Your Local Epidemiologist
@ylepidemiologist.bsky.social
👩🏻🔬 Simplifying public health with data-driven insights
💡 Helping you make informed health decisions
🎓 MPH, PhD
👇🏻 Get weekly science-backed updates
https://yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com/
💡 Helping you make informed health decisions
🎓 MPH, PhD
👇🏻 Get weekly science-backed updates
https://yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com/
Pinned
1/ 🚨 Big changes are coming. We’re entering a new era in America, and it’s messy out there. But I’m here to help you navigate the chaos with evidence-based, clear health information. If you’re tired of the noise, you’re in the right place. 👇
1/ Thanksgiving week is here! Between viral updates, family debates, and public health headlines, there’s a lot to cover. So let's do a quick breakdown of what’s on our radar this week so you can get back to prepping the turkey👇
November 24, 2025 at 8:37 PM
1/ Thanksgiving week is here! Between viral updates, family debates, and public health headlines, there’s a lot to cover. So let's do a quick breakdown of what’s on our radar this week so you can get back to prepping the turkey👇
1/ Flu season is starting in California after an unusually long off season. Activity is still low here, but we're already seeing signs on the east coast that the season is fully underway. I’m Matt, Your Local Epidemiologist in California, with this week’s public health updates 👇
November 24, 2025 at 4:24 PM
1/ Flu season is starting in California after an unusually long off season. Activity is still low here, but we're already seeing signs on the east coast that the season is fully underway. I’m Matt, Your Local Epidemiologist in California, with this week’s public health updates 👇
1/ As we head into one of the busiest travel weeks of the year, respiratory viruses are top of mind. I wanted to pop in to quickly give everyone the infectious disease rate breakdown, as well as a few other New York public health updates. Let's dive into the data 👇
November 21, 2025 at 6:51 PM
1/ As we head into one of the busiest travel weeks of the year, respiratory viruses are top of mind. I wanted to pop in to quickly give everyone the infectious disease rate breakdown, as well as a few other New York public health updates. Let's dive into the data 👇
The CDC website was quietly edited last night to claim there’s “no evidence” that vaccines don’t cause autism.
This is false.
But this is damaging, even beyond people’s confidence in vaccines.
For the first time in my career, I cannot tell people to trust what the CDC website without hesitation.
This is false.
But this is damaging, even beyond people’s confidence in vaccines.
For the first time in my career, I cannot tell people to trust what the CDC website without hesitation.
November 20, 2025 at 5:26 PM
The CDC website was quietly edited last night to claim there’s “no evidence” that vaccines don’t cause autism.
This is false.
But this is damaging, even beyond people’s confidence in vaccines.
For the first time in my career, I cannot tell people to trust what the CDC website without hesitation.
This is false.
But this is damaging, even beyond people’s confidence in vaccines.
For the first time in my career, I cannot tell people to trust what the CDC website without hesitation.
1/ Last week, the FDA announced it’s removing the black box warning from menopause hormone therapy (MHT). This is long overdue. Menopause is universal, yet misunderstood and stigmatized. Millions of women have suffered because of fear, misinformation, and a system that wasn’t built to support them.
November 19, 2025 at 9:32 PM
1/ Last week, the FDA announced it’s removing the black box warning from menopause hormone therapy (MHT). This is long overdue. Menopause is universal, yet misunderstood and stigmatized. Millions of women have suffered because of fear, misinformation, and a system that wasn’t built to support them.
1/ Hey, epidemiologist here 👋
I've been seeing a lot of concern as we enter flu season, so I want to do a quick breakdown of what's going on with #H3N2, the flu strain everyone's been talking about, how it’s mutating, and the best ways you can protect yourself. 🧵
I've been seeing a lot of concern as we enter flu season, so I want to do a quick breakdown of what's going on with #H3N2, the flu strain everyone's been talking about, how it’s mutating, and the best ways you can protect yourself. 🧵
November 18, 2025 at 4:51 PM
1/ Hey, epidemiologist here 👋
I've been seeing a lot of concern as we enter flu season, so I want to do a quick breakdown of what's going on with #H3N2, the flu strain everyone's been talking about, how it’s mutating, and the best ways you can protect yourself. 🧵
I've been seeing a lot of concern as we enter flu season, so I want to do a quick breakdown of what's going on with #H3N2, the flu strain everyone's been talking about, how it’s mutating, and the best ways you can protect yourself. 🧵
1/ Bird flu is back. After nearly nine months without a human case, the virus has re-emerged, causing a severe human infection in Washington state. This is the first case of H5N5 detected in a person. Here’s the details—and other #publichealth news you need to know this week 👇
November 17, 2025 at 11:24 PM
1/ Bird flu is back. After nearly nine months without a human case, the virus has re-emerged, causing a severe human infection in Washington state. This is the first case of H5N5 detected in a person. Here’s the details—and other #publichealth news you need to know this week 👇
