In this episode (Part I of II), Olivia breaks down Hantavirus: what it is, how it spreads, and why the outbreak aboard the MV Hondius has the world paying attention. She walks through the science of the Andes Virus (the only known Hantavirus strain capable of human-to-human transmission), the full outbreak timeline as of May 13th, 2026, and what key dates to watch in the coming weeks. Spoiler: this is probably not our next pandemic...but it is a warning sign we can't ignore.

Also, Ariel starts us off by sharing her public health good news: FDA Commissioner Marty McCary is out, and we break down why almost nobody is sad about it, but why we're still a little nervous about what comes next.

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In part two (coming soon!), Mattie & Olivia sit down with Dr. Elizabeth Soda, an infectious disease physician and former CDC employee, to discuss how mass federal layoffs and political appointees have dismantled U.S. public health infrastructure — and what that means for our ability to respond when the next serious outbreak hits.

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We are available by email at publichealthgroupchat@gmail.com and on Instagram and TikTok at @publichealthgroupchat.

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In today’s episode, Ariel walks us through the public health impacts of war. We start by providing a very brief history of human conflict. Next, we talk about technological advances during WWI, WWII, and the Cold War that have made modern warfare extremely deadly. We then discuss the on-going Iran War, and finish out the discussion on why war is terrible for public health. Spoiler alert: it affects more than just service members.

Mattie also discusses global wins in renewable energy, more analysis of Survivor as it relates to public health, and a whole long list of recalls.

Recalls:

• 4/14/26 Good Brain Tonic 16 oz & 32 oz - potential botulism
• 4/13/26 Morovan Gel Nail Polish Remover (15ml) - Prohibited Methylene Chloride and Chloroform
• 4/10/26 Vital Nutrient Aller-C Dietary Supplement - Undeclared egg, hazelnut and soy
• 4/08/26 Revitaderm, Tridergel Antiseptic wound care gel bottles and tubes - Lysinibacillus fusiformis, an environmental organism
• 4/07/26 DTF Sexual Chocolate - Undeclared Sildenafil and Tadalafil
• 4/03/26 Karns FoodsMini Dark Chocolate Raspberry Cups - May contain undeclared peanut allergen
• 4/03/26 Wawa Iced Tea Lemon, Iced Tea Diet Lemon, Diet Lemonade and Fruit Punch - Potential or Undeclared Allergen – Undeclared Milk
• 4/02/26 RAW FARM Raw milk cheddar cheese, shredded and block - Potential E. coli
• 4/01/26 Kian Pee Wan Dietary supplement capsules marketed for treatment for gaining weight and stimulating appetite - Device & Drug Safety/Unapproved Drug
• 4/01/26 Christopher Ranch, Garland Peeled Garlic - Potential Clostridium Botulinum

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

The views expressed on this episode are our own.

We are available by email at publichealthgroupchat@gmail.com and on Instagram and TikTok at @publichealthgroupchat.

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Want to support us? Give us a rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and share this episode with a friend or family member!

In this episode, Olivia breaks down measles. She explains what it is, how the US reached measles elimination status in 2000, why it is making a comeback, and whether or not we will keep our measles elimination status. A combination of decreased immunizations during the covid-19 pandemic and the anti-vaxx rhetoric coming from our highest ranking federal officials (and spreading on social media) have contributed to a perfect storm that has allowed measles to find its footing and spread through vulnerable populations like wildfire.

Also, Mattie shares a few tidbits of public health good news and analyzes Survivor with a public health lens. You don’t want to miss this episode.

Recalls:

• Vital Nutrient Aller-C Dietary Supplement - Undeclared egg, hazelnut and soy
• DTF Sexual Chocolate - Undeclared Sildenafil and Tadalafil
• Karns Foods Mini Dark Chocolate Raspberry Cups - May contain undeclared peanut allergen
• RAW FARM Raw milk cheddar cheese, shredded and block - Potential E. coli
• Christopher Ranch, Garland Peeled Garlic - Clostridium Botulinum
• Einstein Bros Bagels Honey Cream Cheese - Undeclared almonds
• Falcon Trading Company Black Beans Organic , Chili Bean Blend Organic, Sunset Soup Mix Organic - contains pesticide residue
• Gold Lion, ilum Chocolate - contains sildenafil and tadalafil

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

The views expressed on this episode are our own.

We are available by email at publichealthgroupchat@gmail.com and on Instagram and TikTok at @publichealthgroupchat.

Theme music generated in Soundful.

Want to support us? Give us a rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and share this episode with a friend or family member!