T. Neil Ku, MD, FSHEA, FIDSA
@kutneil.bsky.social
Healthcare epidemiologist in Montana. Advocate in antibiotic stewardship and health equity. Promoting diagnostic stewardship in #IDSky, #AMSSky, and #IPSky. Southerner at heart. Cat and corgi dad. Fly angler. Love snarky comments.
Pinned
Measles Information and Resources 2025
www.umt.edu
Measles information for Montana residents and healthcare professionals.
#measles #publichealth #vaccination
www.umt.edu/mt-public-he...
#measles #publichealth #vaccination
www.umt.edu/mt-public-he...
Ivermectin works great for certain worms and parasites but not so great on viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).
www.cidrap.umn.edu/misc-emergin...
www.cidrap.umn.edu/misc-emergin...
Ivermectin found to be safe, effective in small children with scabies
Trial investigators say the results could expand the scale and impact of mass drug administration campaigns against neglected tropical diseases.
www.cidrap.umn.edu
November 10, 2025 at 7:11 PM
Ivermectin works great for certain worms and parasites but not so great on viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).
www.cidrap.umn.edu/misc-emergin...
www.cidrap.umn.edu/misc-emergin...
Reposted by T. Neil Ku, MD, FSHEA, FIDSA
SHEA membership renewals for 2026 are now open!
Renew today to keep your access to education, networking, and advocacy benefits — and avoid a lapse in membership. All memberships expire Dec. 31, 2025.
Renew today to keep your access to education, networking, and advocacy benefits — and avoid a lapse in membership. All memberships expire Dec. 31, 2025.
November 7, 2025 at 5:18 PM
SHEA membership renewals for 2026 are now open!
Renew today to keep your access to education, networking, and advocacy benefits — and avoid a lapse in membership. All memberships expire Dec. 31, 2025.
Renew today to keep your access to education, networking, and advocacy benefits — and avoid a lapse in membership. All memberships expire Dec. 31, 2025.
Most Americans still believe their food supply is safe despite our elected officials' support for cutting public health funding to eliminate "waste, fraud, and abuse."
#publichealth #foodborneillness
www.propublica.org/article/fore...
#publichealth #foodborneillness
www.propublica.org/article/fore...
Foreign Food Safety Inspections Hit Historic Low After Trump Cuts
The dramatic shift in oversight comes at a time when the U.S. has never been more reliant on foreign food, which accounts for the vast majority of the nation’s seafood and more than half its fresh fru...
www.propublica.org
November 6, 2025 at 6:38 PM
Most Americans still believe their food supply is safe despite our elected officials' support for cutting public health funding to eliminate "waste, fraud, and abuse."
#publichealth #foodborneillness
www.propublica.org/article/fore...
#publichealth #foodborneillness
www.propublica.org/article/fore...
Reposted by T. Neil Ku, MD, FSHEA, FIDSA
Aerosolizing pathogens from sink drains? New study shows it can happen & possibly cause transmission
Drain biofilm bacteria found in droplets and aerosols ▶️ spread into room
Possible sources of HAIs #IDSky
📄: www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...
Drain biofilm bacteria found in droplets and aerosols ▶️ spread into room
Possible sources of HAIs #IDSky
📄: www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...
November 6, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Aerosolizing pathogens from sink drains? New study shows it can happen & possibly cause transmission
Drain biofilm bacteria found in droplets and aerosols ▶️ spread into room
Possible sources of HAIs #IDSky
📄: www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...
Drain biofilm bacteria found in droplets and aerosols ▶️ spread into room
Possible sources of HAIs #IDSky
📄: www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...
Food security is an important factor in health equity. Most people focus on insuring there's a roof over their head and food on the table than having health insurance. Consider supporting your local food bank as people will need them more than ever.
#healthequity
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
#healthequity
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
The Nation’s Largest Food Aid Program Is About To See Cuts. Here’s What You Should Know. - KFF Health News
The federal government is making sweeping changes to SNAP, the program that helped feed about 42 million people in the U.S. last year. Here’s a breakdown of the changes to come and potential impacts.
kffhealthnews.org
November 1, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Food security is an important factor in health equity. Most people focus on insuring there's a roof over their head and food on the table than having health insurance. Consider supporting your local food bank as people will need them more than ever.
#healthequity
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
#healthequity
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Is this what medical freedom looks like?
#vaccination #publichealth #measles
www.annenbergpublicpolicycenter.org/public-not-h...
#vaccination #publichealth #measles
www.annenbergpublicpolicycenter.org/public-not-h...