1/ A rare outbreak of infant botulism has been linked to baby formula for the first time in U.S. history. Fifteen infants are hospitalized, including two in California. I’m Matt, Your Local Epidemiologist in California, and here are this week's public health updates 👇
November 14, 2025 at 5:07 PM
1/ A rare outbreak of infant botulism has been linked to baby formula for the first time in U.S. history. Fifteen infants are hospitalized, including two in California. I’m Matt, Your Local Epidemiologist in California, and here are this week's public health updates 👇
1/ If Congress lets ACA subsidies expire, a New Yorker making just $1 over the cutoff could pay $5,000–$10,000 more per year for health insurance. For older adults, it could be much higher. I'm breaking down what this means for New Yorkers and what else is happening in #publichealth this week👇
November 13, 2025 at 4:10 PM
1/ If Congress lets ACA subsidies expire, a New Yorker making just $1 over the cutoff could pay $5,000–$10,000 more per year for health insurance. For older adults, it could be much higher. I'm breaking down what this means for New Yorkers and what else is happening in #publichealth this week👇
1/ We might be nearing the end of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. But even if Congress extends #ACAsubsidies, the debate in Washington is way too small. The real issue isn’t actually the subsidies, it’s how completely insane our health care system has become. 🧵
November 12, 2025 at 10:12 PM
1/ We might be nearing the end of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. But even if Congress extends #ACAsubsidies, the debate in Washington is way too small. The real issue isn’t actually the subsidies, it’s how completely insane our health care system has become. 🧵
1/ The challenges in public health are urgent and constant, so it can be far too easy to miss progress when it happens. But one of the things that's been keeping me sane this year has been to pause and acknowledge that progress. So let's showcase some real signs of what public health can accomplish👇
November 11, 2025 at 7:25 PM
1/ The challenges in public health are urgent and constant, so it can be far too easy to miss progress when it happens. But one of the things that's been keeping me sane this year has been to pause and acknowledge that progress. So let's showcase some real signs of what public health can accomplish👇
1/ The FDA announced today that they are removing the black box warning from hormone replacement therapy ( #HRT). This label was added in 2002 after early studies showed increased stroke & breast cancer risk, but new research revealed crucial nuances: timing, dose, and delivery matter.
November 10, 2025 at 11:00 PM
1/ The FDA announced today that they are removing the black box warning from hormone replacement therapy ( #HRT). This label was added in 2002 after early studies showed increased stroke & breast cancer risk, but new research revealed crucial nuances: timing, dose, and delivery matter.
1/ Hey California! It’s been a big week—Halloween's done, the Dodgers won the World Series (mixed emotions, I know), and Prop 50 passed.
As the dust settles, here’s your quick public health update👇
✔️ Childhood flu deaths
✔️ ICE presence in hospitals
✔️ CalFresh updates
✔️ Covid, flu & RSV rates
As the dust settles, here’s your quick public health update👇
✔️ Childhood flu deaths
✔️ ICE presence in hospitals
✔️ CalFresh updates
✔️ Covid, flu & RSV rates
November 9, 2025 at 3:54 AM
1/ Hey California! It’s been a big week—Halloween's done, the Dodgers won the World Series (mixed emotions, I know), and Prop 50 passed.
As the dust settles, here’s your quick public health update👇
✔️ Childhood flu deaths
✔️ ICE presence in hospitals
✔️ CalFresh updates
✔️ Covid, flu & RSV rates
As the dust settles, here’s your quick public health update👇
✔️ Childhood flu deaths
✔️ ICE presence in hospitals
✔️ CalFresh updates
✔️ Covid, flu & RSV rates
1/ Nearly 3 million New Yorkers rely on SNAP for food, and the ongoing federal shutdown has left a huge funding gap. Marisa here, Your Local NY Epi, and today we’re breaking down what’s happening with #foodaid in New York, a decrease in youth tobacco use, and the current state of virus season 👇
November 6, 2025 at 7:46 PM
1/ Nearly 3 million New Yorkers rely on SNAP for food, and the ongoing federal shutdown has left a huge funding gap. Marisa here, Your Local NY Epi, and today we’re breaking down what’s happening with #foodaid in New York, a decrease in youth tobacco use, and the current state of virus season 👇
What is so refreshing about the election is the unveiling of an offense. People have been stuck in defense for too long. While this is necessary to avoid going backwards, offense moves forward. This is something that everyone and every institution, including public health, needs.
November 5, 2025 at 10:40 PM
What is so refreshing about the election is the unveiling of an offense. People have been stuck in defense for too long. While this is necessary to avoid going backwards, offense moves forward. This is something that everyone and every institution, including public health, needs.
1/ Today, the president announced he’s withholding funds for SNAP until the shutdown ends—not because the money isn’t there, but to use people’s empty stomachs as leverage.
November 4, 2025 at 7:55 PM
1/ Today, the president announced he’s withholding funds for SNAP until the shutdown ends—not because the money isn’t there, but to use people’s empty stomachs as leverage.
