Contagion

About Contagion

IDPodcasts' infectious diseases audio podcast series breaks tradition from the speaker-audience video format that the long running platform has been producing for its worldwide audience since 2007. Epidemiologists and Infectious Diseases specialists Drs. Vivian Vega and Jackie Sherbuk and show producer Dr. Richard Oehler discuss important infectious diseases subjects around a central theme in an entertaining, engaging and interactive format meant for all audiences. Contagion also features contributions from the USF Division of Infectious Diseases many faculty and invited guests.

Publisher

IDPodcasts

Category

health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

28 May 2024

Latest episode

31 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

2 of 14 episodes have a transcript.

1. 

   31 Jul 2026TRANSCRIPT

   Outbreak Summer: Vacation Souvenirs You Never Wanted

   Hosts Drs. Vivian Vega and Jackie Sherbuk interview infectious disease specialists about summer outbreaks, from foodborne parasites to hantavirus and Ebola, offering insights into public health challenges and successes.

2. 

   21 Apr 2026TRANSCRIPT

   The Trust Gap: Rebuilding Confidence in Vaccines

   In this episode of the Contagion Podcast, we take on one of the most pressing challenges in modern medicine: vaccine hesitancy. As misinformation spreads rapidly across social media and trust in institutions continues to shift, clinicians are increasingly navigating complex, emotionally charged conversations with patients and families. To explore this issue, we sit down with Dr. Lisa Hayes, a board-certified pediatrician, to better understand what vaccine hesitancy looks like today—from inside the exam room. From routine well-child visits to high-stakes discussions about safety and risk, Dr. Hayes shares her firsthand experience engaging with parents who are uncertain, skeptical, or simply overwhelmed by the volume of information coming at them from every direction. We begin by examining how we got here. Vaccine hesitancy is not new, but it has evolved dramatically over time. From early debates around smallpox vaccination to the lasting impact of the now-debunked MMR-autism claims, historical events have shaped public perception in lasting ways. Layer onto that the rise of digital media, where health information—and misinformation—spreads faster than ever, and the COVID-19 pandemic, which further strained trust and amplified division. But this episode goes beyond history. We focus on the real-world dynamics of these conversations today. What are parents most concerned about? How do clinicians decide when to lead with data, when to lead with empathy, and how to balance both? And what happens when deeply held beliefs collide with public health recommendations? We also take an honest look at the broader context of mistrust in healthcare, particularly among communities that have experienced bias, dismissal, or inequity. Understanding this backdrop is essential to rebuilding meaningful connections with patients. Finally, we turn toward solutions. What strategies actually work? How can clinicians meet families where they are without compromising scientific integrity? And what does the future of vaccine communication look like in an era defined by information overload? This is a conversation about more than vaccines—it’s about trust, communication, and the evolving role of the clinician in a rapidly changing world. Dr. Vega would like to thank her friend Job Meiller for his musical contributions, "For What It's Worth," and "Hey, Soul sister," to our major segment breaks. Thank you, Job! Thanks also to Dr. Ana Velez, our artistic contributor, for her artwork utilized in our episode thumbnails.

3. 

   16 Jan 2026

   2025 Under the Microscope: The Events that Shaped Public Health

   As 2026 begins, Contagion Podcast reflects on 2025, a year that tested global public health systems and reshaped how we think about infectious diseases, trust, and preparedness. In this special year in review episode, hosts Jackie Sherbuk and Vivian Vega examine the most consequential infectious disease and public health stories of the year—placing outbreaks, policy decisions, and scientific breakthroughs into clear clinical and societal context. The episode begins by confronting one of the defining challenges of 2025: erosion of public trust in public health institutions amid leadership upheaval, funding cuts, and widespread misinformation. Against this backdrop, long-controlled diseases returned with force. Measles resurged across the United States and Europe, threatening elimination status and exposing the consequences of falling vaccination coverage. Influenza surged early and intensely, straining hospitals and disproportionately impacting children and older adults. Other vaccine-preventable diseases—including pertussis and polio—reemerged, reminding listeners that immunity gaps anywhere can place everyone at risk. Beyond vaccines, the hosts explore global crises such as widespread cholera outbreaks driven by conflict, displacement, and climate-related flooding; ongoing tuberculosis transmission, including a major U.S. outbreak; and the expanding geographic reach of mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, chikungunya, and West Nile virus. They also discuss how viral hemorrhagic fever outbreaks, while limited in case numbers, continue to stress-test public health response systems worldwide. Importantly, the episode closes on hope. Breakthroughs such as twice-yearly lenacapavir for HIV prevention represent a paradigm shift in prevention and equity. Historic progress toward eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B demonstrates what sustained investment and coordinated care can achieve. Above all, the hosts honor the resilience and dedication of healthcare and public-health professionals who continue to protect communities amid uncertainty. This episode offers a thoughtful, candid look at 2025—and a reminder that preparedness, communication, and trust remain our most powerful tools. Dr. Vega would like to thank her friend Job Meiller for his musical contributions, "One," and "Imagine," to our major segment breaks. Thank you, Job! Thanks also to Dr. Ana Velez, our artistic contributor, for her artwork utilized in our episode thumbnails.