Public Not Highly Knowledgeable About Safety of MMR Vaccine or Risks of Getting Measles | The Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania
Public support of the MMR vaccine has declined eight percentage points since November of last year, according to a new APPC survey.
www.annenbergpublicpolicycenter.org
November 1, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Is this what medical freedom looks like?
#vaccination #publichealth #measles
www.annenbergpublicpolicycenter.org/public-not-h...
#vaccination #publichealth #measles
www.annenbergpublicpolicycenter.org/public-not-h...
Although this article didn't cite the reason for this patient's refusal to be tested, this highlights my concern that people with measles may decide not to get tested (or be seen by a physician).
#measles #publichealth
www.cidrap.umn.edu/measles/susp...
#measles #publichealth
www.cidrap.umn.edu/measles/susp...
Suspected measles case-patient refuses testing in Salt Lake County
Prior to this year, there had only been 1 confirmed measles case in Utah since 2020.
www.cidrap.umn.edu
October 31, 2025 at 1:02 AM
Although this article didn't cite the reason for this patient's refusal to be tested, this highlights my concern that people with measles may decide not to get tested (or be seen by a physician).
#measles #publichealth
www.cidrap.umn.edu/measles/susp...
#measles #publichealth
www.cidrap.umn.edu/measles/susp...
Immunizations against Covid-19, RSV, and influenza have shown consistent effectiveness and safety and are associated with a substantially reduced risk of hospitalization and severe disease across populations.
This is gold standard science.
#vaccination #publichealth
www.nejm.org/doi/full/10....
This is gold standard science.
#vaccination #publichealth
www.nejm.org/doi/full/10....
Updated Evidence for Covid-19, RSV, and Influenza Vaccines for 2025–2026 | NEJM
Changes in the vaccine advisory process in the United States have disrupted immunization
guidance, which reinforces the need for independent evidence review to inform decisions
regarding immunizati...
www.nejm.org
October 30, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Immunizations against Covid-19, RSV, and influenza have shown consistent effectiveness and safety and are associated with a substantially reduced risk of hospitalization and severe disease across populations.
This is gold standard science.
#vaccination #publichealth
www.nejm.org/doi/full/10....
This is gold standard science.
#vaccination #publichealth
www.nejm.org/doi/full/10....
Shaming (and the fear of it) was often used by medical educators as an educational tool when I went through my medical training.
www.npr.org/2025/10/28/n...
www.npr.org/2025/10/28/n...
These doctors want to break the cycle of shame and blame in medicine
Shaming is common in medical school and unfortunately, sometimes in the doctor's office. Some doctors are trying to teach medical students awareness of the problem so they don't perpetuate the cycle.
www.npr.org
October 29, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Shaming (and the fear of it) was often used by medical educators as an educational tool when I went through my medical training.
www.npr.org/2025/10/28/n...
www.npr.org/2025/10/28/n...
Notifying the public about outbreaks is one of the reasons public health exists. MT is also experiencing an outbreak of whooping cough, I hope DPHHS doesn't follow this example.
#publichealth #vaccination #pertussis
www.npr.org/sections/sho...
#publichealth #vaccination #pertussis
www.npr.org/sections/sho...
Louisiana officials waited months to warn public of whooping cough outbreak
After a whooping cough outbreak killed two infants, Louisiana health officials waited months to officially alert physicians or do public outreach. That's not the typical public health response.
www.npr.org
October 29, 2025 at 1:54 PM
Notifying the public about outbreaks is one of the reasons public health exists. MT is also experiencing an outbreak of whooping cough, I hope DPHHS doesn't follow this example.
#publichealth #vaccination #pertussis
www.npr.org/sections/sho...
#publichealth #vaccination #pertussis
www.npr.org/sections/sho...
Meanwhile, school-age measles cases in South Carolina continue to grow...
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
www.cidrap.umn.edu/measles/meas...
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
www.cidrap.umn.edu/measles/meas...
October 28, 2025 at 9:17 PM
Meanwhile, school-age measles cases in South Carolina continue to grow...
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
www.cidrap.umn.edu/measles/meas...
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
www.cidrap.umn.edu/measles/meas...
A commentary from former ACIP panelists regarding the recent ACIP recommendations.
If the experts don't trust those ACIP recommendations, it would likely be difficult for the public to trust them as well.
#vaccination #publichealth
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
If the experts don't trust those ACIP recommendations, it would likely be difficult for the public to trust them as well.
#vaccination #publichealth
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Science for vaccine policy: Independent review of the September 2025 ACIP processes, deliberations and votes
Since 1964, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has shaped US vaccine policy but recently underwent significant structural and pro…
www.sciencedirect.com
October 28, 2025 at 7:19 PM
A commentary from former ACIP panelists regarding the recent ACIP recommendations.
