Mary-Margaret Fill, MD, MPH
@mmfill.bsky.social
Physician (IM/Peds). Epidemiologist. Mom. Wife. EIS ('15) and ELBI ('17) alum.
Public health, biosecurity & medicine.
Posts rep only me. Reposts ≠ endorsement.
Public health, biosecurity & medicine.
Posts rep only me. Reposts ≠ endorsement.
I’m so sorry to see this news from Los Angeles 💔
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a progressive, almost uniformly fatal, neurological disorder caused by reactivation of the measles virus or an inappropriate immune response to the measles infection.
abc7.com/post/child-d...
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a progressive, almost uniformly fatal, neurological disorder caused by reactivation of the measles virus or an inappropriate immune response to the measles infection.
abc7.com/post/child-d...
Child dies from rare measles-related complication, LA County health officials say
Health officials reported the death of a Los Angeles County child from a complication of measles infection acquired during infancy.
abc7.com
September 11, 2025 at 10:52 PM
I’m so sorry to see this news from Los Angeles 💔
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a progressive, almost uniformly fatal, neurological disorder caused by reactivation of the measles virus or an inappropriate immune response to the measles infection.
abc7.com/post/child-d...
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a progressive, almost uniformly fatal, neurological disorder caused by reactivation of the measles virus or an inappropriate immune response to the measles infection.
abc7.com/post/child-d...
"The vast majority of [state health department] communicable-diseases budgets are paid for with C.D.C. dollars". In fact, ~80% of CDC's budget goes directly out the door to state, tribal, local and territorial health departments. @newyorker.com
www.newyorker.com/news/the-led...
www.newyorker.com/news/the-led...
Inside the Chaos at the C.D.C.
A former senior official and two current employees describe the turmoil at the agency under R.F.K., Jr.,’s stewardship.
www.newyorker.com
September 10, 2025 at 10:20 PM
"The vast majority of [state health department] communicable-diseases budgets are paid for with C.D.C. dollars". In fact, ~80% of CDC's budget goes directly out the door to state, tribal, local and territorial health departments. @newyorker.com
www.newyorker.com/news/the-led...
www.newyorker.com/news/the-led...
Reposted by Mary-Margaret Fill, MD, MPH
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ousted all 17 members of a panel that advises the CDC on the safety, efficacy and clinical needs of vaccines.
RFK Jr. fires entire CDC vaccine advisory panel
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ousted all 17 members of a panel that advises the CDC on the safety, efficacy and clinical needs of vaccines.
bit.ly
June 9, 2025 at 9:41 PM
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ousted all 17 members of a panel that advises the CDC on the safety, efficacy and clinical needs of vaccines.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it's the only thing that ever has."
(Margaret Mead)
As we kick off the CSTE 2025 Annual Conference, I am immensely grateful to serve among these incredible STLT public health leaders.
(Margaret Mead)
As we kick off the CSTE 2025 Annual Conference, I am immensely grateful to serve among these incredible STLT public health leaders.
June 9, 2025 at 7:59 PM
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it's the only thing that ever has."
(Margaret Mead)
As we kick off the CSTE 2025 Annual Conference, I am immensely grateful to serve among these incredible STLT public health leaders.
(Margaret Mead)
As we kick off the CSTE 2025 Annual Conference, I am immensely grateful to serve among these incredible STLT public health leaders.
Immensely grateful to Dr. McDonald (@milbankfund.bsky.social) and many others lending their voices to this critically important conversation.
In a new blog, Milbank Memorial Fund’s Morgan McDonald highlights the challenges and dangers of the abrupt termination of $11 billion in federal funds that occurred on March 24 and the mass layoffs at US Department of Health and Human Services that followed. www.milbank.org/2025/04/pray...
April 20, 2025 at 1:33 AM
Immensely grateful to Dr. McDonald (@milbankfund.bsky.social) and many others lending their voices to this critically important conversation.
