Helen Branswell 🇨🇦
@helenbranswell.bsky.social
I cover infectious diseases for STAT (www.statnews.com). 2020 Polk winner. Nieman '11. She/her. I write about H5N1 (in all species), Covid, polio, flu, Ebola, RSV, mpox, STIs. Find me on Signal: HBranswell.01
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As expected, Canada has lost its measles-free status because of the long-running outbreak there. With it goes the #measles elimination status of the entire zone of the Americas, the only division of the #WHO to ever have achieved measles elimination. www.statnews.com/2025/11/10/m...
Canada loses measles elimination status — as does the entire Americas region
Canada has formally lost its measles elimination status, the country’s public health agency announced, triggering the loss of that status throughout all of the Americas.
www.statnews.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:49 PM
As expected, Canada has lost its measles-free status because of the long-running outbreak there. With it goes the #measles elimination status of the entire zone of the Americas, the only division of the #WHO to ever have achieved measles elimination. www.statnews.com/2025/11/10/m...
Does Sen. Cassidy, a strong proponent of #vaccines, regret voting to confirm RFK Jr. as health secretary? “I just have to quote Kierkegaard — You live life forward,” is his reply.
That's not a "No."
@kathmacphail.bsky.social reports. www.statnews.com/2025/11/08/b...
That's not a "No."
@kathmacphail.bsky.social reports. www.statnews.com/2025/11/08/b...
Cassidy drops into Liver Meeting to talk of shutdown, insurance overhaul and vaccines
Dropping in at the Liver Meeting, Senator Bill Cassidy argues for federally funded Flexible Spending Accounts over ACA subsidies and laments the state of vaccination.
www.statnews.com
November 9, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Does Sen. Cassidy, a strong proponent of #vaccines, regret voting to confirm RFK Jr. as health secretary? “I just have to quote Kierkegaard — You live life forward,” is his reply.
That's not a "No."
@kathmacphail.bsky.social reports. www.statnews.com/2025/11/08/b...
That's not a "No."
@kathmacphail.bsky.social reports. www.statnews.com/2025/11/08/b...
Before her (too early) death, the amazing Sharon Begley wrote this piece on double helix co-discoverer James Watson and the racist and sexist pronouncements he seemed to revel in making in later life. Fascinating read about a troubling individual.
www.statnews.com/2025/11/07/j...
www.statnews.com/2025/11/07/j...
James Watson, dead at 97, was a scientific legend and a pariah among his peers
James Watson, the co-discoverer of the structure of DNA who died Thursday at 97, was a scientific legend and a pariah among his peers.
www.statnews.com
November 7, 2025 at 9:39 PM
Before her (too early) death, the amazing Sharon Begley wrote this piece on double helix co-discoverer James Watson and the racist and sexist pronouncements he seemed to revel in making in later life. Fascinating read about a troubling individual.
www.statnews.com/2025/11/07/j...
www.statnews.com/2025/11/07/j...
“We are witnessing nothing less than a clown show at #FDA right now.” People who worked at or rely on the US drug regulator see dysfunctional leadership & soap opera-ish behavior at a key federal agency, @matthewherper.bsky.social & @lizzylawrence.bsky.social report. www.statnews.com/2025/11/04/f...
Experts worry FDA’s credibility is being shredded by scandal and 'soap opera'
Experts worry that the FDA’s credibility is being shredded by scandal and "soap opera."
www.statnews.com
November 4, 2025 at 2:50 PM
“We are witnessing nothing less than a clown show at #FDA right now.” People who worked at or rely on the US drug regulator see dysfunctional leadership & soap opera-ish behavior at a key federal agency, @matthewherper.bsky.social & @lizzylawrence.bsky.social report. www.statnews.com/2025/11/04/f...
This story about the lawsuit by a former business associate against former #FDA drug czar George Tidmarsh is beyond wild. Tidmarsh resigned Sunday after being placed on leave by Commissioner Marty Makary. www.statnews.com/2025/11/03/g...
Lawsuit against top FDA drug regulator is packed with incendiary texts, emails
A lawsuit filed against George Tidmarsh, who resigned from a top FDA post on Sunday, includes a series of incendiary texts and emails
www.statnews.com
November 4, 2025 at 1:26 AM
This story about the lawsuit by a former business associate against former #FDA drug czar George Tidmarsh is beyond wild. Tidmarsh resigned Sunday after being placed on leave by Commissioner Marty Makary. www.statnews.com/2025/11/03/g...
#PAHO 's regional verification commission for #measles elimination meets this week. The likely outcome: Canada will lose its measles-free status, due to its large & long-running outbreak. If so, the Americas region will also lose elimination status. www.statnews.com/2025/11/03/m...
