors for exposure and how vulnerable individuals can stay safe. Next, Jackie shares three limericks tied to specific waterborne infections, and Vivian has to guess the infectious agent tied to hot tubs, aerosolized water, and other recreational aquatic exposures. Next, the duo discuss Leptospirosis, an important zoonoses (human disease acquired from wild animals) associated with adventurous travel. To close the episode, two Infectious Diseases specialists and travel enthusiasts from the USF's Division of Infectious Diseases, Dr. Shylah Moore-Pardo and Dr. Shivan Shah, discuss how they stay safe during their travel adventures. Dr. Vega would like to give a special thank you to her good friend Dr. Rey Rivera and to Mr Job Meiller for their musical contributions for our podcast.

    55 min

Trailer

5
out of 5
31 Ratings

About

IDPodcasts' infectious diseases audio podcast series breaks tradition from the speaker-audience video format that the long running platform has been producing for its worldwide audience since 2007. Epidemiologists and Infectious Diseases Specialists Drs. Vivian Vega and Jackie Sherbuk discuss important infectious diseases subjects around a central theme in an entertaining, engaging and interactive format meant for all audiences. Contagion also features contributions from the USF Division of Infectious Diseases many faculty and invited guests.

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