Your Local Epidemiologist
@ylepidemiologist.bsky.social
👩🏻🔬 Simplifying public health with data-driven insights
💡 Helping you make informed health decisions
🎓 MPH, PhD
👇🏻 Get weekly science-backed updates
https://yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com/
💡 Helping you make informed health decisions
🎓 MPH, PhD
👇🏻 Get weekly science-backed updates
https://yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com/
10/ That’s your weekly Dose, you’re all caught up for the week! Public health is moving fast—our job is to keep you informed with facts and context. Want this straight to your inbox? Here's the link! yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com
Love,
The YLE Team 💖
Love,
The YLE Team 💖
Your Local Epidemiologist | Katelyn Jetelina | Substack
Providing a direct line of "translated" public health science to you, so you can take action for your community's health. Click to read Your Local Epidemiologist, a Substack publication with hundreds ...
yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com
November 10, 2025 at 11:00 PM
10/ That’s your weekly Dose, you’re all caught up for the week! Public health is moving fast—our job is to keep you informed with facts and context. Want this straight to your inbox? Here's the link! yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com
Love,
The YLE Team 💖
Love,
The YLE Team 💖
9/ Key takeaways: Medication is now considered if your 10-year risk ≥7.5%, even with a blood pressure of ~130/80. Home monitoring is emphasized as it's often more predictive than office checks. These tools make heart health more personal, proactive, and potentially lifesaving.
November 10, 2025 at 11:00 PM
9/ Key takeaways: Medication is now considered if your 10-year risk ≥7.5%, even with a blood pressure of ~130/80. Home monitoring is emphasized as it's often more predictive than office checks. These tools make heart health more personal, proactive, and potentially lifesaving.
8/ Major new blood pressure guidelines are here, featuring the PREVENT calculator from the American Heart Association. It estimates your 10-year heart disease risk using blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, and more—built from data on 6.5M U.S. adults for a fully representative picture.
November 10, 2025 at 11:00 PM
8/ Major new blood pressure guidelines are here, featuring the PREVENT calculator from the American Heart Association. It estimates your 10-year heart disease risk using blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, and more—built from data on 6.5M U.S. adults for a fully representative picture.
7/ There is also the ongoing Listeria outbreak linked to frozen pasta—including some at Trader Joe’s— which has expanded to two more brands. Since late Sept, 27 illnesses, 25 hospitalizations, and 6 deaths have been reported across 18 states. Check recalled products and throw them out immediately.
November 10, 2025 at 11:00 PM
7/ There is also the ongoing Listeria outbreak linked to frozen pasta—including some at Trader Joe’s— which has expanded to two more brands. Since late Sept, 27 illnesses, 25 hospitalizations, and 6 deaths have been reported across 18 states. Check recalled products and throw them out immediately.
6/ The California Dept. of Public Health identified the cluster and is coordinating BabyBIG antitoxin distribution. ByHeart makes just 1% of U.S. formula, so a national shortage is unlikely. Stop using ByHeart formula immediately; retailers should pull it from shelves. Investigations are ongoing.
November 10, 2025 at 11:00 PM
6/ The California Dept. of Public Health identified the cluster and is coordinating BabyBIG antitoxin distribution. ByHeart makes just 1% of U.S. formula, so a national shortage is unlikely. Stop using ByHeart formula immediately; retailers should pull it from shelves. Investigations are ongoing.
5/ A cluster of infant botulism cases was linked to ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula. 13 infants across 10 states were hospitalized. Infant botulism is rare but serious, and is caused by Clostridium botulinum spores releasing toxins that can paralyze muscles and impair breathing.
November 10, 2025 at 11:00 PM
5/ A cluster of infant botulism cases was linked to ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula. 13 infants across 10 states were hospitalized. Infant botulism is rare but serious, and is caused by Clostridium botulinum spores releasing toxins that can paralyze muscles and impair breathing.
4/ U.S. childhood flu vaccination rates have dropped from 62% to 49% over 5 years. Last year, we experienced the deadliest flu season since 2004. 280 kids died. 90% of them were unvaccinated. If coverage falls further this season, we could be headed for another tragic record.