Reposted by Mary-Margaret Fill, MD, MPH
In a new blog, Milbank Memorial Fund’s Morgan McDonald highlights the challenges and dangers of the abrupt termination of $11 billion in federal funds that occurred on March 24 and the mass layoffs at US Department of Health and Human Services that followed. www.milbank.org/2025/04/pray...
April 18, 2025 at 2:34 PM
In a new blog, Milbank Memorial Fund’s Morgan McDonald highlights the challenges and dangers of the abrupt termination of $11 billion in federal funds that occurred on March 24 and the mass layoffs at US Department of Health and Human Services that followed. www.milbank.org/2025/04/pray...
Reposted by Mary-Margaret Fill, MD, MPH
The CDC's cruise ship inspectors have been laid off, as well as agency's head epidemiologist for investigating cruise ship outbreaks
That baffled health officials since this program is paid for by cruise ship fees, not taxpayer dollars
www.cbsnews.com/news/cdc-cru...
That baffled health officials since this program is paid for by cruise ship fees, not taxpayer dollars
www.cbsnews.com/news/cdc-cru...
CDC's cruise ship inspectors laid off amid bad year for outbreaks
The steep cuts to the cruise ship inspection team baffled officials in the program, which is not paid for by taxpayer dollars.
www.cbsnews.com
April 10, 2025 at 10:49 PM
The CDC's cruise ship inspectors have been laid off, as well as agency's head epidemiologist for investigating cruise ship outbreaks
That baffled health officials since this program is paid for by cruise ship fees, not taxpayer dollars
www.cbsnews.com/news/cdc-cru...
That baffled health officials since this program is paid for by cruise ship fees, not taxpayer dollars
www.cbsnews.com/news/cdc-cru...
These comments from Secretary Kennedy are quite disappointing. The abrupt clawback of $11B in federal funds allocated to state & local HDs has had dramatic negative impacts on public health capacity nationwide. A more cohesive approach between DOGE & HHS would be beneficial.
www.com/news/rfk-jr-...
www.com/news/rfk-jr-...
RFK Jr. says he's "not familiar" with all health program cuts in exclusive interview
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. addressed health program cuts and the measles vaccine in his first network TV interview since joining the Trump administration.
www.cbsnews.com
April 10, 2025 at 3:31 PM
These comments from Secretary Kennedy are quite disappointing. The abrupt clawback of $11B in federal funds allocated to state & local HDs has had dramatic negative impacts on public health capacity nationwide. A more cohesive approach between DOGE & HHS would be beneficial.
www.com/news/rfk-jr-...
www.com/news/rfk-jr-...
Reposted by Mary-Margaret Fill, MD, MPH
50 canceled vaccination clinics, and other local impact from HHS cuts: ‘Mass layoffs is not how you make America healthier,’ city and county health officials say www.statnews.com/2025/04/01/h... via @statnews.com
50 canceled vaccination clinics, and other local impact from HHS cuts
"Mass layoffs is not how you make America healthier," city and county health officials say in reaction to large-scale dismissals of federal health workers.
www.statnews.com
April 2, 2025 at 2:51 PM
50 canceled vaccination clinics, and other local impact from HHS cuts: ‘Mass layoffs is not how you make America healthier,’ city and county health officials say www.statnews.com/2025/04/01/h... via @statnews.com
Reposted by Mary-Margaret Fill, MD, MPH
NEW: Thousands of CDC employees who worked on things like preventing HIV and lead poisoning have been told they were subject to a reduction in force. Experts say people will die.
The CDC Has Been Gutted
Thousands of CDC employees who worked on things like preventing HIV and lead poisoning have been told they were subject to a reduction in force. Experts say people will die.
www.wired.com
April 1, 2025 at 3:17 PM
NEW: Thousands of CDC employees who worked on things like preventing HIV and lead poisoning have been told they were subject to a reduction in force. Experts say people will die.
Reposted by Mary-Margaret Fill, MD, MPH
Hearing from all corners of HHS this morning about a total bloodletting — firings of scientists, analysts and many more as delayed RIFs take effect.