The Americas, led by Canada, is on the brink of losing measles-elimination status
The Americas is the only region of the world to have stopped endemic transmission of measles. But its victory is on the verge of being rolled back.
www.statnews.com
November 3, 2025 at 2:01 PM
#PAHO 's regional verification commission for #measles elimination meets this week. The likely outcome: Canada will lose its measles-free status, due to its large & long-running outbreak. If so, the Americas region will also lose elimination status. www.statnews.com/2025/11/03/m...
More disruption at #FDA. Exclusive from @lizzylawrence.bsky.social and @adamfeuerstein.bsky.social.
www.statnews.com/2025/11/02/f...
www.statnews.com/2025/11/02/f...
FDA’s top drug regulator placed on leave amid investigation
George Tidmarsh, the FDA's top drug regulator, has been placed on leave after being accused of abusing his regulatory authority, STAT has learned.
www.statnews.com
November 2, 2025 at 10:38 PM
More disruption at #FDA. Exclusive from @lizzylawrence.bsky.social and @adamfeuerstein.bsky.social.
www.statnews.com/2025/11/02/f...
www.statnews.com/2025/11/02/f...
1. Looking for weekend reads? Can't do better than these by my uber-talented @statnews.com colleagues @jasonmast.bsky.social & @lizzylawrence.bsky.social.
First, Jason's indepth look at #Moderna's transition from pandemic savior to company with significant problems. www.statnews.com/2025/10/30/m...
First, Jason's indepth look at #Moderna's transition from pandemic savior to company with significant problems. www.statnews.com/2025/10/30/m...
How Moderna, the company that helped save the world, unraveled
Exclusive: The inside story of why Moderna now faces a crisis unlike any in its 15-year-history.
www.statnews.com
October 31, 2025 at 7:42 PM
1. Looking for weekend reads? Can't do better than these by my uber-talented @statnews.com colleagues @jasonmast.bsky.social & @lizzylawrence.bsky.social.
First, Jason's indepth look at #Moderna's transition from pandemic savior to company with significant problems. www.statnews.com/2025/10/30/m...
First, Jason's indepth look at #Moderna's transition from pandemic savior to company with significant problems. www.statnews.com/2025/10/30/m...
The government shutdown is about to hit home in homes with the least capacity to weather shortfalls. Millions who rely on #SNAP to feed their families are caught in the crosshairs. “We need to remember that #SNAP is the safety net. Below the safety net is concrete.” www.statnews.com/2025/10/27/s...
When SNAP benefits run out, 'people can die,' say health experts
“People can die” from even short gaps in nutrition and food access, experts say ahead of SNAP benefits not going out in November in at least 25 states.
www.statnews.com
October 28, 2025 at 2:44 AM
The government shutdown is about to hit home in homes with the least capacity to weather shortfalls. Millions who rely on #SNAP to feed their families are caught in the crosshairs. “We need to remember that #SNAP is the safety net. Below the safety net is concrete.” www.statnews.com/2025/10/27/s...
The destruction of #ACIP and its critical role in advising on the use of vaccines in the United States continues. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Threat to US vaccines as CDC staff supporting key advisory panel laid off
Critics say scientists ‘held hostage’ by RFK Jr as changes mean vaccine development and guidance in peril
www.theguardian.com
October 27, 2025 at 3:40 PM
The destruction of #ACIP and its critical role in advising on the use of vaccines in the United States continues. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
If only there were a way to prevent #measles infections. Oh, wait.... www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Sask. measles case sends patient to intensive care | CBC News
Saskatchewan has recorded one new case of measles, and health officials say the patient required intensive care.
www.cbc.ca
October 27, 2025 at 3:21 PM
If only there were a way to prevent #measles infections. Oh, wait.... www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Barney Graham, one of the chief architects of the technology that gave the world #Covid & #RSV vaccines, is among 100 new members elected to the National Academy of Medicine. nam.edu/news-and-ins...
National Academy of Medicine Elects 100 New Members - NAM
The National Academy of Medicine has announced 100 new members for the Class of 2025.
nam.edu
October 20, 2025 at 5:33 PM
Barney Graham, one of the chief architects of the technology that gave the world #Covid & #RSV vaccines, is among 100 new members elected to the National Academy of Medicine. nam.edu/news-and-ins...
You know we're in uncharted territory when a former acting director of the #CDC, a scientist who spent years at the agency, says Americans can no longer look to the current CDC, under the current HHS leadership, for accurate vaccine guidance. www.statnews.com/2025/10/18/r...
