Alex Sundermann, DrPH
@sundermannaj.bsky.social
Assistant Professor in Epidemiology @ Pitt Public Health | Outbreaks, Genomic Epidemiology, Public Health 🕵🏼♂️ | DrPH, CIC, FAPIC | Hubs & Dad of 2
https://www.publichealth.pitt.edu/directory/alexander-sundermann
https://www.publichealth.pitt.edu/directory/alexander-sundermann
Pinned
Our new commentary out today in @asm.org AAC: "Pathogen genomics in healthcare: overcoming barriers to proactive surveillance"!
Here, my colleagues and I discuss the promises, barriers, and potential solutions for genomic surveillance in healthcare 🦠
#IDSky #PublicHealth
doi.org/10.1128/aac....
Here, my colleagues and I discuss the promises, barriers, and potential solutions for genomic surveillance in healthcare 🦠
#IDSky #PublicHealth
doi.org/10.1128/aac....
Reposted by Alex Sundermann, DrPH
This is a reminder of how much it matters that pediatricians, public health specialists, scientists and members of the public who care about vaccines and science based recommendations continue to speak up. Many voices break through.
www.politico.com/news/2025/12...
www.politico.com/news/2025/12...
RFK Jr. wanted to endorse the Danish vaccine schedule. He was forced to pull back.
Legal and political concerns prompted the health department to cancel a planned announcement on Friday, officials said.
www.politico.com
December 21, 2025 at 1:00 AM
This is a reminder of how much it matters that pediatricians, public health specialists, scientists and members of the public who care about vaccines and science based recommendations continue to speak up. Many voices break through.
www.politico.com/news/2025/12...
www.politico.com/news/2025/12...
RFK: We’re going to release data showing how unsafe vaccines are!
The data: ⬛️
White House: We’re going to release the Epstein files!
The files: ⬛️
Seems to be a trend on transparency & truth here…
The data: ⬛️
White House: We’re going to release the Epstein files!
The files: ⬛️
Seems to be a trend on transparency & truth here…
December 20, 2025 at 7:04 PM
RFK: We’re going to release data showing how unsafe vaccines are!
The data: ⬛️
White House: We’re going to release the Epstein files!
The files: ⬛️
Seems to be a trend on transparency & truth here…
The data: ⬛️
White House: We’re going to release the Epstein files!
The files: ⬛️
Seems to be a trend on transparency & truth here…
New Pennsylvania Health Alert on a multi-state cluster of extensively drug-resistant Acinetobacter & Enterobacter
Cases range April 2025-present with a concern for a possible contaminated medical product
Haven't heard any public notice from CDC on this #IDSky
Cases range April 2025-present with a concern for a possible contaminated medical product
Haven't heard any public notice from CDC on this #IDSky
December 18, 2025 at 6:07 PM
New Pennsylvania Health Alert on a multi-state cluster of extensively drug-resistant Acinetobacter & Enterobacter
Cases range April 2025-present with a concern for a possible contaminated medical product
Haven't heard any public notice from CDC on this #IDSky
Cases range April 2025-present with a concern for a possible contaminated medical product
Haven't heard any public notice from CDC on this #IDSky
December 9, 2025 at 3:25 PM
New Pennsylvania Health Alert on a multi-state cluster of extensively drug-resistant Acinetobacter & Enterobacter
Cases range April 2025-present with a concern for a possible contaminated medical product
Haven't heard any public notice from CDC on this #IDSky
Cases range April 2025-present with a concern for a possible contaminated medical product
Haven't heard any public notice from CDC on this #IDSky
HICPAC is gone, but glad to see @apic-association.bsky.social and @sheaepi.bsky.social lead the way with this new advisory group
#IDSky
apic.org/news/apic-an...
#IDSky
apic.org/news/apic-an...
APIC and SHEA Announce Joint Healthcare Infection Prevention Advisory Group (HIPAG) - APIC
apic.org
December 3, 2025 at 3:03 PM
HICPAC is gone, but glad to see @apic-association.bsky.social and @sheaepi.bsky.social lead the way with this new advisory group
#IDSky
apic.org/news/apic-an...
#IDSky
apic.org/news/apic-an...
Reposted by Alex Sundermann, DrPH
🤔✨🤔✨🤔
November 29, 2025 at 5:41 AM
🤔✨🤔✨🤔
Reposted by Alex Sundermann, DrPH
We need to quickly return to medical information and recommendations being based on sound science, not unverified opinions.
Read our full joint statement: bit.ly/47S6LNE
Read our full joint statement: bit.ly/47S6LNE
November 21, 2025 at 3:13 PM
We need to quickly return to medical information and recommendations being based on sound science, not unverified opinions.
