For our fourth episode, show hosts Dr. Vivian Vega and Dr. Jackie Sherbuk candidly admit that they've been spending a LOT of time thinking about "not-so-forgotten infectious diseases." These are syndromes that the public may not hear about everyday, but that are still very important to the medical community and to the public at large. Although it was the first human contagion ever successfully eradicated, Smallpox as a disease still looms large, not just as a potential agent of bioterrorism, but as a cousin (orthopoxvirus) to Monkeypox (Mpox), which is currently experiencing a deadly outbreak in Africa. In fact, the American Mpox vaccine given to many at-risk U.S. individuals in the 2022 outbreak was originally created as a Smallpox vaccine. Vivian shares the fascinating tale of the last ever case of Smallpox which unexpectedly took the life of an unlikely victim. Both hosts share information on the typical presentation of Smallpox in its victims and its distinct characteristics. The eradication of Smallpox still is considered one of the great accomplishments of Medicine.

Next, Vivian and Jackie discuss another feared but not forgotten infectious illness, Polio. Once endemic, this waterborne illness once affected tens of thousands of victims across the U.S., and led to the closure of parks, swimming pools, schools, and other public places. This devastating illness was vanquished by the discovery of effective, easy to administer, and inexpensive vaccines. Even so, many victims lived out their lives in an iron lung, including Paul Alexander, a courageous American man who lived out the remaining 72 years of his life in such a device, passing away earlier this year. Despite the great accomplishments in the eradication of Polio, this small RNA virus is still endemic in a handful of countries, and a case prompting the mass vaccination of children was just reported in Gaza in late August 2024.

In their ID news segment, there is plenty to discuss, including more information about the Listeria outbreak involving Boar's Head meat products, the Mpox Public Health Emergency declared by the WHO in Africa, and "Triple-E" (Eastern Equine Encephalitis) and West Nile virus cases being reported in areas of the U.S.

Dr. Vega would like to give a special thank you to her good friend Mr Job Meiller for his musical contributions for our podcast.

Thanks also to Dr. Ana Velez, our artistic contributor, for her painting used in our episode thumbnail.

In our third episode, show hosts Dr. Vivian Vega and Dr. Jackie Sherbuk kick things off by discussing the latest news from the world of infectious diseases. Important topics highlighted include a Listeria outbreak linked to deli meat, a progress report on long acting medications for HIV prevention, and an update on bird flu (H5N1 Influenza) associated with poultry and dairy cattle.

With summer clearly in full swing, our main topic this episode is Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis, or PAM. Guest expert and Infectious Diseases clinician Dr. Sandra Gompf, Professor of Medicine at the University of South Florida, shares her experiences as head of Amoeba-Season.com. For more than 10 years, her organization has been dedicated to raising awareness about amoebic brain infections associated with fresh water exposure. Dr. Gompf identifies the organism that causes most infections--Naegleria fowleri, and the risk factors, recreational situations, and mechanisms by which most victims (mainly young children) are exposed. Although, as our episode title suggests, PAM is 99% fatal--encouraging stories of survival have emerged from cases where early diagnosis of the disease permitted prompt treatment. Our guest provides important information sites for parents and clinicians and how some communities and health care facilities are being proactive in making sure diagnostic and therapeutic resources are in place during the warmest summer months. Dr. Gompf also shares her own personal story about PAM, and offers information on treatment options and the simple and inexpensive ways for families to enjoy aquatic activities while making this condition 100% preventable.

For more information, visit Amoeba-season.com

Vivian would like to express her deep appreciation to Nathalia Estrada and Chrissy Derado for their musical contributions this episode.

Thanks also to Dr. Ana Velez, our artistic contributor, for her painting used in our episode thumbnail.

A preview of our podcast series from our hosts, Drs. Vivian Vega and Dr. Jackie Sherbuk

In 2007, Australian former pro tennis player, former World No. 1 in doubles and US Open singles champion, Sam Stosur was at the top of her game, before succumbing to a mysterious illness that left her unable to play--with prolonged fatigue, severe headaches, chest pains, and weakness. She struggled for months before seeing an infectious diseases (ID) specialist who ultimately diagnosed her with a tick-borne illness. Sam tells her own story to open the episode, and then hosts and ID clinicians, Dr. Vivian Vega and Dr. Jackie Sherbuk, summarize her syndrome and the symptoms she experienced.

Using this as a springboard to discuss other zoonotic (transmitted from animals to humans) infections of the summer, Vivian and Jackie next discuss what are known as vector-borne diseases (VBDs). These are infections that use an intermediary host (such as a blood-sucking insect) to transmit the infection to a human victim. VBDs kill up to a million persons per year, according to the World Health Organization.

Among the most important vectors of summertime infections are ticks. Our hosts explain how ticks attach to their hosts and the factors that make these six-legged creatures so adept and spreading infections to humans.

Lyme disease is a perennial tick-related syndrome in the US and Europe that is a major cause of illness and prolonged complications in endemic areas. Vivian and Jackie review the history of Lyme disease and its different clinical manifestations. Lyme disease diagnosis, treatment strategies, and prevention are explained. As an aside, the duo also discusses alpha-gal syndrome, a fascinating but under-recognized food allergy related to tick exposure.

Next, the duo move on to discuss mosquito-borne illnesses. Important summertime infections of these buzzing pests are described, including West Nile virus, Dengue, and Chikungunya. And demonstrating the power of preventing disease through engineering, they explain the reason behind why there are no mosquitoes in Disney World.

In our last segment, Vivian and Jackie share important Infectious Diseases news stories for the month, including the reporting of even more cases of Avian Influenza and the threat they pose to agriculture and humans. Finally, DoxyPEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is highlighted, a promising new approach to preventing sexually transmitted infections in vulnerable persons in high risk groups.

Vivian would like to thank her friend Sam Stosur for sharing her story on this episode. She would also like to thank her friend Natalie Buono for putting together the theme song for this episode and vocals. John Ferrell on lead guitar.

Thanks also to Dr. Ana Velez, our artistic contributor, for the custom oil painting and thumbnail art for this episode.

In our inaugural episode, show hosts Drs. Vivian Vega and Jackie Sherbuk discuss the upcoming Summer travel season and important infections spread by contact with water. Vibrio vulnificus is a potentially deadly illness spreading in the U.S. due to climate change that peaks in the hottest summer months. Vivian discusses risk factors for exposure and how vulnerable individuals can stay safe. Next, Jackie shares three limericks tied to specific waterborne infections, and Vivian has to guess the infectious agent tied to hot tubs, aerosolized water, and other recreational aquatic exposures. Next, the duo discuss Leptospirosis, an important zoonoses (human disease acquired from wild animals) associated with adventurous travel. To close the episode, two Infectious Diseases specialists and travel enthusiasts from the USF's Division of Infectious Diseases, Dr. Shylah Moore-Pardo and Dr. Shivan Shah, discuss how they stay safe during their travel adventures.

Dr. Vega would like to give a special thank you to her good friend Dr. Rey Rivera and to Mr Job Meiller for their musical contributions for our podcast.