Former acting CDC director calls public health cuts ‘absolutely heartbreaking’
Public health leaders “have to figure out how to reach” those who are open to persuasion on vaccines and more, says former acting CDC director Richard Besser.
www.statnews.com
October 20, 2025 at 1:38 PM
You know we're in uncharted territory when a former acting director of the #CDC, a scientist who spent years at the agency, says Americans can no longer look to the current CDC, under the current HHS leadership, for accurate vaccine guidance. www.statnews.com/2025/10/18/r...
If people think the attack on scientific advances is going to stop with #mRNA vaccines, they should think again, a co-founder of Moderna warned last week at the #STATSummit. This is going to make it harder to treat a raft of common diseases, Noubar Afeyan warned. www.statnews.com/2025/10/20/m...
Moderna co-founder Noubar Afeyan issues warning: Assault on science ‘isn’t going to stop at mRNA’
Noubar Afeyan tells the STAT Summit that political moves to replace facts with opinions won't stop with mRNA vaccines. "It’s going to go to every medicine."
www.statnews.com
October 20, 2025 at 1:31 PM
If people think the attack on scientific advances is going to stop with #mRNA vaccines, they should think again, a co-founder of Moderna warned last week at the #STATSummit. This is going to make it harder to treat a raft of common diseases, Noubar Afeyan warned. www.statnews.com/2025/10/20/m...
The countdown to the end of DRC's most recent #Ebola outbreak has begun with the release from hospital of the last known patient. Of 64 cases (53 confirmed, 11 probables), there have been 45 deaths & 19 survivors. +35,000 people were vaccinated in this response. www.afro.who.int/news/last-eb...
Last Ebola patient in Democratic Republic of the Congo discharged
The last Ebola patient in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was discharged today, marking an important milestone in the efforts to end the outbreak.
www.afro.who.int
October 19, 2025 at 3:44 PM
The countdown to the end of DRC's most recent #Ebola outbreak has begun with the release from hospital of the last known patient. Of 64 cases (53 confirmed, 11 probables), there have been 45 deaths & 19 survivors. +35,000 people were vaccinated in this response. www.afro.who.int/news/last-eb...
Idaho reported another #H5N1 #birdflu infected dairy herd recently, its 108th.
That makes 1,081 confirmed infected herds in 18 states since the outbreak was first recognized in spring 2024. www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-po...
That makes 1,081 confirmed infected herds in 18 states since the outbreak was first recognized in spring 2024. www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-po...
October 17, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Idaho reported another #H5N1 #birdflu infected dairy herd recently, its 108th.
That makes 1,081 confirmed infected herds in 18 states since the outbreak was first recognized in spring 2024. www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-po...
That makes 1,081 confirmed infected herds in 18 states since the outbreak was first recognized in spring 2024. www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-po...
This is not how science is supposed to work: @lizzylawrence.bsky.social interviews #FDA staffers on how the agency is being asked to investigate issues of interest to Health Secretary Kennedy. “It’s like the tail wagging the dog.... Go find data to support this." www.statnews.com/2025/10/14/f...
Inside FDA, career staffers describe how political pressure is influencing their work
Current and former FDA staff said the level of involvement of political officials in nitty-gritty regulatory matters is unprecedented.
www.statnews.com
October 14, 2025 at 5:33 PM
This is not how science is supposed to work: @lizzylawrence.bsky.social interviews #FDA staffers on how the agency is being asked to investigate issues of interest to Health Secretary Kennedy. “It’s like the tail wagging the dog.... Go find data to support this." www.statnews.com/2025/10/14/f...
100s of #CDC employees were notified Friday they were being fired — RIF'd. The firings cross multiple parts of the agency, endangering its core mission of keeping Americans safe.
Saturday, some were informed they were RIF'd in error.
Hard to imagine how this happens www.statnews.com/2025/10/11/c...
Saturday, some were informed they were RIF'd in error.
Hard to imagine how this happens www.statnews.com/2025/10/11/c...
CDC battered by government shutdown firings, while some are rescinded
The White House’s mass firing of CDC staff on Friday has decimated offices related to injury prevention, respiratory disease surveillance, and chronic disease, according to four people familiar with t...
www.statnews.com
October 12, 2025 at 2:59 AM
100s of #CDC employees were notified Friday they were being fired — RIF'd. The firings cross multiple parts of the agency, endangering its core mission of keeping Americans safe.
Saturday, some were informed they were RIF'd in error.
Hard to imagine how this happens www.statnews.com/2025/10/11/c...
Saturday, some were informed they were RIF'd in error.
Hard to imagine how this happens www.statnews.com/2025/10/11/c...
So tragic: Alberta baby born with congenital #measles (mother contracted measles late in pregnancy) died shortly after birth.
