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/
9/ Now a quick virus season update. Flu in New York is still widespread, RSV remains high but may be plateauing, and Covid is low. Vaccination, masking in crowded indoor spaces, and staying home when sick are all great preventative measures when it comes to these viruses.
January 22, 2026 at 9:01 PM
9/ Now a quick virus season update. Flu in New York is still widespread, RSV remains high but may be plateauing, and Covid is low. Vaccination, masking in crowded indoor spaces, and staying home when sick are all great preventative measures when it comes to these viruses.
4/ Despite innovations and improvements, community blood donations remain the backbone of the blood supply and are essential to hospitals. You can help save lives by donating at the Red Cross, NY Blood Center, or local centers. One donation can help up to 3 people!
January 22, 2026 at 9:01 PM
4/ Despite innovations and improvements, community blood donations remain the backbone of the blood supply and are essential to hospitals. You can help save lives by donating at the Red Cross, NY Blood Center, or local centers. One donation can help up to 3 people!
5/ Another outbreak in Utah and Arizona has reached 433 cases since late last year, but the pace there seems to be slowing. A new tool from Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and Mount Sinai highlights high-risk zip codes. You can zoom in on your area to see local risk.
January 21, 2026 at 5:06 PM
5/ Another outbreak in Utah and Arizona has reached 433 cases since late last year, but the pace there seems to be slowing. A new tool from Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and Mount Sinai highlights high-risk zip codes. You can zoom in on your area to see local risk.
4/ We're also seeing this outbreak reach other states, including North Carolina, Colorado, and Washington. On Monday, Clemson University reported its first campus case. This outbreak could easily become larger than last year’s Texas outbreak.
January 21, 2026 at 5:06 PM
4/ We're also seeing this outbreak reach other states, including North Carolina, Colorado, and Washington. On Monday, Clemson University reported its first campus case. This outbreak could easily become larger than last year’s Texas outbreak.
1/ Measles cases are climbing fast and right now, we're seeing the worst January for #measles infections in over 30 years. Hundreds of cases have already been reported across the U.S. in a month that historically sees slower spread during outbreaks due to school breaks and colder temperatures.
January 21, 2026 at 5:06 PM
1/ Measles cases are climbing fast and right now, we're seeing the worst January for #measles infections in over 30 years. Hundreds of cases have already been reported across the U.S. in a month that historically sees slower spread during outbreaks due to school breaks and colder temperatures.
4/ LiveItUp Super Greens has been recalled due to a Salmonella outbreak that has sickened more than 45 people and hospitalized 12 nationwide.
If you have it, toss it:
🔹 Check for expiration dates August 2026–January 2028
🔹 The product was sold online, including on Amazon
If you have it, toss it:
🔹 Check for expiration dates August 2026–January 2028
🔹 The product was sold online, including on Amazon
January 20, 2026 at 10:06 PM
4/ LiveItUp Super Greens has been recalled due to a Salmonella outbreak that has sickened more than 45 people and hospitalized 12 nationwide.
If you have it, toss it:
🔹 Check for expiration dates August 2026–January 2028
🔹 The product was sold online, including on Amazon
If you have it, toss it:
🔹 Check for expiration dates August 2026–January 2028
🔹 The product was sold online, including on Amazon
3/ Covid-19 levels are moderate nationwide but vary by region. The Midwest is seeing very high levels, followed by the Northeast. Overall, things seem to be slowing, suggesting another relatively mild winter. Even so, wash your hands, mask in crowded indoor spaces, and stay home when you’re sick.
January 20, 2026 at 10:06 PM
3/ Covid-19 levels are moderate nationwide but vary by region. The Midwest is seeing very high levels, followed by the Northeast. Overall, things seem to be slowing, suggesting another relatively mild winter. Even so, wash your hands, mask in crowded indoor spaces, and stay home when you’re sick.
2/ Visits for fever, cough, and sore throat are finally dropping. That’s good news. But respiratory seasons often have two waves. Schools are back in session, and different flu strains—like Flu B—can take over. Flu season often lasts into March, so we’re not done yet.
January 20, 2026 at 10:06 PM
2/ Visits for fever, cough, and sore throat are finally dropping. That’s good news. But respiratory seasons often have two waves. Schools are back in session, and different flu strains—like Flu B—can take over. Flu season often lasts into March, so we’re not done yet.
9/ Now onto flu. California is in the thick of flu season. Cases, ER visits, and hospitalizations are rising, and pediatric hospitalizations are climbing as well. Flu antivirals like Tamiflu and Xofluza can help prevent serious illness in those at risk.
January 19, 2026 at 4:42 PM
9/ Now onto flu. California is in the thick of flu season. Cases, ER visits, and hospitalizations are rising, and pediatric hospitalizations are climbing as well. Flu antivirals like Tamiflu and Xofluza can help prevent serious illness in those at risk.
