Amesh Adalja
@ameshaa.bsky.social
Infectious Disease • Critical Care • EM Physician
Independent voice on outbreaks, biosecurity & biothreat preparedness
Pittsburgh • NYC
Independent voice on outbreaks, biosecurity & biothreat preparedness
Pittsburgh • NYC
In this video I discuss some aspects of Nipah virus, which is in the news because of an outbreak in India
January 28, 2026 at 4:24 AM
In this video I discuss some aspects of Nipah virus, which is in the news because of an outbreak in India
“The strongest predisposing factor for COVID-19 infection was an organic mental disorder, which carried 2.3 times the risk, followed by fungal disease and kidney failure, both posing 1.2 times the risk.” www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/alz...
Alzheimer’s disease, delirium may be risk factors for COVID infection requiring hospitalization
Infected patients were at 3.5 times the risk for new-onset behavioral syndromes such as eating disorders and sleep disorders.
www.cidrap.umn.edu
January 28, 2026 at 1:32 AM
“The strongest predisposing factor for COVID-19 infection was an organic mental disorder, which carried 2.3 times the risk, followed by fungal disease and kidney failure, both posing 1.2 times the risk.” www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/alz...
“Protection was lowest among children w/ respiratory conditions, at 31%..among children w/ endocrine conditions (64%) & neurologic or neuromuscular conditions (53%)..oncologic and/or immunosuppressive conditions, VE was 48%” www.cidrap.umn.edu/influenza-va...
Flu vaccine may cut hospital, emergency visits in kids, even those with underlying conditions
Vaccine effectiveness against severe illness was 43% among children with underlying conditions and 53% among those without.
www.cidrap.umn.edu
January 28, 2026 at 1:31 AM
“Protection was lowest among children w/ respiratory conditions, at 31%..among children w/ endocrine conditions (64%) & neurologic or neuromuscular conditions (53%)..oncologic and/or immunosuppressive conditions, VE was 48%” www.cidrap.umn.edu/influenza-va...
“By aligning scientific expertise with coordinated communication, this partnership can improve the reach of accurate information, helping to ensure that trusted voices have the tools they need to respond quickly and accurately to protect people’s health,” www.cidrap.umn.edu/adult-non-fl...
CIDRAP launches new effort to boost evidence-based vaccine information
The collaboration with The Evidence Collective and Unbiased Science aims to support and expand access to clear, evidence-based vaccine information.
www.cidrap.umn.edu
January 28, 2026 at 1:29 AM
“By aligning scientific expertise with coordinated communication, this partnership can improve the reach of accurate information, helping to ensure that trusted voices have the tools they need to respond quickly and accurately to protect people’s health,” www.cidrap.umn.edu/adult-non-fl...
“57% effective against emergency department/urgent care (ED/UC) visits and 54% effective against outpatient visits among adults roughly 4 weeks after vaccination” www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/yea...
This year’s Pfizer COVID vaccine estimated to be 57% effective against emergency, urgent care
www.cidrap.umn.edu
January 28, 2026 at 1:28 AM
“57% effective against emergency department/urgent care (ED/UC) visits and 54% effective against outpatient visits among adults roughly 4 weeks after vaccination” www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/yea...
“Twenty-five years ago, syphilis was nearly eradicated in the United States.” www.cidrap.umn.edu/sexually-tra...
US maternal syphilis rate rises 28% in 2 years, marking continued surge in national epidemic
www.cidrap.umn.edu
January 28, 2026 at 1:22 AM
“Twenty-five years ago, syphilis was nearly eradicated in the United States.” www.cidrap.umn.edu/sexually-tra...
“The majority of cases are close contacts of known cases..However, the number of public exposure sites indicates that measles is circulating in the community increasing the risk of exposure and the risk of infection for those who are not immune” www.cidrap.umn.edu/measles/sout...
South Carolina measles outbreak grows, surpasses West Texas outbreak
www.cidrap.umn.edu
January 28, 2026 at 1:21 AM
“The majority of cases are close contacts of known cases..However, the number of public exposure sites indicates that measles is circulating in the community increasing the risk of exposure and the risk of infection for those who are not immune” www.cidrap.umn.edu/measles/sout...
“The mutation in question causes a deficiency in a key immune system protein called ISG15. In turn, this leads to a mildly elevated systemic inflammation in their bodies – it’s this inflammation that seems to subdue any virus that tries to get past” www.sciencefocus.com/the-human-bo...
The 'mutant' humans immune to every known virus | BBC Science Focus Magazine
Researchers are edging closer to a universal antiviral drug, a single medicine that could treat every virus known to man.
www.sciencefocus.com
January 27, 2026 at 5:55 PM
“The mutation in question causes a deficiency in a key immune system protein called ISG15. In turn, this leads to a mildly elevated systemic inflammation in their bodies – it’s this inflammation that seems to subdue any virus that tries to get past” www.sciencefocus.com/the-human-bo...
“In fact, you won’t find any references to France—or any signs that memo’s authors seriously studied the experience of European countries other than Denmark.” www.thebulwark.com/p/this-is-th...
