Emerging Pathogens Institute
@epi.ufl.edu
Research. Education. Outreach. From the molecular level to ecosystems, the EPI will lead the fight against infectious diseases.
Once thought to be confined to tropical regions, Burkholderia infections are emerging in the United States.
Curious about Burkholderia? Discover what it is, the diseases it causes and its growing concern in the U.S. Don’t miss our expert Q&A — read it now for all the insights.
Curious about Burkholderia? Discover what it is, the diseases it causes and its growing concern in the U.S. Don’t miss our expert Q&A — read it now for all the insights.
What is melioidosis? Expert explains infections caused by Burkholderia » Emerging Pathogens Institute » University of Florida
Burkholderia bacteria cause serious diseases like melioidosis. UF researcher Dr. Apichai Tuanyok shares how they infect, evade and persist, and what can be done to stop them.
go.ufl.edu
November 10, 2025 at 1:44 PM
Once thought to be confined to tropical regions, Burkholderia infections are emerging in the United States.
Curious about Burkholderia? Discover what it is, the diseases it causes and its growing concern in the U.S. Don’t miss our expert Q&A — read it now for all the insights.
Curious about Burkholderia? Discover what it is, the diseases it causes and its growing concern in the U.S. Don’t miss our expert Q&A — read it now for all the insights.
This #Halloween, we’re chasing monsters—microscopic ones. 🧌🦠 #HappyHalloween
October 31, 2025 at 2:03 PM
This #Halloween, we’re chasing monsters—microscopic ones. 🧌🦠 #HappyHalloween
Flesh-eating bacteria. Brain-colonizing fungus. Brain-eating amoeba. Haunted horned rabbit virus. Parasitic zombie fungus. Swiss-cheese brain disease. 🧟🐰🧠🧀
It turns out you don’t need a haunted house to find horror, just a microscope.
Meet the microbes that keep us up at night: go.ufl.edu/9r3156v.
It turns out you don’t need a haunted house to find horror, just a microscope.
Meet the microbes that keep us up at night: go.ufl.edu/9r3156v.
Spooky pathogens: Meet the microbes that keep us up at night » Emerging Pathogens Institute » University of Florida
Most pathogens are harmless or even beneficial, but a few are truly terrifying. Here are some of the most frightening pathogens known to science, listed in no specific order.
go.ufl.edu
October 28, 2025 at 12:17 PM
Flesh-eating bacteria. Brain-colonizing fungus. Brain-eating amoeba. Haunted horned rabbit virus. Parasitic zombie fungus. Swiss-cheese brain disease. 🧟🐰🧠🧀
It turns out you don’t need a haunted house to find horror, just a microscope.
Meet the microbes that keep us up at night: go.ufl.edu/9r3156v.
It turns out you don’t need a haunted house to find horror, just a microscope.
Meet the microbes that keep us up at night: go.ufl.edu/9r3156v.
Let’s face it — bats get a bad rap. Their links to disease outbreaks and their spooky association with vampires influence their notoriety. 🦇🧛
In reality, bats are remarkable. So why is it that when we hear of disease outbreaks, it always seems to be bats? 🤔 Read our latest article to find out!
In reality, bats are remarkable. So why is it that when we hear of disease outbreaks, it always seems to be bats? 🤔 Read our latest article to find out!
Batty pathogens: Why do bats spread so many diseases? » Emerging Pathogens Institute » University of Florida
Bats are large reservoirs for diseases, but they don't appear to get as sick as we do. University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine professor breaks down the secret to this immune system quirk...
go.ufl.edu
October 15, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Let’s face it — bats get a bad rap. Their links to disease outbreaks and their spooky association with vampires influence their notoriety. 🦇🧛
In reality, bats are remarkable. So why is it that when we hear of disease outbreaks, it always seems to be bats? 🤔 Read our latest article to find out!
In reality, bats are remarkable. So why is it that when we hear of disease outbreaks, it always seems to be bats? 🤔 Read our latest article to find out!
Reposted by Emerging Pathogens Institute
One of the most dangerous malaria-carrying mosquitoes is rapidly evolving in response to control efforts, genetics has revealed.