4. 

   5 Nov 2025

   Bioterrorism and Biowarfare: When Science Goes Rogue

   Our inaugural episode of Season 2 of The Contagion Podcast opens as show producer Dr. Richard Oehler and show co-host Dr. Vivian Vega reflect on how much has changed in the fields of infectious diseases and public health since our Season 1 finale was posted in June. Drs. Oehler and Vega share some very timely updates in their ID news segment--recounting changes at the CDC as well as several important epidemiological and research developments.  Next, Dr. Vega and our special guest, Infectious Diseases specialist and former military physician Dr. Patrick Danaher transition to a chilling yet timely exploration of bioterrorism and biological warfare, threats that no longer garner the attention they once did a couple of decades ago. The two recount bizarre early attempts — like firing rabid dog saliva or trading leprosy-tainted wine — that reveal how little was once understood about contagion. But the tone shifts as the conversation moves on to the 1984 Salmonella attack in The Dalles, Oregon, America’s first large-scale bioterrorism event. A cult known as the Rajneeshees deliberately contaminated restaurant salad bars to sway a local election, sickening more than 750 people. Through detailed epidemiologic analysis, the hosts explain how investigators connected the outbreak to the commune and why this case remains a critical public-health lesson in surveillance and preparedness. From there, the discussion expands to bioweapons — cheap, concealable, and capable of mass panic. The doctors compare the costs of biological, chemical, and nuclear weapons, underscoring why pathogens are often called “the poor man’s nuclear bomb.” They walk through the CDC’s Category A threat list — including anthrax, smallpox, plague, and viral hemorrhagic fevers — and dissect what makes these microbes so devastating. Listeners are then transported to the aftermath of 9/11, when anthrax-laden letters reignited national fears of invisible enemies. The podcast reconstructs the FBI investigation, profiles scientist Bruce Ivins, and explains how this attack reshaped U.S. biodefense policy, from Project BioShield to the Strategic National Stockpile. The last segment turns to smallpox, humanity’s “crown jewel” of eradication turned nightmare scenario. Through insights from Soviet defector Ken Alibek and modern concerns about synthetic biology, the episode reveals why smallpox remains one of the most feared potential bioweapons — despite being officially eradicated in 1980. Blending medical insight, historical storytelling, and wry humor, Contagion Pod’s Season 2 premiere reminds us that while pandemics capture headlines, the threat of bioterrorism never truly disappears. Dr Vega would like to thank her friend Job Meiller for his musical contribution to our segment breaks. Thank you Job! Thanks also to Dr. Ana Velez, our artistic contributor, for her original painting, “Biohazard Dream,” used in our episode thumbnail.

5. 

   30 Jun 2025

   Contagion Horizon: Future Pandemic Threats

   Hosts Dr. Vivian Vega and Dr. Jackie Sherbuk explore future pandemic threats, examining transmission, virulence, and countermeasures, while highlighting concerns like H5N1 avian influenza and the importance of global readiness.

6. 

