Melody Schreiber
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melodyschreiber.com
Melody Schreiber
@melodyschreiber.com
16K followers 2.6K following 10K posts
Health contributor/reporter at Guardian US, contributing editor at the New Republic, freelance elsewhere. Arctic obsessive and book enthusiast.

Email: melodyschreiber@proton.me
Signal: melodyschreiber.06
Newsletter: notadoctor.news
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melodyschreiber.com
I still can't believe they didn't cancel school, but whewww that would've made for a tough day!
December 5, 2025 at 8:46 PM
melodyschreiber.com
hm (official link to ACIP meeting)
Your connection is not private Attackers might be trying to steal your information from cisionone-email.hhs.gov (for example, passwords, messages, or credit cards). Learn more about this warning net::ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID
December 4, 2025 at 12:54 PM
melodyschreiber.com
This post by @enirenberg.bsky.social is absolutely worth your time. It's not just scicomm, it's poetry. deplatformdisease.substack.com/p/the-cdc-a-...
The concept of death feels simple, but declaring something dead is far more complicated. Cells die in dozens of ways. Organs fail at different rates. Even the heartbeat—our most intuitive marker—can be replaced by machines. Brain death generates its own quandaries. Parts of the body can die while the rest continue on, as in necrosis. And when tissue does die, it doesn’t go quietly: it releases toxins that threaten the whole organism. I am not in a position to be able to declare the CDC dead. Many dedicated career scientists and public health professionals are still working tirelessly for the American people within the organization. If anything is the agency’s heart, it is them. And that heart still beats. But something vital has died.
December 2, 2025 at 2:03 AM
melodyschreiber.com
Good news! The Ebola outbreak in DRC has been contained
World Health Organization Monday, 1 December 2025 DISEASE OUTBREAK NEWS Ebola virus disease - Democratic Republic of the Congo https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON589 Situation at a glance On 1 December 2025, the Ministry of Health (MoH) of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) declared the end of the Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak which had been declared on 4 September 2025. The end was declared after two consecutive incubation periods (a total of 42 days) since the last person confirmed with EVD tested negative for the virus and was discharged on 19 October 2025. A total of 64 cases (53 confirmed, 11 probable), including 45 deaths
December 1, 2025 at 7:02 PM
melodyschreiber.com
Martin Kulldorff, the chair of ACIP, was just appointed chief science officer for the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE).

Kirk Milhoan is the new chair of ACIP.
Renowned Epidemiologist and Biostatistician Martin Kulldorff Appointed to Senior HHS Role WASHINGTON—DECEMBER 1, 2025—The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced the appointment of Martin Kulldorff, Ph.D., as chief science officer for the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE). Kulldorff recently chaired the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and previously taught at Harvard Medical School. He is a biostatistician and epidemiologist with more than 200 peer-reviewed publications. ASPE serves as HHS’ in-house think tank, providing policy advice to the Secretary. It also leads special initiatives, coordinates departmentwide research and evaluation activities, manages major planning processes, and produces analyses and cost estimates for policy options across public health, health care, and human services. “Martin Kulldorff transformed ACIP from a rubber stamp into a committee that delivers gold-standard science for the American people,” HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. said. “I’m glad to welcome him to my team to help develop bold, evidence-based policies to Make America Healthy Again.” Before his leadership on ACIP, Kulldorff helped build the CDC and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) vaccine and drug safety surveillance systems by developing new statistical and epidemiological methods for the Vaccine Safety Datalink and Sentinel systems. He served on the FDA Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee and on the ACIP COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Technical Work Group. Kirk Milhoan, M.D., Ph.D., a pediatric cardiologist and former U.S. Air Force flight surgeon, now chairs ACIP. Robert Malone, M.D., serves as vice chair.
December 1, 2025 at 3:08 PM
melodyschreiber.com
AI stays winning
Google's AI overview Marty Makary is not the current Commissioner of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The previous response mistakenly identified him as such based on information from a March 2025 announcement. As of late 2025, the FDA has not officially announced a new Commissioner, and Dr. Makary has not been confirmed to a position at the agency. Previous information: The original prompt was likely based on news and information from early 2025 that suggested Dr. Makary might be a candidate for the position. Current status: As of late 2025, the FDA has not yet announced a new Commissioner. Dr. Makary is not an FDA official.
