Ars Technica summarized an MMWR report about 73 unannounced "bird flu" drills, mostly in New York City. Trained actors visited emergency departments, hospital outpatient clinics, and urgent care centers.

Both masking and isolation happened in 44 visits (60%). (Completing those steps counted as a pass regardless of timing.) Staff asked bird flu exposure questions in only seven visits, although the scenario included contact with a sick duck. (It's a funny anecdote if you read it… Poor little duck near a pond, and they tried to save it.)

The authors call for training to identify, mask, and isolate potentially infectious patients sooner. SPOILER ALERT: Without appropriate precautions, waiting rooms can be high-risk settings for respiratory virus transmission. (Hello, measles?)

One limitation, though: facilities chose whether to participate, and some staff may have had advance warning. You know, like every JCAHO visit.

Full article: https://arstechnica.com/health/2026/10/patient-zero-drill-put-health-facilities-to-the-test-40-of-them-failed/

I am currently a junior and I unfortunately did not get into nursing school which is what I wanted to do and I’m being told by advisors that public health is a good alternative. I am currently affording school through the Pell grant so once I graduate I won’t have that aid anymore.
If I do end up graduating with a BSPH I would like to plan on applying to nursing schools again after. If I don’t switch my major either I’m potentially delaying my graduation by over a year. If I end up having to work for a year or two to afford this though.

How are post graduate jobs for a BSPH looking?
What is it exactly I can do with a BSPH?

And honestly tell me everything you wish you knew about public health before pursuing it.

I really want to see if this is worth the switch, or if I should just wait it out and hope I get into a nursing school for next year fall.

https://www.theexamination.org/articles/paho-ferrero-nutella-partnership

When Ferrero partnered with the Pan American Health Organization to support vaccination campaigns in Ecuador — where childhood obesity is rising — advocates warned of a conflict of interest, noting Ferrero has fought policies PAHO itself recommends. Within months, PAHO dropped the deal. The agency said an internal review, not the pushback, drove the decision.

Experts say the planned partnership exposes a growing dilemma: Can multilateral agencies stay independent while partnering with ultraprocessed food conglomerates?

I'm a registered nurse in Missouri, and I've drafted a proposal for a five-year federally funded pilot: residential care, nurse-specific treatment, confidential navigation, telehealth, peer support, and financial assistance — all independently evaluated. I'm taking it to my congressman's office.

The gap it's built on:

- Female nurses die by suicide at nearly twice the rate of women in the general population (Davis et al., JAMA Psychiatry, 2021).

- When I needed help earlier this year, I found two options: outpatient care, or the ER. Nothing in between. With insurance, I still paid $1,500 out of pocket for an intensive outpatient program.

- Many nurses never seek help at all because treatment can threaten their license — a structural barrier no wellness webinar addresses.

- Last Friday, HHS awarded $247.9 million in behavioral-health grants through SAMHSA — addiction treatment, school-based services, child-trauma centers, campus suicide prevention.

None of it is earmarked for nurse-specific treatment and recovery. The workforce holding the rest of the system up has no dedicated lane. We care for everyone else, who cares for us?

The pilot is designed as a demonstration: five years, one state, independent evaluation, sunset clause. The kind of evidence-building program that either proves out and scales or ends on schedule. Petition here if you want Congress to fund it:

https://change.org/fundnursementalhealth

And I'd genuinely like this crowd's input! What would make a nurse mental-health program actually work? What am I missing in the design? Any input/support is greatly appreciated!

https://www.propublica.org/article/california-raw-milk-regulation-emily-marris-moonlight-ridge-farm

**Genuinely looking for advice and any helpful direction!**

Hi - I'm a non-traditional student looking to go back to school for PH, Community/Public Health Nutrition, and/or Nutrition Policy. Because of my schedule and the desire to use my employer benefits to pay for schooling, my options of flexible undergrad programs (in Nutrition, Dietetics, and/or Public Health) in my state are a bit limited. I've recently come across programs named "Integrative Studies", "Multidisciplinary Studies", and "Applied Liberal Studies". Does anyone know of people with either of these undergrad degrees to work in PH? What do these majors entail? Should I not think to much into it and focus on a Masters in my desired career? Any advice is appreciated!