Findings could inform smarter tools to monitor for and fight malaria. 🦟
Read more here ⤵️
http://bit.ly/4pwQKDv
Findings could inform smarter tools to monitor for and fight malaria. 🦟
Read more here ⤵️
http://bit.ly/4pwQKDv
Genomic evolution of major malaria-transmitting mosquito species uncovered
Sequencing hundreds of Anopheles funestus mosquitoes provides new insights into the evolutionary patterns of this important human malaria-transmitting species.
bit.ly
September 19, 2025 at 9:46 AM
One of the most dangerous malaria-carrying mosquitoes is rapidly evolving in response to control efforts, genetics has revealed.
Findings could inform smarter tools to monitor for and fight malaria. 🦟
Read more here ⤵️
http://bit.ly/4pwQKDv
Findings could inform smarter tools to monitor for and fight malaria. 🦟
Read more here ⤵️
http://bit.ly/4pwQKDv
There seems to be a new food recall every week. Why are there more foodborne outbreaks? Why are people getting sick from their groceries?
Dive into the article for food safety breakthroughs and setbacks, the top three foodborne pathogens and how to avoid foodborne illness: go.ufl.edu/ccb77ye.
Dive into the article for food safety breakthroughs and setbacks, the top three foodborne pathogens and how to avoid foodborne illness: go.ufl.edu/ccb77ye.
Why is food making us sick: Unpacking the rise of food-borne illnesses » Emerging Pathogens Institute » University of Florida
Why have there been so many recent outbreaks of food-borne illnesses? Food-safety experts are increasingly concerned about pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli and Listeria.
go.ufl.edu
September 9, 2025 at 1:47 PM
There seems to be a new food recall every week. Why are there more foodborne outbreaks? Why are people getting sick from their groceries?
Dive into the article for food safety breakthroughs and setbacks, the top three foodborne pathogens and how to avoid foodborne illness: go.ufl.edu/ccb77ye.
Dive into the article for food safety breakthroughs and setbacks, the top three foodborne pathogens and how to avoid foodborne illness: go.ufl.edu/ccb77ye.
Did you know #SwineFlu is actually a type of #BirdFlu? 🤯
Watch the full video on YouTube as one of our experts covers everything bird flu, including responding to tweets about the virus!
www.youtube.com/channel/UCO2...
Watch the full video on YouTube as one of our experts covers everything bird flu, including responding to tweets about the virus!
www.youtube.com/channel/UCO2...
September 3, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Did you know #SwineFlu is actually a type of #BirdFlu? 🤯
Watch the full video on YouTube as one of our experts covers everything bird flu, including responding to tweets about the virus!
www.youtube.com/channel/UCO2...
Watch the full video on YouTube as one of our experts covers everything bird flu, including responding to tweets about the virus!
www.youtube.com/channel/UCO2...
Reposted by Emerging Pathogens Institute
🧑🔬Scientists support the inclusion of the United States 🌎 as an endemic country for #Chagasdisease 🪳
👉 coalicionchagas.org/en/scientist...
@uofcalifornia.bsky.social @tamu.bsky.social @ufresearch.bsky.social @epi.ufl.edu
👉 coalicionchagas.org/en/scientist...
@uofcalifornia.bsky.social @tamu.bsky.social @ufresearch.bsky.social @epi.ufl.edu
Scientists support the inclusion of the United States as an endemic country for Chagas disease
Scientists from the University of Florida, Texas A&M University, and the University of California have published an article proposing an official classification for the United States as a Chagas disease endemic country.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that around 300,000 people in the United States are affected by
coalicionchagas.org
August 21, 2025 at 8:22 AM
🧑🔬Scientists support the inclusion of the United States 🌎 as an endemic country for #Chagasdisease 🪳
👉 coalicionchagas.org/en/scientist...
@uofcalifornia.bsky.social @tamu.bsky.social @ufresearch.bsky.social @epi.ufl.edu
👉 coalicionchagas.org/en/scientist...
@uofcalifornia.bsky.social @tamu.bsky.social @ufresearch.bsky.social @epi.ufl.edu
It’s World Mosquito Day! Over 125 years after the day it was founded, we’re still working hard to study mosquito-borne diseases and improve the health of all. 🦟🧑🔬#WorldMosquitoDay2025
August 20, 2025 at 3:25 PM
It’s World Mosquito Day! Over 125 years after the day it was founded, we’re still working hard to study mosquito-borne diseases and improve the health of all. 🦟🧑🔬#WorldMosquitoDay2025
Reposted by Emerging Pathogens Institute
#Measles, a highly contagious viral disease, is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.
📊 This JAMA Insights discusses transmission, clinical presentation, and diagnosis of measles.
ja.ma/4ozL1wh
📊 This JAMA Insights discusses transmission, clinical presentation, and diagnosis of measles.
ja.ma/4ozL1wh
August 14, 2025 at 3:25 PM
#Measles, a highly contagious viral disease, is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.
