Emerging Pathogens Institute
@epi.ufl.edu
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Research. Education. Outreach. From the molecular level to ecosystems, the EPI will lead the fight against infectious diseases.
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Reposted by Emerging Pathogens Institute
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One of the most dangerous malaria-carrying mosquitoes is rapidly evolving in response to control efforts, genetics has revealed.

Findings could inform smarter tools to monitor for and fight malaria. 🦟

Read more here ⤵️
http://bit.ly/4pwQKDv
Genomic evolution of major malaria-transmitting mosquito species uncovered
Sequencing hundreds of Anopheles funestus mosquitoes provides new insights into the evolutionary patterns of this important human malaria-transmitting species.
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epi.ufl.edu
There seems to be a new food recall every week. Why are there more foodborne outbreaks? Why are people getting sick from their groceries?

Dive into the article for food safety breakthroughs and setbacks, the top three foodborne pathogens and how to avoid foodborne illness: go.ufl.edu/ccb77ye.
Why is food making us sick: Unpacking the rise of food-borne illnesses  » Emerging Pathogens Institute » University of Florida
Why have there been so many recent outbreaks of food-borne illnesses? Food-safety experts are increasingly concerned about pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli and Listeria.
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epi.ufl.edu
It may be time to add wildlife photographer to your CV because these pictures are stunning!
epi.ufl.edu
Did you know #SwineFlu is actually a type of #BirdFlu? 🤯

Watch the full video on YouTube as one of our experts covers everything bird flu, including responding to tweets about the virus!

www.youtube.com/channel/UCO2...
epi.ufl.edu
It’s World Mosquito Day! Over 125 years after the day it was founded, we’re still working hard to study mosquito-borne diseases and improve the health of all. 🦟🧑‍🔬#WorldMosquitoDay2025
Two researchers look into a microscope’s camera to look at a mosquito.
Reposted by Emerging Pathogens Institute
jama.com
JAMA @jama.com · Aug 14
#Measles, a highly contagious viral disease, is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.

📊 This JAMA Insights discusses transmission, clinical presentation, and diagnosis of measles.

ja.ma/4ozL1wh
An excerpt from JAMA insights discusses measles, a contagious viral disease, noting transmission, complications, and diagnostic testing. Text includes statistics on cases, deaths, and the importance of vaccination.
epi.ufl.edu
School is back in session! And that means various returning pathogens are eager to reunite with their hosts after a summer away. 🦠🤒😷

Visit our website to learn about the most common illnesses, what signs to look out for, advice on what to do when sick, and more!
How to avoid getting sick during back-to-school season » Emerging Pathogens Institute » University of Florida
Ready to head back into the classroom? So are pathogens! See what this expert from UF EPI is saying to those heading back to school, from tiny tots to college students, to stay happy and healthy this ...
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epi.ufl.edu
One of our amazing members published a new paper in the journal Pathogens! Explore how mosquitoes are used as flying syringes to conduct pathogen surveillance on wildlife. 🦟💉
profwisely.bsky.social
Just published today! Our group used mosquitoes as flying syringes to conduct surveillance on pathogens of turkeys, white-tailed deer and invasive wild pigs. Not only could we detect DNA and RNA viruses, we could estimate prevalence! 🌎🧪👩‍🔬
doi.org/10.3390/path...
Exogenous xenosurveillance allows us to sample peripheral blood of wildlife hosts using mosquitoes. We can then identify hosts using barcodes and screen for host pathogens.
epi.ufl.edu
About 25 to 30 #tick species are found in #Florida. According to the Florida Department of Health, some of the most common diseases they spread in the state are Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis.

Where are ticks most common? How should you protect yourself? Our website has all the answers.
Barbecues, bites and biology: Tick-borne disease risks in Florida » Emerging Pathogens Institute » University of Florida
Florida has approximatley 25 to 30 ticks. Which ticks are in Florida? What diseases do ticks spread? And how do residents and visitors alike can stay safe when outdoors?
go.ufl.edu
Reposted by Emerging Pathogens Institute
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"You’ve got to have scientists and public health practitioners to be able to move forward with disease prevention, but the system is being dismantled. There could be profound consequences if we are confronted with another major pandemic.’’ — J. Glenn Morris Jr
www.floridatrend.com/articles/202...
Florida Icon: J. Glenn Morris Jr.
Professor of Infectious Diseases and Founding Director of the University of Florida’s Emerging Pathogens Institute; Gainesville; age 73
www.floridatrend.com
epi.ufl.edu
What if we were one step ahead of infection across diseases and regions? Combining #AI and epidemiology may bring that possibility closer to reality.