8/ Mushroom poisonings are still happening in CA. We’re up to 3 deaths and 3 liver transplants since November, in people who mistakenly ate death cap mushrooms collected in the wild. The surest way to avoid being sickened is to stick to store bought mushrooms during this season of elevated risk.
January 19, 2026 at 4:42 PM
8/ Mushroom poisonings are still happening in CA. We’re up to 3 deaths and 3 liver transplants since November, in people who mistakenly ate death cap mushrooms collected in the wild. The surest way to avoid being sickened is to stick to store bought mushrooms during this season of elevated risk.
5/ Another change as of Jan 1: Insulin is now significantly more affordable in California through CalRx. The program offers insulin at more than 5x lower than usual cost, making life-sustaining medication more accessible for millions of Californians with diabetes.
January 19, 2026 at 4:42 PM
5/ Another change as of Jan 1: Insulin is now significantly more affordable in California through CalRx. The program offers insulin at more than 5x lower than usual cost, making life-sustaining medication more accessible for millions of Californians with diabetes.
1/ New Dietary Guidelines have arrived. MyPlate is out. The inverted food pyramid is in.
The USDA and HHS released the 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans last week. These guidelines shape nutrition policy, school meals, and clinical guidance for millions. Let's break down what changed 👇
The USDA and HHS released the 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans last week. These guidelines shape nutrition policy, school meals, and clinical guidance for millions. Let's break down what changed 👇
January 16, 2026 at 3:05 PM
1/ New Dietary Guidelines have arrived. MyPlate is out. The inverted food pyramid is in.
The USDA and HHS released the 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans last week. These guidelines shape nutrition policy, school meals, and clinical guidance for millions. Let's break down what changed 👇
The USDA and HHS released the 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans last week. These guidelines shape nutrition policy, school meals, and clinical guidance for millions. Let's break down what changed 👇
9/ Finally, the infectious disease snapshot: flu may have peaked but remains very high across New York, RSV is also high but appears to be leveling off, and Covid is relatively stable. It’s not too late to get vaccinated, and masking in crowded indoor spaces is still a smart move.
January 15, 2026 at 8:01 PM
9/ Finally, the infectious disease snapshot: flu may have peaked but remains very high across New York, RSV is also high but appears to be leveling off, and Covid is relatively stable. It’s not too late to get vaccinated, and masking in crowded indoor spaces is still a smart move.
6/ About 140,000 New Yorkers are now seeing their premiums rise. Without the enhanced subsidies, some middle-income adults who don’t get insurance through an employer are paying hundreds more each month for the same coverage. Congress is debating restoring the subsidies, but for now, costs are up.
January 15, 2026 at 8:01 PM
6/ About 140,000 New Yorkers are now seeing their premiums rise. Without the enhanced subsidies, some middle-income adults who don’t get insurance through an employer are paying hundreds more each month for the same coverage. Congress is debating restoring the subsidies, but for now, costs are up.
2/ There are four FDA-approved antiviral medications for flu available with a prescription shown on the graphic below. Most of us will choose between Tamiflu and Xofluza. The others have limits: Relenza needs an inhaler & isn’t safe for some, Rapivab is IV-only, so usually for hospitalized patients.
January 14, 2026 at 10:25 PM
2/ There are four FDA-approved antiviral medications for flu available with a prescription shown on the graphic below. Most of us will choose between Tamiflu and Xofluza. The others have limits: Relenza needs an inhaler & isn’t safe for some, Rapivab is IV-only, so usually for hospitalized patients.
2/ Starting with flu, Influenza-like illness (ILI) is the highest it’s been since the late 1990s. ER visits are surging, especially among kids, and 17 children have already died this season.
What’s driving it? The mutated H3N2 flu strain and falling flu vaccination rates.
What’s driving it? The mutated H3N2 flu strain and falling flu vaccination rates.
January 13, 2026 at 11:48 PM
2/ Starting with flu, Influenza-like illness (ILI) is the highest it’s been since the late 1990s. ER visits are surging, especially among kids, and 17 children have already died this season.
What’s driving it? The mutated H3N2 flu strain and falling flu vaccination rates.
What’s driving it? The mutated H3N2 flu strain and falling flu vaccination rates.
8/ RSV activity is increasing across California, with the highest impact among children. Pediatric hospitalizations for RSV and flu are rising at similar rates. I'm happy to report that Covid rates remain at low levels statewide.
January 9, 2026 at 5:00 PM
8/ RSV activity is increasing across California, with the highest impact among children. Pediatric hospitalizations for RSV and flu are rising at similar rates. I'm happy to report that Covid rates remain at low levels statewide.
6/ Now for our infectious disease update: flu is surging across CA. In December, ER visits rose 10x, hospitalizations 5x, and we recorded our first pediatric flu death. Wastewater shows transmission is still increasing. The most recent national data shows that most flu cases are H3N2 subclade K.
