Viruses do not care about politics. The next pandemic will arrive whether we are ready or not. History will judge us by whether we learned enough from it to protect the next generation. Read my full commentary below ⬇️

CIDRAP@cidrap.bsky.social · 2d ago

COMMENTARY by @mtosterholm.bsky.social: The pandemic debate the US isn't having When the Senate hearing featuring Dr. Fauci ended, one vital question remained not only unanswered but largely absent from the discussion: How will the US be better prepared for the next pandemic? https://bit.ly/4yTKSsD

A pandemic is not just something that happens in one localized area. In the modern world, a pandemic is almost always a viral infection. Read the full conversation that I had with @cidrap.bsky.social News about pandemics. ⬇️

CIDRAP@cidrap.bsky.social · 5d ago

What defines a pandemic? What gives a pathogen pandemic potential? CIDRAP Director @mtosterholm.bsky.social answers these questions and more. Read the full conversation: https://bit.ly/44VI54y

It is interesting how many things we've learned about foodborne disease and specifically Cyclospora. Yet at the same time, it feels like we haven't learned that much. I hope we will recognize there were many, many mistakes made in this outbreak & that we learn from these mistakes. bit.ly/4fsGlG2

CIDRAP@cidrap.bsky.social · 6d ago

New Osterholm Update podcast episode: Cyclospora: Then and Now 🎧 Listen as @mtosterholm.bsky.social & co-host Chris Dall focus on the cyclosporiasis outbreak, from the latest numbers, to how state & federal officials, as well as the media, have handled it all. Full episode: https://bit.ly/4fsGlG2

This is a complicated outbreak. There’s no question about that. The lack of federal public comment has been very challenging, because people have looked to the federal government to give them clarity of what’s happening. That absence has allowed this big black hole for information. Full story ⬇️

CIDRAP@cidrap.bsky.social · last wk.

A difficult-to-trace parasite, messaging missteps contribute to summer of overwhelming Cyclospora outbreaks Infrequent communication from the federal government on the Cyclospora outbreak caused a “big black hole for information” https://bit.ly/4fDRbrk 📷: benketaro/Flickr cc

Today, I spoke at the 2026 Big Ten Retirees Association Conference. My talk focused on the important work at @cidrap.bsky.social by the Vaccine Integrity Project (VIP) and how higher education creatively allowed for VIP to play a larger role in the overall vaccine policy landscape.

Many are concerned with the cyclospora outbreak in the US. The bottom line for this outbreak is, in time, it will be solved. We will understand why the distribution of product was as it was. I hope we also learn that we don't have a monolithic US food supply for leafy greens. Listen: bit.ly/44zpDOV

CIDRAP@cidrap.bsky.social · 3w ago

New Osterholm Update podcast episode: Cyclospora, Ticks and Mosquitoes: Summertime Threats 🎧 Listen as @mtosterholm.bsky.social and co-host Chris Dall discuss: -Cyclospora -Alpha-gal syndrome -West Nile virus, Ebola & more! Hear the full episode: https://bit.ly/44zpDOV

Chris Dall, co-host of the Osterholm Update podcast, shares a sneak peek 👀 of this week's episode. Chris & @mtosterholm.bsky.social will discuss: -Cyclosporiasis outbreak -Alpha-Gal syndrome -West Nile virus & more! 🎧 Episode 213 posts Thurs., 7/16. More on the podcast: https://bit.ly/3ThfmV5

Here's what we know and what we don't know about the huge US Cyclospora outbreak. ⬇️ As the outbreak continues, identifying the source of Cyclospora remains a challenge. Read more: https://bit.ly/4w3Ezkv

We could be much better prepared for the future. On this episode of @stanforddeptmed.bsky.social's The Future of Medicine podcast, I share lessons learned from COVID-19, pandemic preparedness, and more. Thanks again to @euanashley.bsky.social & @stanfordmedicine.bsky.social. Full conversation ⬇️

Stanford Department of Medicine@stanforddeptmed.bsky.social · 3w ago

In this episode of The Future of Medicine, #InfectiousDisease expert @mtosterholm.bsky.social joins #StanDOM's @euanashley.bsky.social to examine what #COVID19 taught us & why the world remains dangerously underprepared for the next #pandemic. @cidrap.bsky.social https://bit.ly/3SLLwbg

Is laughter contagious? 🦠 Later this month, I'll join the Theater of Public Policy to discuss the latest in infectious disease. This unique event uses humor to take the pressure off of serious conversations. 📅 Come ready to learn and laugh on 7/28: https://bit.ly/4wsotRa

In episode 212, we talk about Ebola in the DRC. This Ebola outbreak may be the biggest public health challenge that I have seen in my career. We know what to do, we know how to do it, but the conditions on the ground make a major roadblock to doing what we need to do. ow.ly/IL3550ZjMk8

CIDRAP@cidrap.bsky.social · last mo.