November 19, 2025 at 10:26 PM
melodyschreiber.com
"former vaccine skeptic" thanks google
AI Overview from Google The statement that measles vaccines are deadly is false. Decades of scientific evidence from health authorities like the CDC and WHO confirm the measles vaccine (MMR) is extremely safe and effective. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., currently the US Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) and a former vaccine skeptic, has made conflicting statements about vaccine safety over the years, though he recently endorsed the MMR vaccine amid a US outbreak.
November 17, 2025 at 4:10 AM
melodyschreiber.com
Ethiopia has announced its first outbreak of Marburg -- a cluster of nine cases, genetically similar to other East African outbreaks, in the southern part of the country.
World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa Friday, 14 November 2025 NEWS RELEASE Ethiopia confirms first outbreak of Marburg virus disease https://www.afro.who.int/countries/ethiopia/news/ethiopia-confirms-first-outbreak-marburg-virus-disease Addis Ababa—Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health has confirmed an outbreak of Marburg virus disease in the South Ethiopia Region, the first of its kind in the country, following laboratory testing of samples from a cluster of suspected cases of viral haemorrhagic fever. Genetic analysis by the Ethiopia Public Health Institute revealed that the virus is of the same strain as the one that has been reported in previous outbreaks in other countries in East Africa. A total of nine cases have been reported in the outbreak that has affected Jinka town in the South Ethiopia Region. The national authorities are scaling up response including community-wide screening, isolation of cases, treatment, contact tracing and public awareness campaigns to curb the spread of the Marburg virus, which is in the same family of viruses that cause Ebola virus disease.
November 14, 2025 at 8:49 PM
melodyschreiber.com
I made an Art
A tuxedo cat on the right, looking at the camera, next to a pillow with sequins brushed to look like a very rudimentary cat
November 12, 2025 at 8:12 PM
melodyschreiber.com
Wow just look at this aurora photo!
Photo of a completely black sky
November 12, 2025 at 1:27 AM
melodyschreiber.com
The good news is, my cat is responding well to the autoimmune medication

The bad news is, she probably needs to be on it forever and she hates it

Any tips for helping a pet with unwanted meds?
November 11, 2025 at 7:13 PM
melodyschreiber.com
(source: www.impactcounter.com/dashboard)
Screen shot from Impact Counter Deaths caused by funding discontinuation: 195,742 adult deaths 407,095 child deaths
November 7, 2025 at 2:48 AM
melodyschreiber.com
I am not a morning person but at least the day isn't awful (hard to capture but those clouds are golden)
October 31, 2025 at 11:52 AM
melodyschreiber.com
Altered Onion headline to read: De Blasio "Well, Well, Well, Not So Easy To Find A Mayor's Real Email Address Huh?"
October 30, 2025 at 2:41 AM
melodyschreiber.com
Bendy cat
A snuggly tuxedo cat bent double, with her back foot over my left hand
October 26, 2025 at 3:16 PM
melodyschreiber.com
This plant is a monster
A 2.5-foot tall peperomia obtusifolia in bloom, with hoyas and monsteras in the background Enormous peperomia obtusifolia, with other plants in the background Freaky-ass bloom from a peperomia obtusifolia One of my plant rooms, with monsteras, African violets, peperomias, hoyas, and philodendrons clustered around grow lights
October 26, 2025 at 2:04 PM
melodyschreiber.com
The FDA just said Credelio, a flea and tick preventative, may be used to prevent new world screwworm in dogs at risk (along the U.S.-Mexico border)
FDA Issues Emergency Use Authorization for New World Screwworm Drug for Dogs WASHINGTON—OCTOBER 24, 2025—The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for Credelio (lotilaner) chewable tablets, concluding that, based on the scientific evidence available, it is reasonable to believe that Credelio may be effective in treating New World screwworm (NWS) infestations in dogs and puppies and the known and potential benefits of the product outweigh its known and potential risks. This is the first time the FDA has issued an EUA for an animal drug as well as the first drug authorized by the FDA for treating NWS in a companion animal species. “The FDA acted swiftly to make a screwworm treatment available to American dog owners,” said FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H. “When it comes to emerging animal health threats, we need to be proactive, not reactive.” “The FDA is using EUAs to bolster our nation’s preparedness for NWS,” said Timothy Schell, Ph.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine. “We are working expeditiously to authorize additional NWS drugs in the coming months for animals that could be affected by NWS, including livestock, companion animals and wildlife.” While the majority of dogs in America are at low risk of NWS due to their geographic location, dogs near the U.S.-Mexico border and dogs that have traveled to countries with active NWS cases are more likely to be exposed to NWS. The risk to human health from NWS in the United States remains very low. Although eradicated from North America and Central America decades ago, NWS has progressed north since 2022. The parasite poses an emerging threat to livestock and food security, with potential impacts on both national security and animal health. NWS infests warm-blooded animals, including livestock, pets, wildlife, and, in rare cases, humans, causing severe tissue damage and sometimes death....