November 10, 2025 at 11:00 PM
4/ U.S. childhood flu vaccination rates have dropped from 62% to 49% over 5 years. Last year, we experienced the deadliest flu season since 2004. 280 kids died. 90% of them were unvaccinated. If coverage falls further this season, we could be headed for another tragic record.
3/ In other public health news, CDC data systems are still offline, so we’re relying on PopHive & Dr. Caitlin Rivers’ updates. We're seeing RSV slowly start climbing, especially in kids under 5, and flu is also starting to rise, notably in Hawaii, Arizona, and New York (cases were up 49% last week).
November 10, 2025 at 11:00 PM
3/ In other public health news, CDC data systems are still offline, so we’re relying on PopHive & Dr. Caitlin Rivers’ updates. We're seeing RSV slowly start climbing, especially in kids under 5, and flu is also starting to rise, notably in Hawaii, Arizona, and New York (cases were up 49% last week).
2/ Starting HRT earlier, using low-dose or localized estrogen, and tailoring therapy to each woman can be effective and safe. The update is long overdue: women deserve evidence-based care, informed clinicians, and choices rooted in science & compassion.
November 10, 2025 at 11:00 PM
2/ Starting HRT earlier, using low-dose or localized estrogen, and tailoring therapy to each woman can be effective and safe. The update is long overdue: women deserve evidence-based care, informed clinicians, and choices rooted in science & compassion.
11/ And with that, you're all caught up for the week.
Want these updates in your inbox? Subscribe here: yourlocalepidemiologistca.substack.com
Love,
Matt
Your Local Epidemiologist in California
Want these updates in your inbox? Subscribe here: yourlocalepidemiologistca.substack.com
Love,
Matt
Your Local Epidemiologist in California
Your Local Epidemiologist in California | Substack
Translating the ever-changing science of public health for Californians so you can take action for your community’s health. Click to read Your Local Epidemiologist in California, a Substack publicatio...
yourlocalepidemiologistca.substack.com
November 9, 2025 at 3:54 AM
11/ And with that, you're all caught up for the week.
Want these updates in your inbox? Subscribe here: yourlocalepidemiologistca.substack.com
Love,
Matt
Your Local Epidemiologist in California
Want these updates in your inbox? Subscribe here: yourlocalepidemiologistca.substack.com
Love,
Matt
Your Local Epidemiologist in California
10/ Finally, a quick infectious disease “weather report”:
Covid, flu, and RSV remain low across California, but flu and RSV are rising on the East Coast and Europe’s flu season is already underway.
Now’s the time to get vaccinated before gatherings start to pick up.
Covid, flu, and RSV remain low across California, but flu and RSV are rising on the East Coast and Europe’s flu season is already underway.
Now’s the time to get vaccinated before gatherings start to pick up.
November 9, 2025 at 3:54 AM
10/ Finally, a quick infectious disease “weather report”:
Covid, flu, and RSV remain low across California, but flu and RSV are rising on the East Coast and Europe’s flu season is already underway.
Now’s the time to get vaccinated before gatherings start to pick up.
Covid, flu, and RSV remain low across California, but flu and RSV are rising on the East Coast and Europe’s flu season is already underway.
Now’s the time to get vaccinated before gatherings start to pick up.
9/ Next, here's the current CalFresh update:
Two federal judges ruled that freezing federal food assistance was unlawful. USDA is set to release half of November’s benefits to California’s 5.5 million recipients. This is a partial win, but many families will still struggle to put food on the table.
Two federal judges ruled that freezing federal food assistance was unlawful. USDA is set to release half of November’s benefits to California’s 5.5 million recipients. This is a partial win, but many families will still struggle to put food on the table.
November 9, 2025 at 3:54 AM
9/ Next, here's the current CalFresh update:
Two federal judges ruled that freezing federal food assistance was unlawful. USDA is set to release half of November’s benefits to California’s 5.5 million recipients. This is a partial win, but many families will still struggle to put food on the table.