Read our full joint statement: bit.ly/47S6LNE
Read our full joint statement: bit.ly/47S6LNE
Reposted by Alex Sundermann, DrPH
Decades of rigorous and scientifically sound research have proven that vaccines do not cause autism. CDC’s decision to change language on its website reversing that finding is reckless & harmful.
Our statement w/ @hivma.bsky.social, APIC, @sheaepi.bsky.social & @sidpharm.bsky.social: bit.ly/3XEc0KH
Our statement w/ @hivma.bsky.social, APIC, @sheaepi.bsky.social & @sidpharm.bsky.social: bit.ly/3XEc0KH
November 21, 2025 at 12:42 AM
Decades of rigorous and scientifically sound research have proven that vaccines do not cause autism. CDC’s decision to change language on its website reversing that finding is reckless & harmful.
Our statement w/ @hivma.bsky.social, APIC, @sheaepi.bsky.social & @sidpharm.bsky.social: bit.ly/3XEc0KH
Our statement w/ @hivma.bsky.social, APIC, @sheaepi.bsky.social & @sidpharm.bsky.social: bit.ly/3XEc0KH
Outbreak messaging 101: don’t downplay the severity or findings of federal agencies…
So wild to see some of these statements in an early outbreak investigation with a novel scenario
#IDSky
So wild to see some of these statements in an early outbreak investigation with a novel scenario
#IDSky
On the ByHeart formula recall: “I have never seen a company so aggressively fight to deny the evidence against them," @cspinet.org's Sarah Sorscher said. Why food safety experts are alarmed by the company's response to the infant botulism outbreak:
www.statnews.com/2025/11/14/b...
www.statnews.com/2025/11/14/b...
ByHeart’s ‘bizarre’ response to infant botulism outbreak worries food safety experts
ByHeart’s ‘bizarre’ response to infant botulism outbreak worries food safety experts.
www.statnews.com
November 14, 2025 at 9:04 PM
Outbreak messaging 101: don’t downplay the severity or findings of federal agencies…
So wild to see some of these statements in an early outbreak investigation with a novel scenario
#IDSky
So wild to see some of these statements in an early outbreak investigation with a novel scenario
#IDSky
Our new paper out: AI boosted our genomic surveillance investigations by finding 37 missed transmission routes and reaching >90% sensitivity in key scenarios.
AI + WGS can speed outbreak reviews and help IP teams act faster #IDSky
Genomic surveillance is a key must!
📃: doi.org/10.1017/ice....
AI + WGS can speed outbreak reviews and help IP teams act faster #IDSky
Genomic surveillance is a key must!
📃: doi.org/10.1017/ice....
November 14, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Our new paper out: AI boosted our genomic surveillance investigations by finding 37 missed transmission routes and reaching >90% sensitivity in key scenarios.
AI + WGS can speed outbreak reviews and help IP teams act faster #IDSky
Genomic surveillance is a key must!
📃: doi.org/10.1017/ice....
AI + WGS can speed outbreak reviews and help IP teams act faster #IDSky
Genomic surveillance is a key must!
📃: doi.org/10.1017/ice....
Ahh, there goes my DrPH and MPH 🤦🏼♂️
🚨Dept. of Education proposes to exclude public health degrees from the “professional degree” category.
That means new public health experts could lose access to key higher ed resources, like loan limits & reimbursement.
A bold strategy to let infectious diseases win! 🦠
aspph.org/department-o...
That means new public health experts could lose access to key higher ed resources, like loan limits & reimbursement.
A bold strategy to let infectious diseases win! 🦠
aspph.org/department-o...
Department of Education Proposal Excludes Public Health Degrees from “Professional Degree” Definition
Discover the new results and implications of Dept of Ed consensus regarding professional degree programs and public health education.
aspph.org
November 14, 2025 at 1:34 AM
Ahh, there goes my DrPH and MPH 🤦🏼♂️
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...
Check out @vatsalars.bsky.social new paper!
Genomics can help deduce sources of transmission for respiratory viruses acquired in the hospital setting ⤵️
#IDSky
Genomics can help deduce sources of transmission for respiratory viruses acquired in the hospital setting ⤵️
#IDSky
🆕 New in ICHE: Genomic epidemiology of HAI respiratory viruses in Pittsburgh, 2018–2020
🧬 WGS of 436 healthcare-associated respiratory virus infections:
• 14 clusters ▶️ 36 patients
• Clusters often in a single unit
• Avg cluster duration 16 days (range 0-55)
#IDSky
📄: doi.org/10.1017/ice....
🧬 WGS of 436 healthcare-associated respiratory virus infections:
• 14 clusters ▶️ 36 patients
• Clusters often in a single unit
• Avg cluster duration 16 days (range 0-55)
#IDSky
📄: doi.org/10.1017/ice....
November 4, 2025 at 7:23 PM
Check out @vatsalars.bsky.social new paper!