   2 Apr 2025

   Measles: The Comeback Nobody Wanted

   It felt inevitable. Years of declining childhood vaccination rates were bound to have consequences. In early 2025, those consequences became alarmingly real as a measles outbreak emerged in West Texas and Eastern New Mexico. Before the introduction of the measles vaccine in 1963, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that measles infected three to four million Americans annually, causing 48,000 hospitalizations and 400 to 500 deaths each year. The introduction of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine marked a turning point. The two-dose regimen—first administered between 12 and 15 months of age, with a second dose between 4 and 6 years—was remarkably effective. By 2000, measles was declared eliminated in the United States. But in recent years, progress has unraveled. A dramatic drop in vaccination rates—fueled largely by the discredited claim linking the MMR vaccine to autism—has allowed this once-vanquished virus to resurge. Today, vaccination rates in many states have dipped below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity, and the current outbreak offers a grim reminder of what’s at stake. In Gaines County, Texas, where vaccine exemptions are especially high among the local Mennonite population, hundreds of measles cases have been reported—resulting in at least two deaths in Texas and New Mexico. In this episode, hosts Dr. Vivian Vega and Dr. Jackie Sherbuk trace the recent history of measles in the U.S., focusing on the current outbreak in Texas and New Mexico. They tackle the question: Why is measles still so dangerous? The discussion includes common complications of the disease, current vaccination guidelines, and a thorough debunking of the alleged MMR-autism connection. They also highlight a growing concern: cases of vitamin A toxicity in children, stemming from widespread misconceptions about its role in measles treatment. Dr Vega would like to thank her friend Job Meiller for his musical contribution to our segment breaks. Thank you Job! Thanks also to Dr. Ana Velez, our artistic contributor, for her painting, "SSPE-Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis," used in our episode thumbnail.

7. 

   29 Jan 2025

   Dr. Robert Gallo: Insights from a Lifetime in Science

   Virology vanguard Dr. Bob Gallo is far from ready to slow down. Now in his seventh decade as one of America's top scientists, he could easily sit back and enjoy the fruits of his numerous and pioneering achievements. His groundbreaking work began in the 1970s with research into human retroviruses, including the discovery of the T-cell growth factor (IL-2) and the identification of the Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus (HTLV-1) in 1980, earning him his first Lasker Award, often referred to as “America’s Nobel Prize.” His subsequent research led to the identification of HIV-1 as the cause of AIDS, securing him a second Lasker Award. In the 1980s, he was the world’s most cited scientist. Along with his team, he developed the first HIV blood test, crucial for understanding the spread of AIDS and managing HIV patients. In the mid 1990's Gallo and his collaborators discovered chemokines, naturally occurring compounds that were essential for understanding how HIV infects cells. Dr. Gallo later founded the Institute of Human Virology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in 1996 and co-founded the Global Virus Network (GVN) in 2011 to enhance global virus detection and management. Recently, Dr. Gallo and his team moved to Tampa, the new global headquarters for GVN, where he now serves as director of the University of South Florida (USF) Virology Institute and Head of the Microbial Oncogenesis Program at the Cancer Institute at Tampa General Hospital (TGH). In the first part of this wide-ranging interview, Dr. Gallo shares insights into his entry into virology and his initial research into the etiology of certain cancers. This work included crucial discoveries around T cell growth factors, paving the way for identifying HTLV-1. He discusses his collaboration with CDC epidemiologists, which led to recognizing AIDS as being caused by a retrovirus. Once the HIV virus was identified as the cause, creating the first blood test for HIV had profound impacts on the epidemic and patient care. In the second segment, Dr. Gallo discusses the origins of the HIV virus and its early global spread. He also reflects on the COVID-19 pandemic, why the focus on its origins is irrelevant and reflects on how to rebuild public trust in science and medicine, which may have been damaged during the pandemic. In the concluding segment, Dr. Gallo talks about his reasons for joining USF Health and TGH and the research areas he finds most promising going forward. He speculates on the prospects for an HIV vaccine, the impact of artificial intelligence on virology, and why he doesn’t necessarily worry about the threat of the next global pandemic. Finally, Dr. Gallo opens up about how the early loss of his young sister deeply affected his life and his desired legacy. Dr Vega would like to thank her friend Job Meiller, her YES Man, for the wonderful musical contributions and coming through on every idea she has. This time he contributes his renditions of Bruce Springsteen's "Streets of Philadelphia" and "Your Song," by Elton John. Thank you Job! Thanks also to Dr. Ana Velez, our artistic contributor, for her painting, "HIV," used in our episode thumbnail.

8. 