This Is the Vaccine Story RFK Jr. Doesn’t Want You to Hear
The Trump administration says we should learn from other countries. Maybe they should have looked someplace besides Denmark.
www.thebulwark.com
January 27, 2026 at 4:59 PM
“In fact, you won’t find any references to France—or any signs that memo’s authors seriously studied the experience of European countries other than Denmark.” www.thebulwark.com/p/this-is-th...
“For months, experts have been concerned that the U.S. has been severely undercounting its measles cases and that the virus had been circulating in some communities long before it was officially detected” www.theatlantic.com/health/2026/...
South Carolina Is America’s New Measles Norm
The state’s measles outbreak could soon be bigger than West Texas’s. Are the two connected?
www.theatlantic.com
January 27, 2026 at 4:56 PM
“For months, experts have been concerned that the U.S. has been severely undercounting its measles cases and that the virus had been circulating in some communities long before it was officially detected” www.theatlantic.com/health/2026/...
“the divergence between TE1-3 and other T. pallidum lineages occurred roughly 13,700 years ago – well before agricultural expansion in the Americas. The findings suggest that contagious diseases were emerging among hunter-gatherer communities..” www.sciencealert.com/ancient-dna-...
Ancient DNA Reveals Twisted Roots of Syphilis Go Back 5,500 Years
The first known outbreak of syphilis in Europe began at the turn of the 16th century, but on the distant continent of South America, the pathogen's history goes much deeper than that.
www.sciencealert.com
January 27, 2026 at 3:22 PM
“the divergence between TE1-3 and other T. pallidum lineages occurred roughly 13,700 years ago – well before agricultural expansion in the Americas. The findings suggest that contagious diseases were emerging among hunter-gatherer communities..” www.sciencealert.com/ancient-dna-...
“Public health solutions rest on good science," www.forbes.com/sites/madhuk...
Lessons From William H. Foege, A Global Health Legend
Dr William H. Foege, a legend in global public health, passed away on 24 January 2026. His life and legacy offer several lessons for global public health
www.forbes.com
January 27, 2026 at 3:19 PM
“Public health solutions rest on good science," www.forbes.com/sites/madhuk...
“If we keep our status, it should be because we have stopped the spread of measles..It’s like they’re trying to be graded on a curve.” undark.org/2026/01/27/u...
As U.S. Hits 1 Year of Measles Spread, Elimination Status at Risk
The CDC's principal deputy director said the situation is "just the cost of doing business," citing personal freedom.
undark.org
January 27, 2026 at 3:18 PM
“If we keep our status, it should be because we have stopped the spread of measles..It’s like they’re trying to be graded on a curve.” undark.org/2026/01/27/u...
“At least 3,681 cases of measles were recorded in the UK in 2024, the most severe outbreak of the virus in Britain in almost a decade.” www.telegraph.co.uk/global-healt...
UK loses measles elimination status as vaccine rates fall
Poor access to primary care services and anti-vax sentiment causes a decline in MMR uptake, enabling the virus to spread
www.telegraph.co.uk
January 27, 2026 at 3:17 PM
“At least 3,681 cases of measles were recorded in the UK in 2024, the most severe outbreak of the virus in Britain in almost a decade.” www.telegraph.co.uk/global-healt...
“The UK is one of six countries in Europe and central Asia that the WHO says is no longer measles-free, the others being Spain, Austria, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.” www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
UK loses WHO status as measles-free after rise in deaths and fall in jab uptake
UN health body says Britain is one of six countries in Europe and central Asia where disease has become re-established
www.theguardian.com
January 27, 2026 at 3:15 PM
“The UK is one of six countries in Europe and central Asia that the WHO says is no longer measles-free, the others being Spain, Austria, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.” www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
“Thailand, Nepal and Taiwan are among the countries and territories that have stepped up precautionary measures after five Nipah virus cases were confirmed in India’s West Bengal.” www.independent.co.uk/asia/nipah-v...
Airports reintroduce Covid-style checks after deadly Nipah virus outbreak in India
Thailand, Nepal and Taiwan rush to detect and prevent spread of Nipah virus from travellers
www.independent.co.uk
January 27, 2026 at 3:14 PM
“Thailand, Nepal and Taiwan are among the countries and territories that have stepped up precautionary measures after five Nipah virus cases were confirmed in India’s West Bengal.” www.independent.co.uk/asia/nipah-v...
“Hundreds of thousands of people have been forced from their homes in Mozambique’s worst floods in a generation, sparking fears that cholera will now strike.” www.telegraph.co.uk/global-healt...
Worst floods in a generation spark cholera fears in Mozambique
Torrential rains have killed more than 100 people and destroyed thousands of homes across the region
www.telegraph.co.uk
January 27, 2026 at 3:11 PM
“Hundreds of thousands of people have been forced from their homes in Mozambique’s worst floods in a generation, sparking fears that cholera will now strike.” www.telegraph.co.uk/global-healt...
“These recommendations … are very different from what CDC recommended a year ago or two years ago or five years ago. It’s not that the science has changed. It’s that the people running CDC have changed.”
triblive.com/news/world/a...
triblive.com/news/world/a...