If the experts don't trust those ACIP recommendations, it would likely be difficult for the public to trust them as well.
#vaccination #publichealth
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
If the experts don't trust those ACIP recommendations, it would likely be difficult for the public to trust them as well.
#vaccination #publichealth
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
I guess it's a good thing most people don't follow the US dietary guidelines. And, I guess vegetarians and vegans are out of luck...
thehill.com/policy/healt...
thehill.com/policy/healt...
RFK Jr. to unveil new guidance encouraging more saturated fats
Foods like butter, cheese and red meat could be reemphasized in new dietary guidelines.
thehill.com
October 24, 2025 at 12:05 AM
I guess it's a good thing most people don't follow the US dietary guidelines. And, I guess vegetarians and vegans are out of luck...
thehill.com/policy/healt...
thehill.com/policy/healt...
Reposted by T. Neil Ku, MD, FSHEA, FIDSA
RFK Jr. said two studies backed up his claim that circumcision is linked to higher rates of autism because of Tylenol. The studies showed no causation and neither had data on Tylenol use. Both studies had significant methodology flaws.
Does circumcision lead to autism? No study shows that
RFK Jr. said two studies backed up his claim that circumcision is linked to higher rates of autism because of Tylenol. The studies showed no causation and neither had data on Tylenol use. Both…
buff.ly
October 21, 2025 at 11:02 PM
RFK Jr. said two studies backed up his claim that circumcision is linked to higher rates of autism because of Tylenol. The studies showed no causation and neither had data on Tylenol use. Both studies had significant methodology flaws.
Reposted by T. Neil Ku, MD, FSHEA, FIDSA
#COVID mRNA vaccines may be able to train immune system to attack cancer cells, boost survival
The vaccines appeared to sensitize tumors to the cancer drugs immune checkpoint inhibitors, the researchers say.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
The vaccines appeared to sensitize tumors to the cancer drugs immune checkpoint inhibitors, the researchers say.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
October 20, 2025 at 8:21 PM
#COVID mRNA vaccines may be able to train immune system to attack cancer cells, boost survival
The vaccines appeared to sensitize tumors to the cancer drugs immune checkpoint inhibitors, the researchers say.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
The vaccines appeared to sensitize tumors to the cancer drugs immune checkpoint inhibitors, the researchers say.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/c...
Reposted by T. Neil Ku, MD, FSHEA, FIDSA
Staph aureus bacteremia debates!
Ceftobiprole as adjunctive therapy in persistent Staph aureus bacteremia (Dr. Turner, Duke):
Theory:
1) In vitro synergistic with dapto
2) 99% susceptible in vitro, but only 94% of ceftaroline
3) Ceftobiprole -very good against MDR MRSA
#IDWeek2025
Ceftobiprole as adjunctive therapy in persistent Staph aureus bacteremia (Dr. Turner, Duke):
Theory:
1) In vitro synergistic with dapto
2) 99% susceptible in vitro, but only 94% of ceftaroline
3) Ceftobiprole -very good against MDR MRSA
#IDWeek2025
October 20, 2025 at 6:22 PM
Staph aureus bacteremia debates!
Ceftobiprole as adjunctive therapy in persistent Staph aureus bacteremia (Dr. Turner, Duke):
Theory:
1) In vitro synergistic with dapto
2) 99% susceptible in vitro, but only 94% of ceftaroline
3) Ceftobiprole -very good against MDR MRSA
#IDWeek2025
Ceftobiprole as adjunctive therapy in persistent Staph aureus bacteremia (Dr. Turner, Duke):
Theory:
1) In vitro synergistic with dapto
2) 99% susceptible in vitro, but only 94% of ceftaroline
3) Ceftobiprole -very good against MDR MRSA
#IDWeek2025
Reposted by T. Neil Ku, MD, FSHEA, FIDSA
#idweek2025 #idsky ceftobiprole replace ceftroline for combination therapy for MRSA Dr Turner
October 20, 2025 at 6:22 PM
#idweek2025 #idsky ceftobiprole replace ceftroline for combination therapy for MRSA Dr Turner
While the HHS emphasizes only the negative aspects of vaccination, the benefits of vaccination seem to go beyond the diseases they aim to prevent...
#vaccination #publichealth
www.idsociety.org/news--public...
#vaccination #publichealth
www.idsociety.org/news--public...
Shingles Vaccine Lowers Risk of Dementia, Major Cardiovascular Events
www.idsociety.org
October 20, 2025 at 6:14 PM
While the HHS emphasizes only the negative aspects of vaccination, the benefits of vaccination seem to go beyond the diseases they aim to prevent...
#vaccination #publichealth
www.idsociety.org/news--public...