In a scoping review published by @nature.com, researchers analyze AI's impact on outbreak forecasting. #AIAppreciationDay
AI and epidemiology: Can combining the two predict pandemics?  » Emerging Pathogens Institute » University of Florida
Scientists weigh the pros and cons of using artificial intelligence in epidemiological models to predict pandemics.
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epi.ufl.edu
Deadly, flesh-eating #bacteria may be moving to a #beach near you. EPI member Antar Jutla works with collaborators to use machine learning to refine risk models and curb Vibrio infections.

Read the latest Scientific American article covering the bacteria!
Forget Jaws. These Bacteria in Beach Water Can Make You Seriously Ill
Illnesses from stealthy pathogens known as Vibrio are advancing northward along numerous coasts, potentially ruining your summer vacation
www.scientificamerican.com
epi.ufl.edu
In a moment of serendipity when investigating a case of meningitis in a daycare worker, EPI members stumbled upon a new virus. This surprising case helped create a domino effect in proper health care. ⚕️

Uncover the power of combining #research and #healthcare.
Surprising daycare infection underscores need for broader disease surveillance  » Emerging Pathogens Institute » University of Florida
A recent study reveals a new variant of an intestinal virus found in a daycare worker. The discovery was accidentally made due to a lab error, which initially led to the mistaken diagnosis of bacteria...
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Reposted by Emerging Pathogens Institute
who.int
WHO @who.int · Jun 2
During an outbreak, what does “contact tracing” mean?

A newly released disease agnostic practical guideline, helps to strengthen public health responses during outbreaks by defining essential terms.

Explore the guideline, now available in 6 languages: bit.ly/4mETgWL
epi.ufl.edu
According to the @CDCgov, there have been 1,046 #measles cases in the U.S. as of May 23, 2025.

How does measles spread? Is the virus airborne? How do you treat it? How do you prevent it? And who is at risk?

Read our latest expert Q&A for all the answers.
UF EPI expert explains measles as U.S. outbreaks hit 1,000 cases » Emerging Pathogens Institute » University of Florida
University of Florida Emerging Pathogens Institute expert explains measles as U.S. outbreaks breach 1,000 cases for the second time this century.
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epi.ufl.edu
EPI Associate Director of Training and Special Projects Daniel Swale recently visited the U.S. Capitol to advocate for the development and innovation of agrochemical technology.

With #AI and investments, he believes #agricultural #research can advance with increased agrochemical discovery. 💫
Daniel Swale holds up a Florida Gators handheld banner while posing in front of the U.S. Capitol Building. Daniel Swale sits between two people on a panel to speak before members of Congress.
epi.ufl.edu
How does contact with someone with #tuberculosis affect #disease transmission? How do age and immune status affect the risk of #TB? 🤔

EPI members collaborated with the Florida Department of Health on a recently published paper in @plosone.org to answer both questions. #EndTB
Timing and predictors of disease incidence among named contacts of reported tuberculosis patients in a low incidence setting
Contact investigations are crucial for tuberculosis (TB) control, yet the temporal dynamics of disease progression among exposed contacts remain poorly understood. We conducted a retrospective cohort ...
journals.plos.org
epi.ufl.edu
Founding EPI director J. Glenn Morris, Jr., has published a letter in @thelancet.bsky.social about #cholera risk in Goma, DR Congo.

The paper explores the #PublicHealth crisis happening in the region amid ongoing fighting and forced dispersal of relief camps.
Cholera risk in Goma, DR Congo, after forced clearing of relief camps
The emerging crisis in eastern DR Congo and especially around the city of Goma, in the province of North Kivu, has worrying implications for cholera in the region. The area around Goma has been tumult...
www.thelancet.com
epi.ufl.edu
Congratulations! We are cheering you on from Florida. 👏