American Academy of Pediatrics releases childhood vaccine schedule that’s at odds with federal recommendations
As an alternative to new federal vaccine recommendations, the American Academy of Pediatrics released its own childhood vaccine schedule Monday with the backing of a dozen of the nation’s most p...
triblive.com
January 27, 2026 at 1:42 PM
“These recommendations … are very different from what CDC recommended a year ago or two years ago or five years ago. It’s not that the science has changed. It’s that the people running CDC have changed.”
triblive.com/news/world/a...
triblive.com/news/world/a...
In this piece I’m quoted about measuring volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath for disease diagnosis and understanding one’s microbiome www.prevention.com/health/a7014...
What Your Breath Is Trying to Tell You About Your Health, According to Scientists
We asked doctors to explain the latest research.
www.prevention.com
January 27, 2026 at 1:37 PM
In this piece I’m quoted about measuring volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath for disease diagnosis and understanding one’s microbiome www.prevention.com/health/a7014...
“Overall, being able to demonstrate these protective effects in different populations, datasets, & for different dementia-related outcomes makes for a very compelling body of evidence of a true cause-and-effect relationship” www.medpagetoday.com/neurology/de...
Dementia and the Shingles Vaccine: What a New Study in Canada Found
How varicella zoster virus vaccination may provide protection remains a mystery
www.medpagetoday.com
January 27, 2026 at 1:34 PM
“Overall, being able to demonstrate these protective effects in different populations, datasets, & for different dementia-related outcomes makes for a very compelling body of evidence of a true cause-and-effect relationship” www.medpagetoday.com/neurology/de...
“The Horn of Africa country announced on November 14 the outbreak of the highly infectious disease similar to Ebola.” www.reuters.com/business/hea...
Ethiopia declares end of Marburg outbreak that killed nine
Ethiopia has declared the end of an outbreak of Marburg virus, the World Health Organization said on Monday, after the disease killed at least nine people.
www.reuters.com
January 27, 2026 at 1:33 PM
“The Horn of Africa country announced on November 14 the outbreak of the highly infectious disease similar to Ebola.” www.reuters.com/business/hea...
“In the adjusted analysis, patients in the nirmatrelvir-ritonavir cohort exhibited a lower between-group risk for the composite endpoint (20.12% vs 38.54%; hazard ratio, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.35-0.97; P =.0374).” www.infectiousdiseaseadvisor.com/news/nirmatr...
Nirmatrelvir-Ritonavir May Lower Intubation, Mortality Risk in Severe COVID-19
Nirmatrelvir-ritonavir may lower risk of intubation or in-hospital mortality in patients with severe COVID-19.
www.infectiousdiseaseadvisor.com
January 27, 2026 at 1:32 PM
“In the adjusted analysis, patients in the nirmatrelvir-ritonavir cohort exhibited a lower between-group risk for the composite endpoint (20.12% vs 38.54%; hazard ratio, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.35-0.97; P =.0374).” www.infectiousdiseaseadvisor.com/news/nirmatr...
“Authorities in India have confirmed the cases, which involve two nurses at a private hospital near Kolkata, West Bengal” www.usatoday.com/story/life/h...
Deadly Nipah virus cases reported by health officials
Two cases of the deadly Nipah virus, which has no cure, have been reported in India.
www.usatoday.com
January 27, 2026 at 1:30 PM
“Authorities in India have confirmed the cases, which involve two nurses at a private hospital near Kolkata, West Bengal” www.usatoday.com/story/life/h...
“In adjusted analyses stratified by viral etiology, bacterial coinfection among patients w/ RSV was neither associated with increased mortality at 14, 30, or 90 days, nor was it associated with prolonged length of stay, high-flow O2 therapy…” www.infectiousdiseaseadvisor.com/news/rsv-bac...
Bacterial Coinfection Not Linked to Worse Outcomes in Hospitalized Patients With RSV
Bacterial coinfections in adults hospitalized with RSV do not appear to exacerbate clinical outcomes or increase mortality rates.
www.infectiousdiseaseadvisor.com
January 27, 2026 at 1:28 PM
“In adjusted analyses stratified by viral etiology, bacterial coinfection among patients w/ RSV was neither associated with increased mortality at 14, 30, or 90 days, nor was it associated with prolonged length of stay, high-flow O2 therapy…” www.infectiousdiseaseadvisor.com/news/rsv-bac...
“It’s curious that all these changes are primarily, and almost exclusively, in the area of vaccination..On the face of this, this all looks fairly deliberate, but we don’t really know why these websites went silent,” www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...
Dozens of CDC databases are not being updated — most related to vaccines, study finds
The agency plays a key role in tracking disease spread and vaccination rates. Last year, it seemed to back away from some of that work, according to new research.
www.nbcnews.com
January 27, 2026 at 1:25 PM
“It’s curious that all these changes are primarily, and almost exclusively, in the area of vaccination..On the face of this, this all looks fairly deliberate, but we don’t really know why these websites went silent,” www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...