Transmissible: A Public Health Podcast

In this episode of Transmissible, we revisit the lifeand work of Dr. John Snow, often called the father of modern epidemiology, to explore why public health history still matters. Long before germ theory was widely accepted, Snow used careful observation, data mapping, and skepticism ofconventional wisdom to trace a deadly cholera outbreak in 19th-century London to a single contaminated water pump.

But this episode goes beyond the famous Broad Street map. We examine what Snow’s approach teaches us about evidence-based decision making and the social and political forces that shape public health responses. From resistance to ne...

In this episode we dive into the strange and fascinating world of Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), the delayed meat allergy that can appear after a tick bite. We talk through what AGS actually is, how ticks (lone star, blacklegged and western blacklegged ticks) introduce it into the body, and why some people develop an allergic reaction hours after eating red meat. You will hear about the symptoms people notice most often and the practical steps you can take to protect yourself from this unusual tickborne illness.

Citations: A Review of Alpha-Gal Syndrome for the Infectious Diseases Practitioner...

In this episode, I break down how to identify your actual dream job in public health using a simple “mental algorithm” so you’re not just scattering applications into the void, but moving with clarity and purpose toward a career that actually excites you. We talk honestly about the brutal November 2025 public health job market and how to think in terms of transferable skills. I walk you through how to network without being awkward or apologetic, including specific outreach emails (that you can use!) using my E.A.S.Y. framework (Establish, Ask, Simplify, Yield). Finally, I rapid-fire a huge l...

In January 1925, a deadly diphtheria outbreak threatened the small, frozen town of Nome and the only hope was antitoxin that had to be rushed across Alaska by dog sled in the middle of a massive, subzero blizzard. In this episode, we break down the science of diphtheria, the relay that became known as the Great Serum Run, and the real story behind Togo, Balto, and the race that saved lives.

Citations:
The Cruelest Miles by Gay Salisbury and Laney Salisbury alaskaweb.org⁠https://www.cdc.gov/diphtheria/vaccines/index.html⁠ (tdap resource)⁠https://www.alas...

A quick breakdown of public health jargon in under five minutes. This week's word is at the heart of public health itself: epidemiology.

A quick breakdown of public health jargon in under five minutes.

A quick breakdown of public health jargon in under five minutes that is made for curious minds.

Phototherapy is one of the most effective and quietly revolutionary treatments in public health. Every year, hundreds of thousands of newborns around the world develop severe jaundice and for most, a simple blue light can prevent irreversible brain damage or even death. But access to that light isn’t universal.

In this episode, we explore the science of jaundice and bilirubin, why newborns are particularly vulnerable, describe the mechanism by which blue-green light helps clear toxic levels from the body, and the global inequality in access to this life-saving intervention. We also highlight public he...

In this episode of Transmissible, we take a critical, evidence-based look at the claim that vaccines cause autism — and examine how this misconception gained traction. We systematically review both methodologically sound and methodologically flawed studies, highlighting key differences in study design, bias, confounding, and statistical interpretation. We’ll break down epidemiologic study types (including cohort studies, case-control studies, ecological studies, and retrospective studies), demystify essential statistical concepts like relative risk, odds ratios, and confidence intervals, and clarify the crucial distinction between correlation and causation. All explanations are presented in plain language without sacrificing scientific rigor. No judgment, just facts. Whet...

A powerful earthquake recently struck Myanmar and Thailand, shaking communities and raising urgent public health concerns. In this mini-episode of Transmissible: A Public Health Podcast, we break down what happened, where it hit hardest, and how organizations like the WHO are responding. From emergency medical aid to disease prevention efforts, we explore this disaster through a public health lens—because when the ground shakes, the ripple effects go far beyond the epicenter.

Disclaimer: The information in this episode of Transmissible is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or emergency response advice. Wh...