Genomics can help deduce sources of transmission for respiratory viruses acquired in the hospital setting ⤵️
#IDSky
Genomics can help deduce sources of transmission for respiratory viruses acquired in the hospital setting ⤵️
#IDSky
Our new pre-print: ACCIO 🪄🦠💨
A new tool led by @nathanraabe.bsky.social detects plasmids from short, long, & hybrid assemblies w/ high accuracy
It uses a curated local plasmid database & structural similarity metrics to infer which plasmids are present
#IDSky
Preprint: doi.org/10.1101/2025...
A new tool led by @nathanraabe.bsky.social detects plasmids from short, long, & hybrid assemblies w/ high accuracy
It uses a curated local plasmid database & structural similarity metrics to infer which plasmids are present
#IDSky
Preprint: doi.org/10.1101/2025...
ACCIO: An Assembly-Based Tool Enabling Plasmid Detection
Plasmids are extrachromosomal mobile genetic elements that often carry genes responsible for antimicrobial resistance. Plasmid epidemiology aims to track the evolution and spread of plasmids, but the ...
doi.org
November 3, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Our new pre-print: ACCIO 🪄🦠💨
A new tool led by @nathanraabe.bsky.social detects plasmids from short, long, & hybrid assemblies w/ high accuracy
It uses a curated local plasmid database & structural similarity metrics to infer which plasmids are present
#IDSky
Preprint: doi.org/10.1101/2025...
A new tool led by @nathanraabe.bsky.social detects plasmids from short, long, & hybrid assemblies w/ high accuracy
It uses a curated local plasmid database & structural similarity metrics to infer which plasmids are present
#IDSky
Preprint: doi.org/10.1101/2025...
Reposted by Alex Sundermann, DrPH
Due to the USG Shutdown, I wasn’t able to attend or present @idweek.bsky.social. I was supposed to give the talk on top viral studies that will impact your practice. Here are the papers I was going to highlight:
See next posts
See next posts
October 22, 2025 at 1:36 PM
Due to the USG Shutdown, I wasn’t able to attend or present @idweek.bsky.social. I was supposed to give the talk on top viral studies that will impact your practice. Here are the papers I was going to highlight:
See next posts
See next posts
Reposted by Alex Sundermann, DrPH
Our newest paper is now on medRxiv!
We used WGS to identify overlap in transmission between university students and the local community.
The results highlight the need for integrated genomic surveillance, coordinated interventions, and data-driven public health policies!
We used WGS to identify overlap in transmission between university students and the local community.
The results highlight the need for integrated genomic surveillance, coordinated interventions, and data-driven public health policies!
Whole Genome Sequencing to Study SARS-CoV-2 Transmission between University Students and the Surrounding Community in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 2020-2021 https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.14.25337767v1
October 22, 2025 at 2:49 PM
Our newest paper is now on medRxiv!
We used WGS to identify overlap in transmission between university students and the local community.
The results highlight the need for integrated genomic surveillance, coordinated interventions, and data-driven public health policies!
We used WGS to identify overlap in transmission between university students and the local community.
The results highlight the need for integrated genomic surveillance, coordinated interventions, and data-driven public health policies!
Great to see the CLEEN trial highlighted in the #IDWeek2025 session Influential Publications in Health Care Epidemiology! Strong work @1healthau.bsky.social 👏🏻
Presenting by @trtalbot.bsky.social
📄: www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
Presenting by @trtalbot.bsky.social
📄: www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
October 21, 2025 at 7:31 PM
Great to see the CLEEN trial highlighted in the #IDWeek2025 session Influential Publications in Health Care Epidemiology! Strong work @1healthau.bsky.social 👏🏻
Presenting by @trtalbot.bsky.social
📄: www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
Presenting by @trtalbot.bsky.social
📄: www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
It looks so amazing up close!! Beautiful - I’m absolutely ecstatic and can’t wait to show it off in my office 😃
Pic from my visit in 2023 😅
Pic from my visit in 2023 😅
October 16, 2025 at 3:58 PM
It looks so amazing up close!! Beautiful - I’m absolutely ecstatic and can’t wait to show it off in my office 😃
Pic from my visit in 2023 😅
Pic from my visit in 2023 😅
Reposted by Alex Sundermann, DrPH
"We can stop hospital outbreaks before they grow. We can save lives. But first, we have to look."
@sundermannaj.bsky.social argues that genomic surveillance can prevent infections, save lives, & reduce healthcare costs by catching outbreaks before they spread.
www.medpagetoday.com/opinion/seco...
@sundermannaj.bsky.social argues that genomic surveillance can prevent infections, save lives, & reduce healthcare costs by catching outbreaks before they spread.
www.medpagetoday.com/opinion/seco...
Opinion | We Can Stop Deadly Hospital Outbreaks -- So Why Aren't We?