#vaccination #publichealth
www.idsociety.org/news--public...
Reposted by T. Neil Ku, MD, FSHEA, FIDSA
CDI recurrence affects about 14% to 16% of patients with CDI, and the risk of recurrence increases with each CDI episode
🆕💫🌟 JAMA Insights
Recurrent Clostridioides difficile Infections
🟢Epidemiology and Risk factors
🟢Diagnosis
🟢Treatment
#IDSky #EMIMCC
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
🆕💫🌟 JAMA Insights
Recurrent Clostridioides difficile Infections
🟢Epidemiology and Risk factors
🟢Diagnosis
🟢Treatment
#IDSky #EMIMCC
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
October 20, 2025 at 5:00 PM
CDI recurrence affects about 14% to 16% of patients with CDI, and the risk of recurrence increases with each CDI episode
🆕💫🌟 JAMA Insights
Recurrent Clostridioides difficile Infections
🟢Epidemiology and Risk factors
🟢Diagnosis
🟢Treatment
#IDSky #EMIMCC
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
🆕💫🌟 JAMA Insights
Recurrent Clostridioides difficile Infections
🟢Epidemiology and Risk factors
🟢Diagnosis
🟢Treatment
#IDSky #EMIMCC
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
I guess some people really miss having chickenpox parties, or outbreaks and deaths from smallpox, measles, and other vaccine-preventable diseases. It's hard to believe this will make America healthier.
#publichealth #IDSky #PedsSky #vaccination
www.propublica.org/article/idah...
#publichealth #IDSky #PedsSky #vaccination
www.propublica.org/article/idah...
Idaho Banned Vaccine Mandates. Activists Want to Make It a Model for the Country.
The Idaho Medical Freedom Act makes it illegal to require anyone to take a vaccine or receive “medical intervention.” Leslie Manookian, the activist behind the law, hopes to make it a “societal norm” ...
www.propublica.org
October 20, 2025 at 5:55 PM
I guess some people really miss having chickenpox parties, or outbreaks and deaths from smallpox, measles, and other vaccine-preventable diseases. It's hard to believe this will make America healthier.
#publichealth #IDSky #PedsSky #vaccination
www.propublica.org/article/idah...
#publichealth #IDSky #PedsSky #vaccination
www.propublica.org/article/idah...
I would feel more encouraged about the poll results if RFK Jr's alleged aim wasn't to rebuild trust in public health.
#publichealth
www.ipsos.com/en-us/axios-...
#publichealth
www.ipsos.com/en-us/axios-...
Trust in public health agencies declines
New Axios/Ipsos American Health Index shows Americans across the board are looking for clearer guidance on health and wellness information
www.ipsos.com
October 20, 2025 at 4:09 PM
I would feel more encouraged about the poll results if RFK Jr's alleged aim wasn't to rebuild trust in public health.
#publichealth
www.ipsos.com/en-us/axios-...
#publichealth
www.ipsos.com/en-us/axios-...
I hope no one thinks I'm involved in animal cruelty and nonprofit theft. 😬
October 16, 2025 at 2:05 PM
I hope no one thinks I'm involved in animal cruelty and nonprofit theft. 😬
In over 130K births, French researchers found no association between birth defects and mothers who received an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine during the first trimester.
#vaccination #covid19 #publichealth
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
#vaccination #covid19 #publichealth
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
First-Trimester mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination and Risk of Major Congenital Anomalies
This cohort study examines the association between first-trimester exposure to messenger RNA (mRNA) COVID-19 vaccines and the risk of major congenital malformations among infants in France.
jamanetwork.com
October 16, 2025 at 12:10 AM
In over 130K births, French researchers found no association between birth defects and mothers who received an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine during the first trimester.
#vaccination #covid19 #publichealth
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
#vaccination #covid19 #publichealth
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
And our elected officials in #montana want us to believe that telemedicine will help solve the physician shortage issues...
#ruralhealthcare #mtpol #disinformation #misinformation
www.npr.org/sections/sho...
#ruralhealthcare #mtpol #disinformation #misinformation
www.npr.org/sections/sho...
In rural America, scarce doctors battle misinformation as they practice medicine
Conspiracy theories about health fill a vacuum created by the lack of doctors in many rural communities. Meanwhile, doctors in these areas say patients have become increasingly distrustful and sometim...
www.npr.org
October 15, 2025 at 7:06 PM
And our elected officials in #montana want us to believe that telemedicine will help solve the physician shortage issues...
#ruralhealthcare #mtpol #disinformation #misinformation
www.npr.org/sections/sho...
#ruralhealthcare #mtpol #disinformation #misinformation
www.npr.org/sections/sho...