For years, parents were told to avoid peanuts in infancy to prevent allergies. But the groundbreaking LEAP study flipped that advice on its head, showing that early peanut introduction can dramatically reduce peanut allergy risk by over 80%. In this episode of Transmissible: A Public Health Podcast, we dive into how this discovery became a major public health win, changing national guidelines, reducing healthcare costs, and reshaping how we think about food allergy prevention.

Legal: The information provided in this episode of Transmissible: A Public Health Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be...

In this special mini-episode of Transmissible, host Jessica shares a heartfelt thank-you to the hardworking federal employees and contractors at the CDC. Amid heated online rhetoric and job eliminations, Jessica, who has worked extensively with CDC in laboratories, international training, and emergency responses, sets the record straight about what these professionals actually do. From combating antibiotic resistance to field epidemiology and outbreak surveillance, she breaks down the essential work that keeps the public safe. Join her for a candid discussion on the realities of public health work, the sacrifices involved, and why these efforts matter now more than ever.<...

Norovirus—often called the perfect pathogen—is one of the leading causes of acute gastroenteritis outbreaks worldwide. Responsible for widespread illness across all age groups, it remains a major cause of childhood and endemic infections. Originally described as winter vomiting disease due to its seasonal surges, norovirus is infamous for its rapid spread, low infectious dose, and resistance to disinfection. In this episode of Transmissible: A Public Health Podcast, host and scientist Jessica Stahl breaks down what makes norovirus so uniquely contagious, how it wreaks havoc on cruise ships, in schools, and in prisons, and why it continues to be a...

In 2023, measles claimed an estimated 107,000 lives, yet vaccination has prevented a staggering 60 million deaths since 2000. Despite this, measles remains a pressing issue in many developing countries, particularly in parts of Africa and Asia. On this episode of Transmissible: A Public Health Podcast, we dive deep into the science behind this highly contagious disease. From its pathogenesis and epidemiology to the life-saving MMR vaccine and the fascinating history of measles—including its 10th-century description as being "more dreaded than smallpox"—host Jessica unpacks it all.

Drawing on her career as a contractor with CDC, her experience with rare path...

In this mini episode of Transmissible: A Public Health Podcast, host Jessica Stahl dives into the latest updates on the H5 bird flu (avian influenza) situation as of December 9, 2024. With her promise to keep listeners informed on global health issues, Jessica breaks down the current status of bird flu in North America, focusing on its impact on wild birds, poultry, and dairy cattle.

Jessica reviews key data from CDC and USDA, including new federal orders for national milk testing and the broader implications for public health. She explains the science behind H5's transmission potential and its...

In this mini-episode of Transmissible, Jessica provides an urgent global health update on a mysterious illness emerging in a remote region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. With symptoms like fever, cough, and anemia, and a widely varying death toll, health officials are racing to identify the cause of this outbreak. Jessica explains the challenges of disease surveillance in such remote areas, the impact of malnutrition on affected communities, and the global response, including updates from WHO and CDC. Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds, and don’t miss next week’s deep dive into measles!

Correction! Frances Oldham Kelsey was a woman. I accidentally assumed she was a man based on “Frances”.

This week on Transmissible: A Public Health Podcast, Jessica shares a deeply personal and scientific exploration of morning sickness AKA nausea and vomiting during pregnancy—a condition she's navigating firsthand while managing type 1 diabetes. Drawing on her professional experience as a scientist and her academic background, she unpacks the science, epidemiology and ancient history of this challenging aspect of pregnancy. She also explores the data on available treatment options and recounts the harrowing story of one of modern...

In this episode of Transmissible, we dive into the public health challenges posed by hurricanes, cyclones, and typhoons. These powerful storms go beyond their immediate destruction, sparking a cascade of health crises in their aftermath. From waterborne diseases and injury risks to disruptions in healthcare services and long-term mental health impacts, the effects of these natural disasters are far-reaching and often underestimated. Join us as we explore the science behind these storms, their impact on communities, and the strategies needed to build resilient public health systems in the face ofthese violent storm systems.

Citations: National Hurricane Center...