📊 This JAMA Insights discusses transmission, clinical presentation, and diagnosis of measles.
ja.ma/4ozL1wh
📊 This JAMA Insights discusses transmission, clinical presentation, and diagnosis of measles.
ja.ma/4ozL1wh
School is back in session! And that means various returning pathogens are eager to reunite with their hosts after a summer away. 🦠🤒😷
Visit our website to learn about the most common illnesses, what signs to look out for, advice on what to do when sick, and more!
Visit our website to learn about the most common illnesses, what signs to look out for, advice on what to do when sick, and more!
How to avoid getting sick during back-to-school season » Emerging Pathogens Institute » University of Florida
Ready to head back into the classroom? So are pathogens! See what this expert from UF EPI is saying to those heading back to school, from tiny tots to college students, to stay happy and healthy this ...
go.ufl.edu
August 11, 2025 at 12:27 PM
School is back in session! And that means various returning pathogens are eager to reunite with their hosts after a summer away. 🦠🤒😷
Visit our website to learn about the most common illnesses, what signs to look out for, advice on what to do when sick, and more!
Visit our website to learn about the most common illnesses, what signs to look out for, advice on what to do when sick, and more!
One of our amazing members published a new paper in the journal Pathogens! Explore how mosquitoes are used as flying syringes to conduct pathogen surveillance on wildlife. 🦟💉
Just published today! Our group used mosquitoes as flying syringes to conduct surveillance on pathogens of turkeys, white-tailed deer and invasive wild pigs. Not only could we detect DNA and RNA viruses, we could estimate prevalence! 🌎🧪👩🔬
doi.org/10.3390/path...
doi.org/10.3390/path...
August 8, 2025 at 4:28 PM
One of our amazing members published a new paper in the journal Pathogens! Explore how mosquitoes are used as flying syringes to conduct pathogen surveillance on wildlife. 🦟💉
About 25 to 30 #tick species are found in #Florida. According to the Florida Department of Health, some of the most common diseases they spread in the state are Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis.
Where are ticks most common? How should you protect yourself? Our website has all the answers.
Where are ticks most common? How should you protect yourself? Our website has all the answers.
Barbecues, bites and biology: Tick-borne disease risks in Florida » Emerging Pathogens Institute » University of Florida
Florida has approximatley 25 to 30 ticks. Which ticks are in Florida? What diseases do ticks spread? And how do residents and visitors alike can stay safe when outdoors?
go.ufl.edu
August 5, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Reposted by Emerging Pathogens Institute
🦟"World Health Organization @who.int raises concern about spread of #mosquito-borne #chikungunya #virus" via @reuters.com #arbovirus #GLAI
www.reuters.com/business/hea...
www.reuters.com/business/hea...
World Health Organization raises concern about spread of mosquito-borne Chikungunya virus
The World Health Organization issued an urgent call for action on Tuesday to prevent a repeat of an epidemic of the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus that swept the globe two decades ago, as new outbreaks linked to the Indian Ocean region spread to Europe and other continents.
www.reuters.com
July 23, 2025 at 10:21 PM
🦟"World Health Organization @who.int raises concern about spread of #mosquito-borne #chikungunya #virus" via @reuters.com #arbovirus #GLAI
www.reuters.com/business/hea...
www.reuters.com/business/hea...
Reposted by Emerging Pathogens Institute
"You’ve got to have scientists and public health practitioners to be able to move forward with disease prevention, but the system is being dismantled. There could be profound consequences if we are confronted with another major pandemic.’’ — J. Glenn Morris Jr
www.floridatrend.com/articles/202...
www.floridatrend.com/articles/202...
Florida Icon: J. Glenn Morris Jr.
Professor of Infectious Diseases and Founding Director of the University of Florida’s Emerging Pathogens Institute; Gainesville; age 73
www.floridatrend.com
July 5, 2025 at 7:09 PM
"You’ve got to have scientists and public health practitioners to be able to move forward with disease prevention, but the system is being dismantled. There could be profound consequences if we are confronted with another major pandemic.’’ — J. Glenn Morris Jr
www.floridatrend.com/articles/202...
www.floridatrend.com/articles/202...
What if we were one step ahead of infection across diseases and regions? Combining #AI and epidemiology may bring that possibility closer to reality.