New Osterholm Update podcast episode: Major Roadblocks 🎧 Listen as @mtosterholm.bsky.social and co-host Chris Dall discuss: -How Ebola continues to escalate in the DRC, -The flu outbreak at a Texas Air Force base, & more. Hear the full episode: ow.ly/4YL250ZjLAo

Chris Dall, co-host of the Osterholm Update podcast, shares a sneak peek 👀 of this week's episode. Chris & @mtosterholm.bsky.social will discuss: -Ebola -A flu outbreak -Initiatives by VIP & The Evidence Collective 🎧 Episode 212 posts Thursday, 7/2. More info on the podcast: ow.ly/1WPU50YVgIo

In an interview with Vaccine Insights, I talked about how the next pandemic will not wait: universal vaccines, pandemic preparedness, and the integrity of vaccine policy. For more on these topics, and to hear about the Vaccine Integrity Project at @cidrap.bsky.social, visit: ow.ly/f08u50ZhFqL

More than 60 years after ACIP was established, this is an opportunity to assess how an independent scientific advisory process can best serve the country in an increasingly complex scientific, technological, and political environment. Read more on the initiatives: ow.ly/FLsx50Zgf24

CIDRAP's Vaccine Integrity Project and The Evidence Collective Launch Complementary Initiatives to Strengthen Vaccine Policy and Governance in the United States | Vaccine Integrity Project

CIDRAP provides advice, information and analysis on the prevention, control and treatment of targeted infectious diseases and in public health preparedness.

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CIDRAP@cidrap.bsky.social · last mo.

CIDRAP's Vaccine Integrity Project and The Evidence Collective today announced complementary initiatives designed to improve US vaccine policymaking and strengthen public trust in vaccines. Read full press release: ow.ly/FLsx50Zgf24

In this country, 92-94% of all funding for local & state public health activities around infectious diseases actually results from federal support. So, when that federal support is pulled, it really is a challenge in terms of supporting infectious disease surveillance & follow-up. ow.ly/QLJl50ZekKh

CIDRAP@cidrap.bsky.social · 2mo ago

New Osterholm Update podcast episode: A System Held With Duct Tape 🎧 Listen as @mtosterholm.bsky.social and co-host Chris Dall discuss: -Ebola outbreak updates -Hantavirus -What New World screwworm is & more! Hear the full episode: ow.ly/QLJl50ZekKh

Chris Dall, co-host of the Osterholm Update podcast, shares a sneak peek 👀 of this week's episode. Chris & Dr. Osterholm will discuss: -Ebola outbreak -Hantavirus -New World screwworm & more! 🎧 Episode 211 posts this Thursday, 6/18. More info on the podcast: ow.ly/1WPU50YVgIo

When it comes to treating measles illness, basically, you’re always a day behind, treating the signs and symptoms of what happened yesterday. Read more on declining vaccination rates and measles treatment alternatives: ow.ly/aJGy50ZbgJa @nytimes.com

With Measles Roaring Back, the Search for a Treatment Is On

nytimes.com

This week's podcast episode focuses on Ebola: What the Past Tells Us about the Present. I hope that we, as well as our international partners, can step up to help. We know that we can effectively support an Ebola response. The question, sadly, is whether we will. Listen here: ow.ly/J8FC50Z7J0m

CIDRAP@cidrap.bsky.social · 2mo ago

New Osterholm Update podcast episode: Ebola: What the Past Tells Us about the Present 🎧 Listen as @mtosterholm.bsky.social and co-host Chris Dall discuss: -The Ebola outbreak in the DRC -Hantavirus -A report from the FDA on pediatric deaths linked to COVID vaccines Listen: ow.ly/J8FC50Z7J0m

CIDRAP Op-Ed: What’s the likely next move after the executive order on childhood vaccines? It's either a bluff or, more likely, a strategic undermining of the schedule for these life-saving immunizations. Op-Ed by @unbiasedscipod.bsky.social's Jess Steier: ow.ly/miL550Z7bO9

Chris Dall, co-host of the Osterholm Update podcast, shares a sneak peek 👀 of this week's episode. Chris & @mtosterholm.bsky.social will discuss: -Ebola -Hantavirus -The targeted strain for this fall’s COVID vaccines & more! 🎧 Episode 210 posts Thurs., 6/4. More on the podcast: ow.ly/1WPU50YVgIo

The VIP, w/ @ama-assn.org & medical societies, shared progress on work to support an independent, transparent review of evidence across influenza, COVID-19, & RSV vaccines. This upcoming review will provide carefully evaluated evidence & recommendations grounded in science, medicine & patient care.

