Infection Intersection

  A video of a boy with pertussis ( whooping cough ), demonstrating the cough's distinctive "whoop" sound. US Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Whooping cough, or pertussis, is making headlines again as cases surge across the United States. A recent CNN article highlights the troubling rise in infections, pointing to gaps in vaccination, waning immunity, and other social and structural factors as key contributors. At Infection Intersection, we’re breaking down the resurgence of pertussis and what it means for you and your community. What Is Pertussis? Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis . It’s marked by severe coughing fits that can leave individuals gasping for air, often producing a high-pitched "whoop" sound, especially in children. The disease can lead to complications such as pneumonia, seizures, and even death, particularly in infants and people with weakened immune systems ( World...

California has declared a state of emergency in response to the rapid spread of bird flu (H5N1), marking a critical moment in managing this evolving outbreak. The virus, which primarily spreads among birds, has now crossed into cattle, raising serious concerns about its adaptability and potential risks to humans. This development comes on the heels of the first severe human case of H5N1 reported in Louisiana and new research indicating the virus may be mutating in ways that could increase its ability to infect humans. Read more on CNN . Colorized transmission electron micrograph of avian influenza A H5N1 virus particles (yellow/red) grown in Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) epithelial cells. Microscopy by CDC; repositioned and colorized by NIAID. Credit:   CDC and NIAID Louisiana’s Severe Case: A Warning Signal On December 18, 2024, the CDC confirmed the first severe human case of H5N1 in the United States. A Louisiana man was hospitalized after handling infected backyard poultry...

In recent years, vaccine skepticism has gained significant traction, with figures like Aaron Siri challenging the safety and necessity of vaccines. As highlighted in a recent New York Times article, Kennedy’s Lawyer Has Asked the FDA to Revoke Approval of the Polio Vaccine , Siri has launched a multifaceted campaign against vaccines, including petitions to halt the distribution of long-standing immunizations like the polio vaccine. Siri’s efforts are closely tied to the Informed Consent Action Network (ICAN), a nonprofit organization founded by Del Bigtree, an anti-vaccine activist. ICAN has been a driving force behind many of Siri’s legal challenges, including his representation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during his presidential campaign. These debates raise critical questions about the history, impact, and future of vaccines, particularly in the face of new challenges like the resurgence of preventable diseases in conflict zones. What is Polio? Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a highly...

At some point, we will all encounter an infectious disease, yet many of us rarely consider the challenges even the simplest treatments can pose. I recently met a patient who had suffered for years with chronic sinusitis. Their condition began during a period when they didn’t have healthcare coverage, and a local clinic refused to see them without a significant upfront cost. Left without options, they bounced between urgent care centers for episodic treatments that eventually stopped working, bringing them to me. This experience instilled a lifelong distrust of healthcare providers, rooted in the humiliation of being denied care in their time of need. Infectious diseases don’t just impact health—they come with financial burdens that weigh heavily on individuals and the healthcare system. From life-saving antivirals to powerful antibiotics, the high costs of treatment and complicated insurance policies often create insurmountable barriers. This article explores how these challenges affec...