1/ Open enrollment for Obamacare (ACA) kicked off this weekend, during which more than 20 million families will shop for health insurance coverage. There's some sticker shock though: prices are up ~30% this year if tax credits aren’t extended. Here’s what else is happening in #publichealth 👇
November 3, 2025 at 11:05 PM
1/ Open enrollment for Obamacare (ACA) kicked off this weekend, during which more than 20 million families will shop for health insurance coverage. There's some sticker shock though: prices are up ~30% this year if tax credits aren’t extended. Here’s what else is happening in #publichealth 👇
1/ Happy Halloween! 🎃
If you’re a parent, you probably have a few #candy questions rattling around in your head, and as a mom to two energetic girls, I’ve wondered the same things. So I asked our YLE dietitian, Megan Maisano, for answers — and her insights were too good not to share.👇
If you’re a parent, you probably have a few #candy questions rattling around in your head, and as a mom to two energetic girls, I’ve wondered the same things. So I asked our YLE dietitian, Megan Maisano, for answers — and her insights were too good not to share.👇
October 31, 2025 at 5:35 PM
1/ Happy Halloween! 🎃
If you’re a parent, you probably have a few #candy questions rattling around in your head, and as a mom to two energetic girls, I’ve wondered the same things. So I asked our YLE dietitian, Megan Maisano, for answers — and her insights were too good not to share.👇
If you’re a parent, you probably have a few #candy questions rattling around in your head, and as a mom to two energetic girls, I’ve wondered the same things. So I asked our YLE dietitian, Megan Maisano, for answers — and her insights were too good not to share.👇
1/ Last week, LA County confirmed 3 cases of Clade 1b mpox, which historically, is a severe strain from Africa. This is the first time this strain has spread locally in the U.S. without a link to Africa. I’m Matt, your Local Epidemiologist in California, back with your weekly #publichealth update.
October 30, 2025 at 8:23 PM
1/ Last week, LA County confirmed 3 cases of Clade 1b mpox, which historically, is a severe strain from Africa. This is the first time this strain has spread locally in the U.S. without a link to Africa. I’m Matt, your Local Epidemiologist in California, back with your weekly #publichealth update.
1/ Over two dozen states, including New York, are suing the federal government to keep SNAP running. Without it, more than 40 million Americans could lose access to food. Today we're breaking down what’s at stake along with other New York #publichealth news you should know👇
October 30, 2025 at 3:20 PM
1/ Over two dozen states, including New York, are suing the federal government to keep SNAP running. Without it, more than 40 million Americans could lose access to food. Today we're breaking down what’s at stake along with other New York #publichealth news you should know👇
1/ If the headlines have felt heavy lately, you’re not alone. Between outbreaks, lawsuits, and fast spreading falsehoods, it’s easy to forget that #publichealth is still working. So today I'm sharing 4 pieces of good news worth celebrating from the past few weeks. 🧵
October 28, 2025 at 10:14 PM
1/ If the headlines have felt heavy lately, you’re not alone. Between outbreaks, lawsuits, and fast spreading falsehoods, it’s easy to forget that #publichealth is still working. So today I'm sharing 4 pieces of good news worth celebrating from the past few weeks. 🧵
1/ SNAP benefits are set to expire Nov 1, and more than 40 million Americans could lose access to food they rely on. That’s an average of $190 per person per month. Here’s what’s at stake—and other #publichealth news you need to know this week 👇
October 27, 2025 at 9:45 PM
1/ SNAP benefits are set to expire Nov 1, and more than 40 million Americans could lose access to food they rely on. That’s an average of $190 per person per month. Here’s what’s at stake—and other #publichealth news you need to know this week 👇
The president demolished the East Wing to build a ballroom. It’s hard to think of a better metaphor for what’s happening to our health ecosystem—gutting Medicaid, weakening the CDC, and cutting SNAP. The symbolism isn’t subtle: luxury expands while the systems that keep people healthy contract.
October 23, 2025 at 7:47 PM
The president demolished the East Wing to build a ballroom. It’s hard to think of a better metaphor for what’s happening to our health ecosystem—gutting Medicaid, weakening the CDC, and cutting SNAP. The symbolism isn’t subtle: luxury expands while the systems that keep people healthy contract.
1/ NYC's mayoral debate put food insecurity in the spotlight. And, as I'm sure you know, one of the most talked-about (and misunderstood) ideas for tackling this issue is city-owned grocery stores. Today we’re breaking down what they are, how they work, and where the candidates stand. 🧵
October 23, 2025 at 5:41 PM
1/ NYC's mayoral debate put food insecurity in the spotlight. And, as I'm sure you know, one of the most talked-about (and misunderstood) ideas for tackling this issue is city-owned grocery stores. Today we’re breaking down what they are, how they work, and where the candidates stand. 🧵
1/ Covid hospitalizations have been climbing in the UK, and with the respiratory virus season fast approaching, the US may not be far behind. We've seen a lot of questions about Long Covid, so now is like the perfect time to break down what we know, what’s still uncertain, and what it means for you👇
October 22, 2025 at 2:31 PM
1/ Covid hospitalizations have been climbing in the UK, and with the respiratory virus season fast approaching, the US may not be far behind. We've seen a lot of questions about Long Covid, so now is like the perfect time to break down what we know, what’s still uncertain, and what it means for you👇