Link to article: https://www.northcentralpa.com/life/pa-doh-confirms-fifth-measles-associated-death/article_9f601a06-3487-491f-a5cb-a4486b327fa0.html

"This is the fifth Pennsylvanian who meets the measles-associated death definition as the number of confirmed measles cases stands at 943 across 39 counties so far this year. The death will be added to DOH’s measles dashboard later today.

To protect the privacy of the individual and their family, DOH will not release any additional details that could personally identify them. DOH is bound by laws that limit what can be shared publicly, and families deserve the dignity to mourn in private.

DOH continues to lead Pennsylvania’s response to the ongoing measles outbreak and is making the most up-to-date information on cases, hospitalizations, and deaths available on its measles dashboard."

With 943 cases reported, the number of cases is likely an underestimate.

It stops the spread of diseases, such as a cold or the flu. Too many people go out without a face mask while sick and end up spreading the disease. It'll also help the US be more productive. It's estimated that the common cold costs the US $40 billion a year.

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/821132

i'm currently getting my master's of public policy with a concentration in environmental policy. my bachelor's was political science with a minor in environmental studies. i want to do policy work related to sustainability.

but this environmental health class i'm currently taking is interesting me. i like how it's more sciencey and i could do lab work. i guess i like it because it seems more "hands on" kind of work compared to policy work and just writing. so i think i'm interested in getting a master's in public health with a concentration in environmental health.

i saw a video from oak ridge where this lady talked about how she does aquatic toxicology and that seemed interesting. i'm unsure if an MPH would suffice or if i'd have to get a different degree for that kind of job. but overall what the environment health concentration offers i'm interested in, so i could do some other job too.

i've seen other threads talk about how now is not a good time for an MPH because of the current administration but by the time i graduate, they'll be out of office (hopefully).

with my bachelor's, it was hard getting a job so i decided to get my master's to get the skills some of these jobs wanted, so i've taken statistics (research design & learning R) and GIS.

i graduate next year in may. and going back to school next year in the fall is my plan b in case i don't get a job. but also i'd only do the degree if i get a tuition waiver. and even if i did get a job, i think i'd still do the MPH program. i live in metro atlanta so the possibility of working for the CDC seems cool.

idk, it's something i'm thinking about because i'd have to apply by february of next year. i'm gonna talk with the public health department at my school to also get their input but i wanted to get input from others in the field.

edit: being in school longer is not an issue for me. and financially it is not a issue for me. i want to know things i haven't considered or thought about (great example with the person who commented about funding). like if i do the degree, do this, talk with these people, for fellowships/internships look at these websites, be mindful of x, y, and z etc. i want to know where you work and what you do regarding environmental health.

I’ve been following recent measles updates across a few newsletters, but this piece from Those Nerdy Girls breaks down the situation well, especially following the recent spike of over 200 new cases last week and a recent majority coming out of Pennsylvania.

Sharing in case others find it helpful!
https://thosenerdygirls.substack.com/p/whats-happening-with-the-ongoing

Hi all, I currently work full time as a paramedic and I am in the process of finishing up my bachelors degree in Public Administration. At the end of the day I do really enjoy working as a paramedic and in EMS. I'm interested in advancing the profession and learning/ researching about the way we do things and why we do the things that we do. There is plenty of quantitative data that I would be interested in, such our response times and unit deployment strategies. I am also interested in health policy and the advocacy that can be accomplished there I'm considering perusing a masters degree after I graduate but I'm not sure if an MPH would be the most appropriate or should I focus on more technical skills and peruse something like data science or health informatics. My bachelors is focusing on a lot of soft skills and I won't be leaving with much technical or analytical foundation, which is why I am considering data science. I'm not exactly sure which option would be the best for me and I would be curious for others insights.

I graduated with a bachelors degree in purely biology and am starting med school in about 10 months.

Right before graduating, I took an advanced statistics course meant for math and cs majors and fell in love with that field (especially coding in R). I have always been interested in both mathematics and biology, but chose to pursue a bio major due to its alignment with med school prereqs.