Many folks didn’t see early AM email and showed up, only to be turned away when badges didn’t work. Was sent this photo of long lines at one HHS site.
Many folks didn’t see early AM email and showed up, only to be turned away when badges didn’t work. Was sent this photo of long lines at one HHS site.
April 1, 2025 at 1:11 PM
Hearing from all corners of HHS this morning about a total bloodletting — firings of scientists, analysts and many more as delayed RIFs take effect.
Many folks didn’t see early AM email and showed up, only to be turned away when badges didn’t work. Was sent this photo of long lines at one HHS site.
Many folks didn’t see early AM email and showed up, only to be turned away when badges didn’t work. Was sent this photo of long lines at one HHS site.
Reposted by Mary-Margaret Fill, MD, MPH
Employees of #HHS and its agencies who are being fired — RIF'd — started to receive termination notices today starting at 5 am. Big swaths of the #CDC appear to have been cut. Developing story.
www.statnews.com/2025/04/01/h...
www.statnews.com/2025/04/01/h...
HHS starts layoffs of thousands of workers across its agencies
Layoff notices began arriving early Tuesday for thousands of employees of HHS and its subsidiary agencies, with as many 10,000 workers potentially expected to be hit by the cuts.
www.statnews.com
April 1, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Employees of #HHS and its agencies who are being fired — RIF'd — started to receive termination notices today starting at 5 am. Big swaths of the #CDC appear to have been cut. Developing story.
www.statnews.com/2025/04/01/h...
www.statnews.com/2025/04/01/h...
Reposted by Mary-Margaret Fill, MD, MPH
“Now that the pandemic is over, the grants and cooperative agreements are no longer necessary," federal health authorities wrote to funding recipients this week.
CDC is pulling back $11B in Covid funding sent to health departments across the U.S.
“Now that the pandemic is over, the grants and cooperative agreements are no longer necessary," federal health authorities wrote to funding recipients this week.
nbcnews.to
March 25, 2025 at 7:27 PM
“Now that the pandemic is over, the grants and cooperative agreements are no longer necessary," federal health authorities wrote to funding recipients this week.
In 2011, the city of Calgary took fluoride out of their water. Children developed a higher rate of cavities (+ req'd treatments, i.e. general anesthesia) than in other communities.
Calgary is now in the process of putting fluoride *back* into their water supply.
Let's learn from other communities.
Calgary is now in the process of putting fluoride *back* into their water supply.
Let's learn from other communities.
Utah is gearing up to make history as the first state to ban fluoride in public water systems if Gov. Spencer Cox signs a bill to prohibit the addition of the tooth decay-fighting mineral.
Utah set to become first state to ban fluoride in public water
A bill awaiting the governor's signature would prohibit the addition of fluoride to public water systems.
www.nbcnews.com
February 25, 2025 at 7:02 PM
In 2011, the city of Calgary took fluoride out of their water. Children developed a higher rate of cavities (+ req'd treatments, i.e. general anesthesia) than in other communities.
Calgary is now in the process of putting fluoride *back* into their water supply.
Let's learn from other communities.
Calgary is now in the process of putting fluoride *back* into their water supply.
Let's learn from other communities.
Reposted by Mary-Margaret Fill, MD, MPH
As flu rages, the Trump administration has pulled the plug on a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention flu immunization campaign that targeted high-risk groups, including pregnant women.
Trump administration yanks CDC flu vaccine campaign
As flu rages, the Trump administration has pulled the plug on a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention flu immunization campaign that targeted high-risk groups, including pregnant women.
www.npr.org
February 19, 2025 at 11:43 PM
As flu rages, the Trump administration has pulled the plug on a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention flu immunization campaign that targeted high-risk groups, including pregnant women.