Two federal judges ruled that freezing federal food assistance was unlawful. USDA is set to release half of November’s benefits to California’s 5.5 million recipients. This is a partial win, but many families will still struggle to put food on the table.
8/ If you're a provider, you can help by:
✔️ Designating one trained staff contact for ICE
✔️ Clearly marking private areas
✔️ Keeping legal counsel on call
✔️ Avoiding unnecessary documentation of immigration status
And patients, know your rights! @the-ilrc.bsky.social has “red cards” that can help.
✔️ Designating one trained staff contact for ICE
✔️ Clearly marking private areas
✔️ Keeping legal counsel on call
✔️ Avoiding unnecessary documentation of immigration status
And patients, know your rights! @the-ilrc.bsky.social has “red cards” that can help.
November 9, 2025 at 3:54 AM
8/ If you're a provider, you can help by:
✔️ Designating one trained staff contact for ICE
✔️ Clearly marking private areas
✔️ Keeping legal counsel on call
✔️ Avoiding unnecessary documentation of immigration status
And patients, know your rights! @the-ilrc.bsky.social has “red cards” that can help.
✔️ Designating one trained staff contact for ICE
✔️ Clearly marking private areas
✔️ Keeping legal counsel on call
✔️ Avoiding unnecessary documentation of immigration status
And patients, know your rights! @the-ilrc.bsky.social has “red cards” that can help.
7/ But California is pushing back. Last month, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 81, prohibiting ICE from entering private areas in hospitals without a warrant. It’s a step forward, but lobbies and waiting rooms remain “public spaces,” so fears and confusion persist.
November 9, 2025 at 3:54 AM
7/ But California is pushing back. Last month, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 81, prohibiting ICE from entering private areas in hospitals without a warrant. It’s a step forward, but lobbies and waiting rooms remain “public spaces,” so fears and confusion persist.
6/ When people delay care, infectious diseases spread, chronic illnesses worsen, and preventable emergencies turn deadly.
St. John’s Community Health in LA saw no-shows and cancellations tripled after recent ICE activity. The "chilling effect" is real and very dangerous.
St. John’s Community Health in LA saw no-shows and cancellations tripled after recent ICE activity. The "chilling effect" is real and very dangerous.
November 9, 2025 at 3:54 AM
6/ When people delay care, infectious diseases spread, chronic illnesses worsen, and preventable emergencies turn deadly.
St. John’s Community Health in LA saw no-shows and cancellations tripled after recent ICE activity. The "chilling effect" is real and very dangerous.
St. John’s Community Health in LA saw no-shows and cancellations tripled after recent ICE activity. The "chilling effect" is real and very dangerous.
5/ Next: immigration and healthcare access.
California is home to over 10 million immigrants. That's 1 in 4 of us. So immigrant health *is* public health. But ICE has recently shown up in hospitals and clinics, igniting fear that keeps people from seeking care.
California is home to over 10 million immigrants. That's 1 in 4 of us. So immigrant health *is* public health. But ICE has recently shown up in hospitals and clinics, igniting fear that keeps people from seeking care.
November 9, 2025 at 3:54 AM
5/ Next: immigration and healthcare access.
California is home to over 10 million immigrants. That's 1 in 4 of us. So immigrant health *is* public health. But ICE has recently shown up in hospitals and clinics, igniting fear that keeps people from seeking care.
California is home to over 10 million immigrants. That's 1 in 4 of us. So immigrant health *is* public health. But ICE has recently shown up in hospitals and clinics, igniting fear that keeps people from seeking care.
4/ Flu shots are recommended for everyone 6 months and older.
If your child hasn’t gotten one yet, there’s still time.
Where to get vaccinated:
🔹 Pediatrician’s office
🔹 Local pharmacy (ages 3+)
🔹 MyTurn.ca.gov
🔹 County health departments often have low- or no-cost options
If your child hasn’t gotten one yet, there’s still time.
Where to get vaccinated:
🔹 Pediatrician’s office
🔹 Local pharmacy (ages 3+)
🔹 MyTurn.ca.gov
🔹 County health departments often have low- or no-cost options
November 9, 2025 at 3:54 AM
4/ Flu shots are recommended for everyone 6 months and older.