In this episode of Transmissible: A Public Health Podcast, we dive into the intersection of public health and professional sports. With the NFL's 2024 kickoff rule changes aimed at reducing head injuries, we explore the latest data on CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) and its impact on athletes. Join us as we break down what these rule changes mean from a public health perspective, examining whether they truly address the growing concerns around concussions and long-term brain injuries in football.

Citation:

https://med.nyu.edu/departments-institutes/population-health/divisions-sections-centers/medical-ethics/education/high-school-bioethics-project/learning-scenarios/the-nfl-brain-injury#:~:text=After%20studying%20the%20...

In this episode of Transmissible, we explore the lasting impact of the September 11th, 2001, terrorist attacks, focusing on the thousands still affected by 9/11-related illnesses. With deaths from these illnesses now believed to have surpassed those from the initial attacks, we dive into the ongoing challenges faced by survivors and first responders. Join us as we discuss the efforts of public health professionals to provide care and support to those who continue to suffer from the long-term health consequences of that tragic day.

Citation:

⁠https://www.nyc.gov/site/911health/researchers/what-we-know.page⁠

⁠https...

Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is a rare but severe viral infection that causes inflammation of the brain, often leading to death or long-term neurological issues. Transmitted by mosquitoes, EEE has a fatality rate of around 30% among those who develop symptoms. While the disease predominantly affects horses, humans can also be infected, though they are considered "dead-end" hosts, meaning they don't transmit the virus further. Recent news highlights concerns in Plymouth, Massachusetts, where new measures have been implemented after mosquitoes tested positive for EEE, marking the first human case in the state since 2020. In this episode, Jessica, dives into the...

Welcome to this mini episode of Transmissible. Jessica Stahl, MPH, covers the latest updates on the unfolding mpox outbreak. CDC has issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Update about the monkeypox virus (MPXV) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern. Tune in to learn more about what this means and its potential impact.

Citations: Mpox – Africa CDC WHO declares mpox virus a public health emergency of international concern | UN News Health Alert Network (HAN) - 00513 | Mpox Caused by Human-to-Human Tr...

In this episode, Jessica Stahl, MPH explores the groundbreaking work of Edward Jenner, the physician who developed the first successful smallpox vaccine. Learn about Jenner's observations, his experiments with cowpox, and how his discoveries changed public health forever. Despite facing skepticism, Jenner's work laid the foundation for modern immunology and continues to save lives today. Citations: History of smallpox vaccination (who.int)About Edward Jenner — The Jenner InstituteEdward Jenner and the history of smallpox and vaccination - PMC (nih.gov)The Milkmaid Who Supposedly Inspired The Smallpox Vaccine Was A Myth : Goats and Soda : NPRHistory of Smallpox | Smallpox | CDCThe or...

In this episode of "Transmissible: A Public Health Podcast," we journey to mid-19th century Vienna to uncover the tragic yet inspiring story of Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis. Dr. Semmelweis's revolutionary epidemiologic work proved the importance of handwashing in preventing childbed fever, yet he faced fierce resistance from the medical establishment of his time. Despite the initial rejection and personal sacrifices, his discoveries eventually transformed medical practices and saved countless lives. Citations: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9902590/ https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(96)06481-1/fulltext https://www.amazon.com/Gordis-Epidemiology-David-Celentano-ScD/dp/0323552293 https://magazine.punch...

In this episode, host Jessica Stahl, MPH, explores how health outcomes are improved when patients seek a second opinion. According to the Cleveland Clinic, second opinions change the diagnosis in 28% of cases and modify treatment plans in 72% of cases. The global medical second opinion market is projected to grow from USD 7.12 billion in 2024 to USD 20.45 billion by 2031, reflecting its increasing value. A Mayo Clinic study found that second opinions cut the chance of misdiagnosis in half, reducing diagnostic errors from 50% to 26%, and a third opinion drives it down to 16%. Another Mayo Clinic study revealed that 1 in 5 patients receive a distinctly...