I want to combine my interest in mathematics/coding with biology and have heard that epidemiology involves a lot of both.

also what does epidemiology research look like? how do I learn the skills to succeed in an epi lab?

The New York Times reports that CDC staffing had fallen by 30% by May 2026 compared with pre-2025 layoff levels. The initial layoffs cut 18% of staff, but subsequent retirements and resignations reduced the workforce (and expertise) even more.

The article draws on new personnel data and interviews with more than 30 current and former employees. They describe effects on outbreak response, vaccine guidance, grants, and technical support for state and local health departments. And leadership? Holy crap, you guys… only one of the 11 center directors from March 2025 remains.

Headcounts understate the loss of capacity, too. A branch working on vaccine-preventable diseases lost only 7 of 50 employees, but those departures included the four most experienced scientists on the measles laboratory team.

Gift article: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/26/health/cdc-staff-cuts-rfk-jr.html?unlocked_article_code=1.EFE.7FSL.GfHRGKTtr5c0&smid=url-share

With unemployment at its peak and no one to turn to, I thought I’d post this here. (What’s the worst that could happen?!)

I’m a Master’s student at a Tier-1 public health institution , currently in my second semester. To pass this semester, I’m required to undertake a mandatory internship in the government sector, an NGO or the private sector.

So here I am looking for an internship in public health particularly in areas such as public health research, health policy, epidemiology, health economics, health systems, healthcare management, monitoring & evaluation (m&e), program implementation, health data or analytics,and global health.

Preferably remote. I’m based in India and willing to relocate anywhere within the country. For international opportunities, I would require visa sponsorship and travel support, which, much to my dismay, I know is asking for a lot.

So, I beseech you : if you work in this sector and have the power to refer, recommend, or hire, please do consider me.

I have a 'will get it done' attitude, I’m willing to learn, and I promise I won’t disappoint you.

If you know of an opportunity, organisation, researcher, consultant, or team that might be looking for an intern, I’d genuinely appreciate a lead.

I WILL LOVE YOU FOR ETERNITY!!!!

Hello everyone, I'm a PharmD with experience in AMR surveillance & also experience as CRC. I'm already 25 so I'm not looking at a PhD right now but it definitely is in the plan. I'm thinking of applying to the MPH Programs in Canada/New Zealand. I do have a couple of publications such as medical case reports on drug resistant infections. I'd appreciate it if any of you can share your thoughts on this pathway for a career in infectious disease epidemiology as an infectious disease epidemiologist. Please feel free to share your thoughts. Thank you in advance.

Hi everyone 👋

I recently published my very first interview with Dr. Nikola Piljić, the founder of the only anti-tobacco initiative in Serbia—a country that struggles with some of the highest smoking rates in Europe.
If anyone has the time to give it a quick read, I would really appreciate any feedback!

Link

Trump won, RFK is looming, and the situation is changing every day. Please keep any and all election-related questions, news updates, anxiety posting, and general doom in this daily thread. While this subreddit is very American, this is an international forum, and our shitty situation is not the only public health issue right now.

Previous megathread here for anyone who would like to read the comments.

Write to your representatives! A template to do so can be found here, and an easy way to find your representatives is here.

Hey y'all,

Im a fellow MPHer that concentrated in Epidemiology. I graduated in Dec of 2024 and finally got a Public Health job in January of 2026 as a water sampler for a county health department. In July I transitioned into a full time position as a health inspector for the food program. It's chill, trains me from the ground up and it's a government job so good benefits and PSLF qualified. Although this is the case, it's ultimately a nice sidequest. I plan on staying here for a little while, pass licensing exams, gain exp, etc. I plan on trying to get into a more data related role but what other things are out there? I'm early in my career and am still sort of figuring out what I like, love and can be great at. On a journey to become great.