In a scoping review published by @nature.com, researchers analyze AI's impact on outbreak forecasting. #AIAppreciationDay
In a scoping review published by @nature.com, researchers analyze AI's impact on outbreak forecasting. #AIAppreciationDay
AI and epidemiology: Can combining the two predict pandemics? » Emerging Pathogens Institute » University of Florida
Scientists weigh the pros and cons of using artificial intelligence in epidemiological models to predict pandemics.
go.ufl.edu
July 16, 2025 at 1:27 PM
What if we were one step ahead of infection across diseases and regions? Combining #AI and epidemiology may bring that possibility closer to reality.
In a scoping review published by @nature.com, researchers analyze AI's impact on outbreak forecasting. #AIAppreciationDay
In a scoping review published by @nature.com, researchers analyze AI's impact on outbreak forecasting. #AIAppreciationDay
Deadly, flesh-eating #bacteria may be moving to a #beach near you. EPI member Antar Jutla works with collaborators to use machine learning to refine risk models and curb Vibrio infections.
Read the latest Scientific American article covering the bacteria!
Read the latest Scientific American article covering the bacteria!
Forget Jaws. These Bacteria in Beach Water Can Make You Seriously Ill
Illnesses from stealthy pathogens known as Vibrio are advancing northward along numerous coasts, potentially ruining your summer vacation
www.scientificamerican.com
July 15, 2025 at 12:28 PM
In a moment of serendipity when investigating a case of meningitis in a daycare worker, EPI members stumbled upon a new virus. This surprising case helped create a domino effect in proper health care. ⚕️
Uncover the power of combining #research and #healthcare.
Uncover the power of combining #research and #healthcare.
Surprising daycare infection underscores need for broader disease surveillance » Emerging Pathogens Institute » University of Florida
A recent study reveals a new variant of an intestinal virus found in a daycare worker. The discovery was accidentally made due to a lab error, which initially led to the mistaken diagnosis of bacteria...
go.ufl.edu
July 14, 2025 at 12:39 PM
In a moment of serendipity when investigating a case of meningitis in a daycare worker, EPI members stumbled upon a new virus. This surprising case helped create a domino effect in proper health care. ⚕️
Uncover the power of combining #research and #healthcare.
Uncover the power of combining #research and #healthcare.
A new 10-year study led by UF EPI members suggests #Florida has all the ingredients for local #Chagas disease transmission, a latent but life-threatening disease that can cause organ failure.
Visit our website to dive into the collaborative research: go.ufl.edu/5ua0p0e.
Visit our website to dive into the collaborative research: go.ufl.edu/5ua0p0e.
New study suggests Florida Chagas disease transmission » Emerging Pathogens Institute » University of Florida
A new study by UF Emerging Pathogens Institute members suggests Florida has all the ingredients for local Chagas disease transmission, a latent but life-threatening disease that can cause organ failur...
go.ufl.edu
July 8, 2025 at 12:43 PM
A new 10-year study led by UF EPI members suggests #Florida has all the ingredients for local #Chagas disease transmission, a latent but life-threatening disease that can cause organ failure.
Visit our website to dive into the collaborative research: go.ufl.edu/5ua0p0e.
Visit our website to dive into the collaborative research: go.ufl.edu/5ua0p0e.
Reposted by Emerging Pathogens Institute
Spatial Patterns of Dengue Incidence in Nepal During Record Outbreaks in 2022 and 2023 - now published in Trop Med, led by @simrikbhandari.bsky.social!
doi.org/10.4269/ajtm...
doi.org/10.4269/ajtm...
Spatial Patterns of Dengue Incidence in Nepal During Record Outbreaks in 2022 and 2023: Implications for Public Health Interventions
Dengue, which was first reported as a travel case in Nepal in 2004, was initially confined to the lower plains but has spread to higher elevations. Large outbreaks in 2022 and 2023 (54,784 and 51,243 ...
doi.org
June 11, 2025 at 6:16 PM
Spatial Patterns of Dengue Incidence in Nepal During Record Outbreaks in 2022 and 2023 - now published in Trop Med, led by @simrikbhandari.bsky.social!
doi.org/10.4269/ajtm...
doi.org/10.4269/ajtm...
Reposted by Emerging Pathogens Institute
During an outbreak, what does “contact tracing” mean?
A newly released disease agnostic practical guideline, helps to strengthen public health responses during outbreaks by defining essential terms.