☀️💦🦠In this episode, Jessica (who is also a toddler mom) dives into the pathogen hazards of splash pads when the water is not treated properly. She discusses the dangers posed by Naegleria fowleri, a brain-eating amoeba, and Cryptosporidium, a parasite causing severe gastrointestinal illness. Learn about the risks, symptoms, and essential safety measures to protect your family while enjoying splash pads this summer. Citation: What You Can Do to Stay Healthy at Splash Pads | Healthy Swimming | CDC About Cryptosporidiosis | Cryptosporidium ("Crypto") | CDC

Legal: The information provided in this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be conside...

🐄🦠In this episode, Jessica provides the latest updates on H5N1 bird flu, discussing recent developments, and the third case of cow-to-human transmission. She also discusses what the "H" and "N" mean in H5N1. Come hangout!

Citations: H5N1 Bird Flu: Current Situation Summary | Avian Influenza (Flu) (cdc.gov) Influenza Type A Viruses | Avian Influenza (Flu) (cdc.gov) How CDC is monitoring influenza data to better understand the current avian influenza A (H5N1) situation in people | Avian Influenza (Flu) Influenza Type A Viruses | Avian Influenza (Flu) (cdc.gov)

In this episode, we review CDC's May 24, 2024, MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report) on the outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) viruses in U.S. dairy cattle and the detection of two human cases in 2024. We'll explore the implications for public health and the measures taken to control the outbreak. Outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Viruses in U.S. Dairy Cattle and Detection of Two Human Cases — United States, 2024 | MMWR (cdc.gov)

For this episode of Transmissible: A Public Health Podcast, discuss the biology of Lyme disease, the vector responsible for transmission, and the bacteria that cause it. We'll break down the symptoms in humans, the latest treatments available, and the testing methods used for diagnosis.

Our journey doesn't stop there; we'll take a look back at the history of Lyme disease and bring you up to speed with the modern epidemiology and current groundbreaking research. Whether you're a medical professional, a researcher, or someone affected by Lyme disease, this episode is for you. Tune in to stay informed...

In this episode we cover the fascinating history of Nathan Straus, the co-founder of Macy's department store, and how he saved thousands of lives through his milk pasteurization philanthropy.

Citations:  ⁠https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0362028X22087610⁠ (graph!)

https://ephemeralnewyork.wordpress.com/2011/11/03/the-milk-stations-that-saved-the-lives-of-city-kids/

https://postcardhistory.net/2021/12/the-crusade-for-pure-milk/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0362028X22087610#bb0120

https://www.americanheritage.com/saint-straus

https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-new-york-times-straus-tells-of-pure/9755277/

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/429124

https://www.nyhistory.org/blogs...

This week Jessica dives into the fascinating and emerging world of Alaskapox virus, now renamed Borealpox virus. She discusses the name change and what we currently know about this "new" virus.

Citations:

https://health.alaska.gov/dph/Epi/id/Pages/Borealpox.aspx

https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=northernredbackedvole.main (cute vole alert!)

https://alaskapublic.org/2024/04/01/alaskapox-no-more-newly-discovered-disease-and-virus-is-to-be-called-borealpox/

Legal:

This podcast provides general information and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice...

🍋⚓️💀This week Jessica is covering the fascinating and odd history and science of scurvy! She also says "um" too much due to being sick :( enjoy!

Disclamer: This podcast provides general information and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider regarding any medical condition. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

Citations:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29539504/

https://www.seanet.com/~alexs/ascorbate/196x/stone-i-acta_genet_med_et_gemell-196...

📋✍️🦠This week's episode of "Transmissible: A Public Health Podcast," is all about the world of public health job applications! Whether you're a recent graduate or seasoned professional, we've got you covered with practical tips and a comprehensive list of job titles to explore.