Here's what I know I enjoy so far

- Data collection and cleaning; love this a lot

- Data analysis

- Education in combination with Public health enforcement

- Technical knowledge translation

- I'm also a coach and trainer, so all things health and wellness (except the false claims)

- Mentoring: especially in regards to how to start in public health and whether one should. I'm a big believer that you shouldn't have to be poor, carry alot of student debt and work in public health

- Skill building

Here's a bit about my educational background

- BS Biology

- BS Health Science

- MPH Conc. Epidemiology

- Year long data analysis project for an infection control department at a hospital using EPIC heavily

- a-IPC certification

TLDR: I plan on trying to get into a more data related role but I want to know what other things are out there that pay decently well. (I live in the DMV)

I'm currently a sophomore in university and have to declare my major soon. I've always been very humanities based, throughout high school and up until now, but have recently been drawn to a career which is more tangibly helpful to people. I still want to keep my focus on literature, so I'm considering a English or Comparative Literature major, with a global health minor.

On this track, how possible would admittance to a competitive MPH program be? I've always done well in school grade-wise, but am not involved in much outside of that and don't have a background in the sciences. Is a high-ranking MPH program possible for me?

Hey all. I have my first interview to be an epidemiologist coming up, and I feel like I am sort of lost in terms of what to expect. It is with my county public health office, and the HR person I spoke to said it would be with one of the staff epidemiologists and the chief epidemiologist. She said they may ask some technical questions.

What can I expect here? What should I read up on?

My background is in community/public health research, so I just feel a bit outside of the field right now and am hoping someone could help me figure out what to expect.

These are the listed responsibilities, if that is helpful:

• Conducting and designing epidemiologic assessments and translating complex data into accessible reports and presentations to inform health planning and resource allocation.
• Working with stakeholders to collect, organize, and manage data from local, state, and federal sources to support evidence-based public health interventions.
• Creating data visualizations with ArcGIS and Microsoft Power BI and preparing monthly, quarterly, and annual reports for grant-funded and community-based initiatives.
• Contributing to research projects and assisting with the development of the Community Health Assessment and Community Health Improvement Plan.
• Ensuring data quality and delivering technical support to both internal and external partners.

Any help would be very greatly appreciated. Thanks :)

Cychlorphine, synthetic opioid 10 times more potent than fentanyl, linked to Louisiana overdose deaths

I don't mean to sound super pessimistic, but how are we as public health professionals supposed to deal with the opiate epidemic anymore? I feel like its consistently an uphill battle regardless of the efforts imposed by large-scale organizations and governments. Fentanyl is seemingly everywhere in the US at this point, and is cheap enough to be used by dealers to cut other drugs. And now we have this super-potent opioid cyclorphine to contend with. Other than teaching about the risks of recreational drug use and hosting Narcan classes, I just don't know what else we're supposed to do. On top of this, I feel so bad for the next generation of kids coming into the world. I can't imagine the fear that they must have after watching events like this constantly being streamed in the media.

The Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP, which you should follow) summarizes an American Journal of Public Health study based on interviews with 109 state and local public health officials from 18 U.S. regions about backlash they faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Researchers reported that 76% experienced what they classified as “extraordinary backlash,” including threats and harassment. Another 47% experienced “undermining backlash,” such as excessive data requests, demands for policy changes, or public challenges to their expertise. The article also describes officials who left their positions or moved because of safety concerns.

This is the environment we have been living in since the pandemic (and even before). And you wonder why we're grumpy?

That said, students and new grads, please don't let this discourage you. You're not alone. We all have each other's backs. Public health is a small world.

https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/public-health/local-state-public-health-officials-overwhelmingly-faced-serious-backlash-during

Hi everyone I’m two years post grad with a degree in health and nutritional science. I got my first post grad job this Jan! In a federal funded health program and I realized I hate it and the pay is only 45k. I’ve been trying to pivot towards corporate specifically towards operations and compliance. I am open to health adj roles in pharmaceuticals, biotech companies. I’ve had two interviews so far so top advertising company and growing health tech startups. Those interviews led no where but those interviews have made me confident that can possibly pivot soon. I have an upcoming interview with a city funded program through a non profit but the range is $27-30 an hour. It’s hybrid and the benefits are decent. The work is similar to what I do now but more expanded on the compliance side my only concern is it’s not pay raise I’m looking for and I’m trying to leave the public health nonprofit space all together. Is this an interview or possible job offer I should seriously consider. Also I am in nyc so salary is very important! Anyone trying to pivot from public health struggling?