The province, which has had a massive measles outbreak this year, says this is the 7th case of congenital measles in 2025. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
The province, which has had a massive measles outbreak this year, says this is the 7th case of congenital measles in 2025. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Premature baby dies of measles in Alberta outbreak's 1st death | CBC News
Alberta is reporting its first measles death since outbreaks of the highly contagious illness began in March. The province says a baby, who was born prematurely after the mother became sick, died shor...
www.cbc.ca
October 3, 2025 at 4:20 PM
So tragic: Alberta baby born with congenital #measles (mother contracted measles late in pregnancy) died shortly after birth.
The province, which has had a massive measles outbreak this year, says this is the 7th case of congenital measles in 2025. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
The province, which has had a massive measles outbreak this year, says this is the 7th case of congenital measles in 2025. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Leucovorin may have a role in treatment of some people with #autism. But one of the researchers who studied it warns it's not a silver bullet. @rosebroderick.bsky.social reports. www.statnews.com/2025/10/01/l...
Leucovorin has a place in autism treatment, researcher says, but he tamps down parents’ expectations
STAT spoke with Robert Hendren, a retired UCSF researcher who conducted a small study of leucovorin in children with autism in 2020.
www.statnews.com
October 2, 2025 at 8:18 PM
Leucovorin may have a role in treatment of some people with #autism. But one of the researchers who studied it warns it's not a silver bullet. @rosebroderick.bsky.social reports. www.statnews.com/2025/10/01/l...
"I’m not a doctor," President Trump said yesterday. That acknowledged lack of medical credentials did not stop him from offering medical opinions on risk factors for autism that the preponderance of the scientific evidence does not support. www.statnews.com/2025/09/22/t...
Trump, questioning vaccine safety, pushes major changes to how kids get shots
At a White House event, Trump linked vaccines to autism and urged major changes in how kids get their shots.
www.statnews.com
September 23, 2025 at 12:50 PM
"I’m not a doctor," President Trump said yesterday. That acknowledged lack of medical credentials did not stop him from offering medical opinions on risk factors for autism that the preponderance of the scientific evidence does not support. www.statnews.com/2025/09/22/t...
The brilliant @juliabelluz.bsky.social & @kevinh-phd.bsky.social have a new book out today on nutritional science. Food Intelligence explores how today’s food environment drives what & how we eat — and the impacts on our health. Can't wait to read it.
www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/671334...
www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/671334...
Food Intelligence by Julia Belluz, Kevin Hall, PhD: 9780593332306 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books
“Food Intelligence dispels many popular myths we have about weight loss and breaks down the real drivers of the obesity crisis based on decades of research. I really hope everyone gets a chance to...
www.penguinrandomhouse.com
September 23, 2025 at 12:43 PM
The brilliant @juliabelluz.bsky.social & @kevinh-phd.bsky.social have a new book out today on nutritional science. Food Intelligence explores how today’s food environment drives what & how we eat — and the impacts on our health. Can't wait to read it.
www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/671334...
www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/671334...
Belatedly: #USDA announced that Nebraska has joined the states that have detected #H5N1 #birdflu in dairy cattle. Since H5 was first detected in cows in the US in spring 2024, 1,080 herds in 18 states have tested positive for the virus. www.aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-...
September 16, 2025 at 8:36 PM
Belatedly: #USDA announced that Nebraska has joined the states that have detected #H5N1 #birdflu in dairy cattle. Since H5 was first detected in cows in the US in spring 2024, 1,080 herds in 18 states have tested positive for the virus. www.aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-...
Broad access to vaccines of all sorts is in jeopardy, former CDC director Rochelle Walensky warns in an Op Ed in @statnews.com. www.statnews.com/2025/09/16/r...
I’m a former CDC director. I’m deeply concerned about the future of vaccines in the U.S.
“I am deeply saddened for the agency I was honored to lead, for colleagues put in harm’s way, and for the quiet heroism of public health workers who are derided for political gain,” Rochelle Walensky ...
www.statnews.com
September 16, 2025 at 11:11 AM
Broad access to vaccines of all sorts is in jeopardy, former CDC director Rochelle Walensky warns in an Op Ed in @statnews.com. www.statnews.com/2025/09/16/r...
#USDA announcement that Nebraska joins the states that have reported #H5N1 #birdflu in dairy cows says this is the 17th state. As @thijskuiken.bsky.social notes, it is the 18th.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 detected in dairy cows in Nebraska: first time in this state. Total now comes to 1,080 dairy farms infected in 18 states of the USA since March 2024. See map (not yet updated with Nebraska case) for overview.
www.aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-...
www.aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-...
September 16, 2025 at 7:51 AM
#USDA announcement that Nebraska joins the states that have reported #H5N1 #birdflu in dairy cows says this is the 17th state. As @thijskuiken.bsky.social notes, it is the 18th.