In this episode, we explore the minute by minute timeline of the Chernobyl disaster and its lasting impact on public health. From the 1986 explosion of Reactor 4 to the long-term consequences of radiation exposure on affected communities, we uncover the tragic toll of the accident. We close out the episode with a discussion on disaster preparedness and lessons learned.

Citations:

https://www.atomicarchive.com/science/power/chernobyl-timeline.html (Timeline)

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4899336/#:~:text=To%20date%2C%20epidemiological%20studies%20of,%3B%20and%20(3)%20thyroid%20cancer 

h...

🧬🦟🌴In this episode of Transmissible: A Public Health Podcast, we dive into the fascinating world of chikungunya virus (CHIKV). We discuss its microbiology, clinical presentation, and how it differs from dengue fever. We also explore the history and epidemiology of CHIKV. Join us as we unravel the complexities of this mosquito-borne disease and its implications for public health worldwide.

Citations:

https://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/pdfs/CHIKV_DengueEndemic.pdf

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4378492/

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/chikungunya

https://t...

🏔️🧬In this episode, join us as we uncover the secrets of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF), exploring its biology, history, and epidemiology with a special emphasis on the fearless disease detectives who ventured into the Wild West, particularly in Montana's Bitterroot Valley. From the pioneering work of Dr. Howard T. Ricketts to the groundbreaking research by Drs. Roscoe Spencer and Ralph Parker who produced the first effective vaccine against the disease by emulsifying infected tick tissue and inactivating the rickettsiae with phenol, we cover it all.

Citations:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/book...

In today's episode, Jessica shares her journey as a public health professional, offering helpful tips and tricks for navigating the application processes along the way. Next week, we'll return to our regular broadcasting schedule. :)

Once again, nothing said here reflects the views of any former or current employers or organizations.

Uncover the science surrounding the transmission of Rat Lungworm Disease as Jessica navigates through the life cycle of Angiostrongylus cantonensis and its role in spreading this unique illness. Explore how environmental factors, human behavior, and global travel play pivotal roles in the widespread impact of Rat Lungworm Disease.

Citations:

🤰🔬In this episode, we embark on a scientific exploration of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, two potentially fatal conditions that affect maternal health during pregnancy. Jessica also shares her personal story of pre-eclampsia with the birth of her son.

New public health episodes every Wednesday!

Citations:

https://www.preeclampsia.org/

https://blogs.cdc.gov/genomics/2022/10/25/preeclampsia/

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/maternal-mortality

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31527059/

https://news.uchicago.edu/story/blood-test-can-help-doctors-predict-severe-preeclampsia-earlier-and-more-accurately:

This week Jessica deep dives into the fascinating world of the Zika Virus. We cover the science, history, epidemiology, transmission and more.

New episode every Wednesday!

Great CBS video about Zika:

https://www.cbsnews.com/video/zika-children-of-the-outbreak/

Citations:

https://www.cdc.gov/pregnancy/zika/data/index.html

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/zika-virus

https://www.paho.org/en/topics/zika

Jobs:

https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=4ec03da91a473898&tk=1hlgl4mhok55...

🦟🧬 Uncover the science behind Dengue virus transmission as Jessica navigates through the Aedes mosquitoes' role in spreading this formidable disease. Learn how environmental factors, urbanization, and global travel contribute to Dengue's widespread impact and what public health professionals are doing to build laboratory capacity around the world.

As always, nothing Jessica says is medical advice or represents past or current employers. Please discuss all medical questions with your own doctor.

Citations:

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dengue-and-severe-dengue

https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/index.html#:~:text=Dengue%20viruses%20are%20spread%20to,ill...