January 9, 2026 at 5:00 PM
6/ Now for our infectious disease update: flu is surging across CA. In December, ER visits rose 10x, hospitalizations 5x, and we recorded our first pediatric flu death. Wastewater shows transmission is still increasing. The most recent national data shows that most flu cases are H3N2 subclade K.
2/ California has had an exceptionally wet start to the year. Atmospheric rivers, saturated ground, and king tides have pushed water into streets and homes. Flood advisories have been issued statewide. I saw this firsthand in Marin County, where Hwy 101 closed for hours as runoff met high tides.
January 9, 2026 at 5:00 PM
2/ California has had an exceptionally wet start to the year. Atmospheric rivers, saturated ground, and king tides have pushed water into streets and homes. Flood advisories have been issued statewide. I saw this firsthand in Marin County, where Hwy 101 closed for hours as runoff met high tides.
4/ 3️⃣ Youth tobacco use in NY State fell to record lows, showing the effectiveness of prevention efforts.
4️⃣ Cleaner air and safer environments moved forward. Congestion pricing was linked to a 22% drop in PM2.5 in Manhattan’s congestion zone, and citywide composting launched across all 5 boroughs.
4️⃣ Cleaner air and safer environments moved forward. Congestion pricing was linked to a 22% drop in PM2.5 in Manhattan’s congestion zone, and citywide composting launched across all 5 boroughs.
January 8, 2026 at 3:02 PM
4/ 3️⃣ Youth tobacco use in NY State fell to record lows, showing the effectiveness of prevention efforts.
4️⃣ Cleaner air and safer environments moved forward. Congestion pricing was linked to a 22% drop in PM2.5 in Manhattan’s congestion zone, and citywide composting launched across all 5 boroughs.
4️⃣ Cleaner air and safer environments moved forward. Congestion pricing was linked to a 22% drop in PM2.5 in Manhattan’s congestion zone, and citywide composting launched across all 5 boroughs.
3/ 2️⃣ NYC overdose deaths dropped 28% in 2024, the largest decline in nearly a decade. (If you're wondering why this is in 2025's wins, the finalized numbers came out in 2025). Staten Island saw the most dramatic drop, tied to localized interventions and broader access to naloxone and treatment.
January 8, 2026 at 3:02 PM
3/ 2️⃣ NYC overdose deaths dropped 28% in 2024, the largest decline in nearly a decade. (If you're wondering why this is in 2025's wins, the finalized numbers came out in 2025). Staten Island saw the most dramatic drop, tied to localized interventions and broader access to naloxone and treatment.
2/ 1️⃣ NYC life expectancy hit a record high: 83.2 years, beating the city’s HealthyNYC goal years early. Fewer Covid deaths, better chronic disease care, and prevention efforts are adding years back to New Yorkers’ lives.
January 8, 2026 at 3:02 PM
2/ 1️⃣ NYC life expectancy hit a record high: 83.2 years, beating the city’s HealthyNYC goal years early. Fewer Covid deaths, better chronic disease care, and prevention efforts are adding years back to New Yorkers’ lives.
6/ In other news, 18 states are now testing SNAP purchase restrictions on non-nutritious food items. The evidence for this policy is mixed. Restrictions may reduce soda purchases, but don’t reliably improve diet quality or health. They also raise concerns about cost, stigma, and autonomy.
January 8, 2026 at 12:22 AM
6/ In other news, 18 states are now testing SNAP purchase restrictions on non-nutritious food items. The evidence for this policy is mixed. Restrictions may reduce soda purchases, but don’t reliably improve diet quality or health. They also raise concerns about cost, stigma, and autonomy.
4/ Quick check-in on other viruses:
🔹Covid remains low nationally but is ticking up late this winter
🔹RSV is increasing among young kids, though this season has been relatively mild
🔹Norovirus is also on the rise
🔹Covid remains low nationally but is ticking up late this winter
🔹RSV is increasing among young kids, though this season has been relatively mild
🔹Norovirus is also on the rise
January 8, 2026 at 12:22 AM
4/ Quick check-in on other viruses:
🔹Covid remains low nationally but is ticking up late this winter
🔹RSV is increasing among young kids, though this season has been relatively mild
🔹Norovirus is also on the rise
🔹Covid remains low nationally but is ticking up late this winter
🔹RSV is increasing among young kids, though this season has been relatively mild
🔹Norovirus is also on the rise
3/ Flu, though, is having *a year.* What’s driving it? A mutated flu strain, unlucky timing with vaccine formulation, and lower vaccine/flu shot uptake—particularly among kids. Remember: even when the flu vaccine is mismatched, it still reduces severe illness. It's not too late to get vaccinated!
January 8, 2026 at 12:22 AM
3/ Flu, though, is having *a year.* What’s driving it? A mutated flu strain, unlucky timing with vaccine formulation, and lower vaccine/flu shot uptake—particularly among kids. Remember: even when the flu vaccine is mismatched, it still reduces severe illness. It's not too late to get vaccinated!