Genomic surveillance can help contain local and nationwide threats
www.medpagetoday.com
October 15, 2025 at 7:16 PM
"We can stop hospital outbreaks before they grow. We can save lives. But first, we have to look."
@sundermannaj.bsky.social argues that genomic surveillance can prevent infections, save lives, & reduce healthcare costs by catching outbreaks before they spread.
www.medpagetoday.com/opinion/seco...
@sundermannaj.bsky.social argues that genomic surveillance can prevent infections, save lives, & reduce healthcare costs by catching outbreaks before they spread.
www.medpagetoday.com/opinion/seco...
Reposted by Alex Sundermann, DrPH
truth
October 15, 2025 at 3:04 PM
truth
My new piece in @medpagetoday.com
We Can Stop Deadly Hospital Outbreaks - So Why Aren't We?
Genomic surveillance can prevent outbreaks from spreading, save lives, and costs.
So what’s holding it back from being implemented in hospitals?
#IDSky
www.medpagetoday.com/opinion/seco...
We Can Stop Deadly Hospital Outbreaks - So Why Aren't We?
Genomic surveillance can prevent outbreaks from spreading, save lives, and costs.
So what’s holding it back from being implemented in hospitals?
#IDSky
www.medpagetoday.com/opinion/seco...
Opinion | We Can Stop Deadly Hospital Outbreaks -- So Why Aren't We?
Genomic surveillance can help contain local and nationwide threats
www.medpagetoday.com
October 14, 2025 at 8:12 PM
My new piece in @medpagetoday.com
We Can Stop Deadly Hospital Outbreaks - So Why Aren't We?
Genomic surveillance can prevent outbreaks from spreading, save lives, and costs.
So what’s holding it back from being implemented in hospitals?
#IDSky
www.medpagetoday.com/opinion/seco...
We Can Stop Deadly Hospital Outbreaks - So Why Aren't We?
Genomic surveillance can prevent outbreaks from spreading, save lives, and costs.
So what’s holding it back from being implemented in hospitals?
#IDSky
www.medpagetoday.com/opinion/seco...
While yes, EIS folks will be back, there will definitely be discouragement for the best of the best to apply for future cohorts of EIS that will have lasting long term effects.
Folks will have to consider to apply knowing they may get RIF’d on a whim
Folks will have to consider to apply knowing they may get RIF’d on a whim
TRUMP CDC REVERSAL: Trump administration racing to reverse some CDC layoffs. Disease detectives, measles responders, MMWR staff RIF’s are revoked. DC office still shuttered. w/ @apoorvanyt.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/11/h...
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/11/h...
Trump Administration Is Bringing Back Scores of C.D.C. Experts Fired in Error
www.nytimes.com
October 12, 2025 at 2:33 AM
While yes, EIS folks will be back, there will definitely be discouragement for the best of the best to apply for future cohorts of EIS that will have lasting long term effects.
Folks will have to consider to apply knowing they may get RIF’d on a whim
Folks will have to consider to apply knowing they may get RIF’d on a whim
October 12, 2025 at 1:56 AM
Soooo no more MMWR?
“The staff of the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, the journal that reports on health trends and emerging infectious threats, was also laid off.”
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/11/u...
“The staff of the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, the journal that reports on health trends and emerging infectious threats, was also laid off.”
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/11/u...
October 11, 2025 at 11:50 AM
Soooo no more MMWR?
“The staff of the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, the journal that reports on health trends and emerging infectious threats, was also laid off.”
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/11/u...
“The staff of the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, the journal that reports on health trends and emerging infectious threats, was also laid off.”
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/11/u...
Reposted by Alex Sundermann, DrPH
With the elimination of AHRQ and cuts to CDC, research on antibiotic-resistant bacteria like MRSA will no longer be possible in the US. Sad for all my colleagues and our patients. @sheaepi.bsky.social @ichejournal.bsky.social @ashejournal.bsky.social
🆕 New in ICHE: Factors associated w/ HCP glove & gown contamination of MRSA
Contamination:
Gloves or gown: 713/3,832 (18.6%) of the time
Gloves: 15.4%
Gowns: 8.3%
Touching:
Patient: 622/2,901 (21.4%)
Environment: 91/931 (9.8%)
#IDSky
📄: doi.org/10.1017/ice....
Contamination:
Gloves or gown: 713/3,832 (18.6%) of the time
Gloves: 15.4%
Gowns: 8.3%
Touching:
Patient: 622/2,901 (21.4%)
Environment: 91/931 (9.8%)
#IDSky
📄: doi.org/10.1017/ice....
October 10, 2025 at 2:13 PM
With the elimination of AHRQ and cuts to CDC, research on antibiotic-resistant bacteria like MRSA will no longer be possible in the US. Sad for all my colleagues and our patients. @sheaepi.bsky.social @ichejournal.bsky.social @ashejournal.bsky.social