Explore the guideline, now available in 6 languages: bit.ly/4mETgWL
A newly released disease agnostic practical guideline, helps to strengthen public health responses during outbreaks by defining essential terms.
Explore the guideline, now available in 6 languages: bit.ly/4mETgWL
June 2, 2025 at 9:04 AM
During an outbreak, what does “contact tracing” mean?
A newly released disease agnostic practical guideline, helps to strengthen public health responses during outbreaks by defining essential terms.
Explore the guideline, now available in 6 languages: bit.ly/4mETgWL
A newly released disease agnostic practical guideline, helps to strengthen public health responses during outbreaks by defining essential terms.
Explore the guideline, now available in 6 languages: bit.ly/4mETgWL
According to the @CDCgov, there have been 1,046 #measles cases in the U.S. as of May 23, 2025.
How does measles spread? Is the virus airborne? How do you treat it? How do you prevent it? And who is at risk?
Read our latest expert Q&A for all the answers.
How does measles spread? Is the virus airborne? How do you treat it? How do you prevent it? And who is at risk?
Read our latest expert Q&A for all the answers.
UF EPI expert explains measles as U.S. outbreaks hit 1,000 cases » Emerging Pathogens Institute » University of Florida
University of Florida Emerging Pathogens Institute expert explains measles as U.S. outbreaks breach 1,000 cases for the second time this century.
go.ufl.edu
May 29, 2025 at 11:30 AM
According to the @CDCgov, there have been 1,046 #measles cases in the U.S. as of May 23, 2025.
How does measles spread? Is the virus airborne? How do you treat it? How do you prevent it? And who is at risk?
Read our latest expert Q&A for all the answers.
How does measles spread? Is the virus airborne? How do you treat it? How do you prevent it? And who is at risk?
Read our latest expert Q&A for all the answers.
EPI Associate Director of Training and Special Projects Daniel Swale recently visited the U.S. Capitol to advocate for the development and innovation of agrochemical technology.
With #AI and investments, he believes #agricultural #research can advance with increased agrochemical discovery. 💫
With #AI and investments, he believes #agricultural #research can advance with increased agrochemical discovery. 💫
May 27, 2025 at 1:19 PM
EPI Associate Director of Training and Special Projects Daniel Swale recently visited the U.S. Capitol to advocate for the development and innovation of agrochemical technology.
With #AI and investments, he believes #agricultural #research can advance with increased agrochemical discovery. 💫
With #AI and investments, he believes #agricultural #research can advance with increased agrochemical discovery. 💫
Reposted by Emerging Pathogens Institute
Today my lab published a manuscript that provides insights about Torqu teno sus virus, a cute little 2800bp virus of pigs! THM: this virus can be used in wildlife ecoepideiology and biosecurity 🧪🌏👩🏻🔬
doi.org/10.3389/fmic...
doi.org/10.3389/fmic...
Frontiers | Whole genome characterization of Torque teno sus virus 1 (TTSuV1) in wild and domestic pigs: insights into genetic classification, host differentiation, and intra-host variation
BackgroundTorque teno sus virus 1 (TTSuV1), a member of the Anelloviridae family, is highly prevalent in swine populations and exhibits substantial genetic d...
doi.org
May 9, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Today my lab published a manuscript that provides insights about Torqu teno sus virus, a cute little 2800bp virus of pigs! THM: this virus can be used in wildlife ecoepideiology and biosecurity 🧪🌏👩🏻🔬
doi.org/10.3389/fmic...
doi.org/10.3389/fmic...
How does contact with someone with #tuberculosis affect #disease transmission? How do age and immune status affect the risk of #TB? 🤔
EPI members collaborated with the Florida Department of Health on a recently published paper in @plosone.org to answer both questions. #EndTB
EPI members collaborated with the Florida Department of Health on a recently published paper in @plosone.org to answer both questions. #EndTB
Timing and predictors of disease incidence among named contacts of reported tuberculosis patients in a low incidence setting
Contact investigations are crucial for tuberculosis (TB) control, yet the temporal dynamics of disease progression among exposed contacts remain poorly understood. We conducted a retrospective cohort ...
journals.plos.org
May 19, 2025 at 12:11 PM
How does contact with someone with #tuberculosis affect #disease transmission? How do age and immune status affect the risk of #TB? 🤔
EPI members collaborated with the Florida Department of Health on a recently published paper in @plosone.org to answer both questions. #EndTB
EPI members collaborated with the Florida Department of Health on a recently published paper in @plosone.org to answer both questions. #EndTB