Reposted by Mary-Margaret Fill, MD, MPH
Some lots of raw pet food sold in two states are being recalled after two indoor cats became ill with bird flu earlier this month and were euthanized due to the severity of their illnesses. https://cbsn.ws/41xxzzH
Raw pet food is recalled and warnings issued in two states after cats die of bird flu
Pet owners cautioned after tests confirm Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in two cats living in different households.
cbsn.ws
February 19, 2025 at 9:50 PM
Some lots of raw pet food sold in two states are being recalled after two indoor cats became ill with bird flu earlier this month and were euthanized due to the severity of their illnesses. https://cbsn.ws/41xxzzH
Reposted by Mary-Margaret Fill, MD, MPH
BREAKING: At least 8 injured after Delta plane crash landed at Toronto Pearson International Airport - CP24
February 17, 2025 at 8:17 PM
BREAKING: At least 8 injured after Delta plane crash landed at Toronto Pearson International Airport - CP24
While reports are that the EIS program has been spared, many other brilliant, dedicated, experienced public health professionals were terminated yesterday.
Our country is healthiest when we have a strong public health enterprise (from the federal to local levels).
bsky.app/profile/alex...
Our country is healthiest when we have a strong public health enterprise (from the federal to local levels).
bsky.app/profile/alex...
I had the great privilege of serving in the EIS Class of 2015, responding to dozens of disease outbreaks and novel health threats.
The program is a crowned jewel of U.S. public health and a model for other countries.
Cutting this program does not, in any way, make our country healthier.
The program is a crowned jewel of U.S. public health and a model for other countries.
Cutting this program does not, in any way, make our country healthier.
You know Kate Winslet in Contagion? Where she runs into a hot zone, risking her life, so Americans could be safer?
She was an EIS officer. That’s who was just fired at CDC today. EIS officers. And many, many more public servants fighting every day for your health.
She was an EIS officer. That’s who was just fired at CDC today. EIS officers. And many, many more public servants fighting every day for your health.
February 16, 2025 at 1:58 PM
While reports are that the EIS program has been spared, many other brilliant, dedicated, experienced public health professionals were terminated yesterday.
Our country is healthiest when we have a strong public health enterprise (from the federal to local levels).
bsky.app/profile/alex...
Our country is healthiest when we have a strong public health enterprise (from the federal to local levels).
bsky.app/profile/alex...
I had the great privilege of serving in the EIS Class of 2015, responding to dozens of disease outbreaks and novel health threats.
The program is a crowned jewel of U.S. public health and a model for other countries.
Cutting this program does not, in any way, make our country healthier.
The program is a crowned jewel of U.S. public health and a model for other countries.
Cutting this program does not, in any way, make our country healthier.
You know Kate Winslet in Contagion? Where she runs into a hot zone, risking her life, so Americans could be safer?
She was an EIS officer. That’s who was just fired at CDC today. EIS officers. And many, many more public servants fighting every day for your health.
She was an EIS officer. That’s who was just fired at CDC today. EIS officers. And many, many more public servants fighting every day for your health.
February 15, 2025 at 10:00 PM
I had the great privilege of serving in the EIS Class of 2015, responding to dozens of disease outbreaks and novel health threats.
The program is a crowned jewel of U.S. public health and a model for other countries.
Cutting this program does not, in any way, make our country healthier.
The program is a crowned jewel of U.S. public health and a model for other countries.
Cutting this program does not, in any way, make our country healthier.
68 children have died of influenza this season.
And I've heard anecdotes that busy children's hospitals are at capacity with available ECMO circuits to support children critically ill with influenza.
The *vast* majority of these children are unvaccinated.
And I've heard anecdotes that busy children's hospitals are at capacity with available ECMO circuits to support children critically ill with influenza.
The *vast* majority of these children are unvaccinated.
US flu reaches high severity status as deaths outpace COVID
The CDC says it's now classifying the flu season as high severity for all age-groups for the first time since the 2017-18 season.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/i...
The CDC says it's now classifying the flu season as high severity for all age-groups for the first time since the 2017-18 season.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/i...
February 14, 2025 at 7:29 PM
68 children have died of influenza this season.
And I've heard anecdotes that busy children's hospitals are at capacity with available ECMO circuits to support children critically ill with influenza.