   10 Dec 2024

   Climate and Contagion: A Deadly Duo

   Having just survived the calorie-fest of the Thanksgiving Holiday, show hosts Drs. Vivian Vega and Jackie Sherbuk reflect on the changing seasons--and that has them thinking NOT just about the weather, but about the climate. Here to discuss the impact of a changing climate on infectious diseases, they welcome Dr. Lauren Rybolt, Chief Infectious Diseases Fellow at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine. Dr. Rybolt mentions that in the Tampa Bay Area, especially after the recent hurricane season, we are already seeing the effects of climate on infectious diseases occuring in real time. The direct effects of two rapidly intensifying hurricanes, Helene and Milton, that impacted Florida in late September and October have led to increased outbreaks of vibrio vulnificus and other waterborne infections, subjects which were highlighted in our very first episode. Dr. Rybolt explains that the effects of climate change are not singular, but are the results of many interconnected processes. For instance, how warming oceans affect precipitation patterns over the U.S., leading to flooding in some areas and drier conditions in others. Flooding can pollute streams and rivers and contaminate water supplies, while displacing people and increasing exposure to mosquito-borne disease; whereas drought can lead to water insecurity and the health consequences of extreme heat on vulnerable populations. Man made deforestation and land development can worsen the effects of flooding, and at the same time exacerbate climate change due to the loss of ecosystems and carbon-absorbing vegetation, for instance. Dr. Rybolt goes on to describe how the changing climate is producing an expanding zone of tropical infectious diseases in areas where they never occurred. More cases of Malaria and Dengue have been reported in Florida in recent years, for example. Tick-borne infections such as Lyme disease can expand to non-endemic regions due to climate change, but in Florida, we have been protected by a certain ubiquitous reptile. Certain fungal infections such as Candida auris have also spread beyond their typical "endemic areas" as well. Lastly, during their "ID News" segment, Vivian and Jackie discuss World AIDS Day, trends in vaccination and respiratory virus season, as well as the recent discovery of Bird Flu in raw milk. Thanks to Dr. Lauren Rybolt for appearing on this episode to share her knowledge about the infectious diseases impacts of climate change. Dr Vega would like to thank her friend Job Meiller, her YES Man, for the wonderful musical contributions and coming through on every idea she has. This time he is joined by his daughter, Isabelle Meiller, for a moving rendition of "Big Yellow Taxi." Thank you Job! Thanks also to Dr. Ana Velez, our artistic contributor, for her painting used in our episode thumbnail.

9. 

   4 Nov 2024

   In the Heart of the Storm: Surviving Hurricanes and Fall Respiratory Outbreaks

   Infectious Diseases Clinicians Drs. Vivian Vega and Jackie Sherbuk discuss surviving hurricanes and fall respiratory outbreaks, highlighting the rising risk of diseases like Vibrio vulnificus and COVID-19.

10. 

    3 Sept 2024

    Polio and the 'Pox: A Tale of Two Plagues

    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.

11. 

    31 Jul 2024

    99% Fatal, 100% Preventable

    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 Meningoenchephalitis, 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 (https://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.

12. 

    25 Jul 2024

    Contagion: An Infectious Diseases Podcast Trailer

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

13. 

    28 Jun 2024

    Surviving Summer Scaries: Ticked off and Buzzed Out!

    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.

14. 

    28 May 2024

    Water is Life...and Death?

    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.

Inside a recent episode

Outbreak Summer: Vacation Souvenirs You Never Wanted

Published 31 Jul 2026 · Transcript excerpt

[…] I was really hoping for Waka Waka, I gotta say. Yeah, you know, funny, right? Every time Shakira performs for the World Cup, Spain wins the World Cup, but. Fun fact. Yeah. Anyways, from an infectious disease perspective, that's exactly what makes it so interesting. Whenever you bring hundreds or maybe thousands, millions of people from all around the world together, you're creating opportunities for infectious diseases to spread. People are sharing airplanes, hotels, restaurants, stadiums, all these are fan festivals. It's really a perfect setup for pathogens to sort of hitch a ride. Yep, exactly why the World Health Organization classifies these big events like the World Cup as a mass gathering. […]

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

2,276,896

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

39 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

17 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 54 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

50

Social presence

0

YouTube

93

Engagement

51

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