October 24, 2025 at 10:17 PM
melodyschreiber.com
Columbia Heights, D.C.
A wall of protest signs in Columbia Heights, DC
October 23, 2025 at 12:06 AM
melodyschreiber.com
Happy to have an even number of followers, but even happier to be spoiled
HELLody SchreiBOO 15,000 followers #15000: Dave Johnson Bio: I need a loyal girl to spoil with $5000 weekly for shopping
October 18, 2025 at 5:57 PM
melodyschreiber.com
hello new york
A view of Manhattan
October 18, 2025 at 2:37 PM
melodyschreiber.com
This is the best X account I've ever seen
@coffee_dad talking about having a coffee, it's time for coffee, having more coffee, it's time for them to pay for what they've done, death is only the beginning; soon--, drinking a coffee
October 13, 2025 at 6:33 PM
melodyschreiber.com
I'm doing a health and safety course to co-op at our preschool and either we're using stock images in other languages or AI
Three spray bottles - the first one, which looks like Windex, says "W5: Plyn Do Mycia Szyb, 1 litr"
October 12, 2025 at 2:02 AM
melodyschreiber.com
Trump just got his Covid and flu shots, so should you!
PHYSICIAN TO THE PRESIDENT THE WHITE HOUSE MEMORANDUM October 10, 2025 TO: KAROLINE LEAVITT, WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY PROSIC TO ME PREE, D.O. J PHYSICIAN TO THE PRESIDENT affa 0.o. CAPTAIN, U.S. NAVY SUBJECT: President Donald J. Trump Completes Comprehensive Follow-Up Evaluation at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE President Donald J. Trump successfully completed a scheduled follow-up evaluation today at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The visit was part of his ongoing health maintenance plan and included advanced imaging, laboratory testing, and preventive health assessments conducted by a multidisciplinary team of specialists. These evaluations were performed in coordination with leading academic and medical consultants to ensure optimal cardiovascular health and continued wellness. Comprehensive laboratory studies performed in conjunction with the visit were exceptional, including stable metabolic, hematologic, and cardiac parameters. In preparation for upcoming international travel, President Trump also received preventive health screenings and immunizations, including annual influenza and updated COVID-19 booster vaccinations. President Trump continues to demonstrate excellent overall health. His cardiac age-a validated measure of cardiovascular vitality via ECG-was found to be approximately 14 years younger than his chronological age. He continues to maintain a demanding daily schedule without restriction. SUMMARY: President Donald J. Trump remains in exceptional health, exhibiting strong cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological, and physical performance.
October 11, 2025 at 1:34 AM
melodyschreiber.com
AFGE, the largest union representing federal employees, calls the RIFs during the government shutdown "illegal" and points out that this has never happened before during a shutdown
AFGE President Everett Kelley Condemns Trump Administration Illegal Mass firings Largest federal employee union demands Congress end the government shutdown immediately WASHINGTON – Today, the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the largest union representing more than 800,000 federal and D.C. government employees condemned the Trump administration’s decision to illegally fire thousands of federal employees during the government shutdown. AFGE National President Everett Kelley issued the following statement: “It is disgraceful that the Trump administration has used the government shutdown as an excuse to illegally fire thousands of workers who provide critical services to communities across the country. “These workers show up every day to serve the American people, and for the past nine months have been met with nothing but cruelty and viciousness from President Trump. Every single American citizen should be outraged. “Federal workers are tired of being used as pawns for the political and personal gains of the elected and un-elected leaders. It’s time for Congress to do their jobs and negotiate an end to this shutdown immediately. “In AFGE’s 93 years of existence under several presidential administrations – including during Trump’s first term – no president has ever decided to fire thousands of furloughed workers during a government shutdown. “AFGE is currently challenging President Trump’s illegal, unprecedented, abuse of power and we will not stop fighting until every reduction-in-force notice is rescinded.”
October 10, 2025 at 5:52 PM
melodyschreiber.com
Still wild to see this
The homepage of HHS.gov has a red top banner and pop-up reading, "Mission-critical activities of HHS will continue during the Democrat-led government shutdown. Please use this site as a resource as the Trump Administration works to reopen the government for the American people."
October 6, 2025 at 6:46 PM