The *vast* majority of these children are unvaccinated.
And I've heard anecdotes that busy children's hospitals are at capacity with available ECMO circuits to support children critically ill with influenza.
The *vast* majority of these children are unvaccinated.
Reposted by Mary-Margaret Fill, MD, MPH
#Breaking - Trump administration to fire thousands at health agencies. Employees across agencies who were hired in the past one to two years are being targeted
Trump administration to fire thousands at health agencies
The Trump administration is set to eliminate thousands of federal health care jobs Friday, targeting employees across agencies who were hired in the past one to two years.
buff.ly
February 14, 2025 at 4:54 PM
#Breaking - Trump administration to fire thousands at health agencies. Employees across agencies who were hired in the past one to two years are being targeted
Reposted by Mary-Margaret Fill, MD, MPH
I am SO THRILLED to finally present our new paper on reforming observational studies in epidemic settings, published in @bmj.com BMJ Global Health.
gh.bmj.com/cgi/content/...
#Episky #Epidemiology #clinicalresearch #observational #IDSky
gh.bmj.com/cgi/content/...
#Episky #Epidemiology #clinicalresearch #observational #IDSky
Observational research in epidemic settings: a roadmap to reform
Observational studies are critical tools in clinical research and public health response, but challenges arise in ensuring the data produced by these studies are scientifically robust and socially val...
gh.bmj.com
February 12, 2025 at 5:08 PM
I am SO THRILLED to finally present our new paper on reforming observational studies in epidemic settings, published in @bmj.com BMJ Global Health.
gh.bmj.com/cgi/content/...
#Episky #Epidemiology #clinicalresearch #observational #IDSky
gh.bmj.com/cgi/content/...
#Episky #Epidemiology #clinicalresearch #observational #IDSky
Reposted by Mary-Margaret Fill, MD, MPH
So there's a new development in the bird flu situation -the bird genotype of the virus (D1.1), which has, in the current panzootic, been responsible for all of the severe cases of H5N1 in humans- has been detected in 4 dairy herds in Nevada. Here's what that could mean:🧵
USDA milk testing shows different strain of H5N1 bird flu in Nevada dairy herds
The USDA said four Nevada dairy herds were infected with an H5N1 bird flu strain that has circulated in wild birds, making prospects for containment in cows appear dim.
www.statnews.com
February 5, 2025 at 8:31 PM
So there's a new development in the bird flu situation -the bird genotype of the virus (D1.1), which has, in the current panzootic, been responsible for all of the severe cases of H5N1 in humans- has been detected in 4 dairy herds in Nevada. Here's what that could mean:🧵
Reposted by Mary-Margaret Fill, MD, MPH
4 dairy herds in Nevada recently diagnosed with #H5N1 #birdflu were infected with a different version of the virus than has been spreading in cows elsewhere. Evidence of a second (at a minimum) spillover points to the challenge of stopping spread, experts say. www.statnews.com/2025/02/05/u...
USDA milk testing shows different strain of H5N1 bird flu in Nevada dairy herds
The USDA said four Nevada dairy herds were infected with an H5N1 bird flu strain that has circulated in wild birds, making prospects for containment in cows appear dim.
www.statnews.com
February 5, 2025 at 8:38 PM
4 dairy herds in Nevada recently diagnosed with #H5N1 #birdflu were infected with a different version of the virus than has been spreading in cows elsewhere. Evidence of a second (at a minimum) spillover points to the challenge of stopping spread, experts say. www.statnews.com/2025/02/05/u...
Reposted by Mary-Margaret Fill, MD, MPH
If you feel like everyone is sick right now, you are right. Flu is doing something unusual - outpatient visits just hit 7.0%, surpassing January's peak. substack.com/home/post/p-...
Flu spikes
Influenza-like illness hits a second peak
substack.com
February 3, 2025 at 2:47 PM
If you feel like everyone is sick right now, you are right. Flu is doing something unusual - outpatient visits just hit 7.0%, surpassing January's peak. substack.com/home/post/p-...