Happy New Year! Mid-week public health news updates + job opening shoutouts for public health professionals:

-More Virulent Mpox Clade Can Be Sexually Associated, WHO and CDC Warn (JAMA Network)

-Despite Safe and Effective Vaccine, Measles Cases and Deaths Increased Worldwide From 2021 to 2022 (JAMA Network)

-Travel Advisory Level 2 for Nigeria and Niger due to Diphtheria

+ job opportunities that are currently live

Join Jessica as she covers the breaking public health news headlines and goes over current public health/epidemiology job openings. Headlines we cover:

-White Lung/North China Respiratory illness updates (it's still clickbait)

-Dengue spreading globally

-West and Central Africa facing ongoing humanitarian crisis due to conflict, food prices, and climate per UN

- Reviewing: The effectiveness of an egg-based intervention on improving the nutrition of poor school-age children in China: A quasi-experimental assessment (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0899900723000242)

Citations:

...

Jessica discusses today's public health news updates which include:

https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-soldiers-mouse-fever-outbreak-frontlines-ukraine-inteligence-2023-12

https://www.cdc.gov/hantavirus/hfrs/index.html

https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2023/han00501.asp

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-a-new-malaria-vaccine-presents-a-bargain-for-saving-lives/

Duration: 00:19:19

Happy Wednesday! Today we are covering these news stories:

Monday morning episode to cover breaking global and public health news for the week of December 11, 2023. Stories:

Citations:

https://www.cdc.gov/outbreaks/index.html

https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2023-DON497

https://www.who.int/news/item/04-12-2023-global-partners-pledge-usd777-million-to-combat-neglected-tropical-diseases

 https://www.webmd.com/covid/news/20231204/covid-flu-rates-rising-rsv-may-have-peaked https://w...

Mini episode about the medical buzzword phrase circulating the internet: whit lung syndrome. Let's dig into the facts! Clickbait or threat? I say clickbait.

Citation:

Tom Frieden interview: https://youtu.be/mqHdozyqpY0?si=N_LNepgJbLPluMJ_

CBS article: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ohio-white-lung-pneumonia-not-linked-to-china-outbreak-novel-pathogen-experts/

In this 'Breaking News' episode of Transmissible: A Public Health Podcast, Jessica covers WHO's official statement on the reported clusters of respiratory illness in children in northern China.

Statement from WHO:

WHO has made an official request to China for detailed information on an increase in respiratory illnesses and reported clusters of pneumonia in children.  

At a press conference on 13 November 2023, Chinese authorities from the National Health Commission reported an increase in incidence of respiratory diseases in China. Chinese authorities attributed this increase to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and the circulation of kno...

In this episode, we delve into nine challenges that emerge during wartime and their profound impact on the health of innocent civilians. These challenges range from issues like the scarcity of clean water and food to the spread of diseases and the breakdown of healthcare infrastructure. Additionally, Jessica provides a quick update on her graduate school capstone project, focusing on the health of survivors from the 9/11 World Trade Centers terrorist attack.

Podcast does not reflect the views of employers or universities.

Citations:

https://mch.umn.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/hg_april07.pdf (highly recommend...

What is one of the oldest diseases known to man, is thought to be where the folklore of vampires, werewolves, and zombies comes from, has a mortality rate of 99.9% (highest out of any other infectious disease), and can only be cured before you know you have it? Rabies. In this episode we will be diving head first into the fascinating, scary and unusual world of Rabies. We will talk about WHY you should get the rabies prophylaxis treatment (PEP) if you find a bat inside your house, how rabies is transmitted, what happens to the human body when it...

Join Jessica Stahl, an epidemiology graduate student and former CDC contractor, as she deep dives into the fascinating world of Typhus.

Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448173/

https://www.montana.edu/historybug/napoleon/typhus-russia.html#:~:text=Just%20one%20month%20into%20the,followed%2C%20claiming%206%2C000%20French%20casualties. 

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/29/4/ac-2904_article#:~:text=Major%20typhus%20epidemics%20took%20place,%2C%20including%20typhus%2C%20was%20challenging. 

https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/0AF993E555D30A9F8DCD864F4...

Join Jessica Stahl, an epidemiology graduate student and former CDC contractor, in the debut episode of "Transmissible: A Public Health Podcast." In this introductory episode, Jessica provides a glimpse into her passion for infectious disease public health and sets the stage for fun future episodes.