I spoke with Becker's Hospital Review on the current Ebola outbreak in the DRC. I shared why I think case counts will go up- but at the same time- I still caution against panic. Read the full interview: ow.ly/bCtB50Z3mXt.

Ebola case count rises to 750: 5 updates

Ebola case count rises to 750 in Congo and Uganda; WHO raises risk level and U.S. enforces travel restrictions amid outbreak.

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My @postopinions.bsky.social commentary: Pathogens exploit delays, complacency & political fatigue. They move through cracks we allow to form in public health systems & international partnerships. Outbreaks can be contained if the US and its partners rapidly coordinate efforts. ow.ly/ogne50Z2VTq

Opinion | This Ebola outbreak is a test the world doesn’t have to fail

The U.S. and international partners can act decisively to end this outbreak.

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On this episode, I explain why we all should be concerned about what's happening right now with Ebola. But, the concern should be for the people living in the DRC & surrounding countries, not for the possibility this will cause widespread disease & death in the US. Full episode: ow.ly/GYlO50Z2Qq1

CIDRAP@cidrap.bsky.social · 3mo ago

New Osterholm Update podcast episode: Awareness vs. Alarm: Making Sense of the Headlines 🎧 Listen as @mtosterholm.bsky.social & co-host Chris Dall discuss: -Hantavirus -A recent Ebola outbreak in the DRC -VIP’s review of evidence on Tdap vaccination during pregnancy Full episode: ow.ly/GYlO50Z2Qq1

Chris Dall, co-host of the Osterholm Update podcast, shares a sneak peek 👀 of this week's episode. Chris & @mtosterholm.bsky.social will discuss: -Hantavirus -Ebola -VIP's review of evidence on Tdap vaccination during pregnancy & more! 🎧 Episode 209 posts this Thursday, 5/21. ow.ly/1WPU50YVgIo

The Vaccine Integrity Project at @cidrap.bsky.social published a review of evidence on Tdap vaccination during pregnancy w/ the Evidence Foundation. Our review reinforced that maternal vaccination provides protection for infants before the age they can be vaccinated. Report: ow.ly/uJwF50YZ3ok

CIDRAP@cidrap.bsky.social · 3mo ago

The Vaccine Integrity Project's comprehensive review of peer-reviewed evidence on Tdap vaccination during pregnancy reinforces longstanding evidence: ✅ Maternal Tdap vaccination helps prevent pertussis infection, serious complications in young infants. Read the full report: ow.ly/uJwF50YZ3ok 🧵 1/2

There have been over 100 cases of hantavirus in Argentina this past year & no reports of person-to-person transmission. It’s a rare phenomenon, but it happens. Looking at studies, these experiences give reason to believe what is happening on the ship will be self-limited. Full Q&A ow.ly/PxBl50Z0bTw

CIDRAP@cidrap.bsky.social · 3mo ago

Osterholm on hantavirus: We’re missing ‘main point of this outbreak’ "Respiratory person-to-person transmission is not new with the Andes hantavirus," CIDRAP Director Michael Osterholm points out www.cidrap.umn.edu/m... Photo: Chris Cooper / University of MN

I spoke with CNN on what we know about the history of hantavirus outbreaks and transmission- and monitoring current hantavirus patients. Interview below ⬇️

I shared my commentary with @postopinions.bsky.social on NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya's failure to release the COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness study in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Read the full piece posted to the @washingtonpost.com: ow.ly/LJF850YWkX4

One topic on this week's podcast episode, Bad News, Good News, is the 2 clinical trials of Paxlovid. The bad news: Paxlovid is found to have little impact on severe outcomes among most vaccinated patients. The good news: Severe COVID-19 outcomes have become less common. Listen: ow.ly/5uNN50YWcYE

CIDRAP@cidrap.bsky.social · 3mo ago

New Osterholm Update podcast episode: Bad News, Good News @mtosterholm.bsky.social & co-host Chris Dall discuss: -Paxlovid trials -Findings of CIDRAP’s analysis of HPV vaccines. HPV vaccination significantly reduces the risk of cervical cancer, other HPV-related diseases. 🎧: ow.ly/5uNN50YWcYE