If your child hasn’t gotten one yet, there’s still time.
Where to get vaccinated:
🔹 Pediatrician’s office
🔹 Local pharmacy (ages 3+)
🔹 MyTurn.ca.gov
🔹 County health departments often have low- or no-cost options
If your child hasn’t gotten one yet, there’s still time.
Where to get vaccinated:
🔹 Pediatrician’s office
🔹 Local pharmacy (ages 3+)
🔹 MyTurn.ca.gov
🔹 County health departments often have low- or no-cost options
3/ I want to highlight that the flu doesn’t only threaten kids with chronic conditions. Almost half of the children who died were previously healthy. The vaccine may not always prevent infection, but it helps determine how sick we get. For kids, it can mean the difference between recovery & tragedy.
November 9, 2025 at 3:54 AM
3/ I want to highlight that the flu doesn’t only threaten kids with chronic conditions. Almost half of the children who died were previously healthy. The vaccine may not always prevent infection, but it helps determine how sick we get. For kids, it can mean the difference between recovery & tragedy.
2/ Let’s start with the flu. Last year, California lost 25 children to the flu. This is a record high, and 90% weren’t fully vaccinated. Our pediatric vaccination rates have dropped from 61% to 49% in three years. It’s no coincidence our deadliest flu season came during our lowest vaccine coverage.
November 9, 2025 at 3:54 AM
2/ Let’s start with the flu. Last year, California lost 25 children to the flu. This is a record high, and 90% weren’t fully vaccinated. Our pediatric vaccination rates have dropped from 61% to 49% in three years. It’s no coincidence our deadliest flu season came during our lowest vaccine coverage.
9/ And with that, you're all caught up for the week! If you’re interested in getting a more in-depth look on any of the topics I covered, click the link to subscribe to YLE New York for weekly updates! yourlocalepidemiologistny.substack.com
Love,
Your NY Epi 💙
Love,
Your NY Epi 💙
Your Local Epidemiologist in New York | Katelyn Jetelina | Substack
Translating public health science & news for New Yorkers, so you can take action for your community's health. Click to read Your Local Epidemiologist in New York, a Substack publication with tens of t...
yourlocalepidemiologistny.substack.com
November 6, 2025 at 7:46 PM
9/ And with that, you're all caught up for the week! If you’re interested in getting a more in-depth look on any of the topics I covered, click the link to subscribe to YLE New York for weekly updates! yourlocalepidemiologistny.substack.com
Love,
Your NY Epi 💙
Love,
Your NY Epi 💙
8/ Young children (0-4) are the most affected for flu & RSV, and the youngest & adults over 75 are getting hit hardest by Covid. Get vaccinated if you’re eligible and layer protections like masking in crowded indoor spaces.
November 6, 2025 at 7:46 PM
8/ Young children (0-4) are the most affected for flu & RSV, and the youngest & adults over 75 are getting hit hardest by Covid. Get vaccinated if you’re eligible and layer protections like masking in crowded indoor spaces.
7/ Finally, we have our infectious disease update. New York State and NYC have updated virus dashboards to show which respiratory illnesses are ramping up. Covid-19 is decreasing for now, but flu and RSV are rising across the state, with infants and toddlers seeing the highest rates.
November 6, 2025 at 7:46 PM
7/ Finally, we have our infectious disease update. New York State and NYC have updated virus dashboards to show which respiratory illnesses are ramping up. Covid-19 is decreasing for now, but flu and RSV are rising across the state, with infants and toddlers seeing the highest rates.
6/ Understanding what drove this decline is key to sustaining progress, but the cause isn't completely clear yet. I think the decline is likely due to a combination of prevention programs and policies, but gathering more data on their impacts would help us better direct resources in the future.
November 6, 2025 at 7:46 PM
6/ Understanding what drove this decline is key to sustaining progress, but the cause isn't completely clear yet. I think the decline is likely due to a combination of prevention programs and policies, but gathering more data on their impacts would help us better direct resources in the future.