“I have worked in humanitarian health in this region for decades and helped lead responses to several Ebola outbreaks. I have never seen one get this far ahead of us,” Heather Kerry, the country director of the International Rescue Committee in the Democratic Republic of Congo, writes in a guest essay for Times Opinion. More than 140 days after the outbreak was declared, the threat is still spreading, and much of it is happening outside of what is being tracked.

Controlling the outbreak has been made significantly harder by U.S. government funding to surveillance, preparedness and treatment drying up in 2025. “Budget reductions forced my organization, the International Rescue Committee, to cut funding to the health facilities focused on primary care in Ituri Province, where this outbreak began,” Heather says. At the same time, however, “the challenge is not only a lack of resources. It is also a lack of trust.”

Heather continues:

Decades of violent conflict, corruption and institutional neglect have fueled public distrust of health care providers, international actors and government institutions. Rumors that the Ebola outbreak is a hoax or was fabricated by humanitarians seeking to make money are widespread. My colleagues working on community outreach in Bunia told me that a mother did not take her children to a clinic to be checked for Ebola when they had a fever because she believed the Ebola response was a moneymaking scheme.

In some cases, that distrust has turned violent. At least a dozen health facilities have been attacked during this outbreak. In July, a health center was stormed by an armed group who threw stones at the center. Several Ebola patients fled. When I visited a few weeks after the attack, International Rescue Committee colleagues and health workers recounted hiding during the attack. Several told me that their main worry was their families, whom they could not reach until they got out.

More broadly, distrust has made it harder for health workers to track the virus. Contact tracing, a key tool in slowing the spread of the virus, has improved significantly, although it’s still short of what’s needed. The bigger problem is that most people who have contracted Ebola in this outbreak were never on a contact list in the first place. Just over a third of confirmed cases so far were known contacts of people infected; the rest emerged outside any known chains of transmission. Health workers told me that this is in large part because many people who think they have Ebola are choosing to stay home.

Read the full piece here, even if you’re not a Times subscriber.

Based in Scotland. Not sure if its just me, but does it feel like the job market for Health Improvement jobs is so competitive that you can't get an interview for a job that you're qualified for?

I applied for a band 6 health improvement post in Public Health Scotland (which is a side step - I have 3 years experience as a band 6 in NHS health board). I worked really hard on my application and got a friend who works in Public Health Scotland to review and give pointers. When I told them I didn't get an interview they said that they thought I would have and also said that last time a similar post came up around 160 applied.

Makes me wonder what kind of magic words I need to put into my application to get through shortlisting. Anyone have similar experience or any pointers to get shortlisted in a very competitive job market?

Please check the individual sites for details. I might have messed up in the copy/paste along the way, though I checked. 😄

All times Eastern.

• Oct 16, 8am–1pm | PHILA2026: cardiometabolic prevention. Online; $50 general. Register by Oct 14. https://upenn.cloud-cme.com/PHILA2026
• Oct 16, 2pm | APHA: inclusive emergency planning. Online; sign-language interpreting. https://apha.zoom.us/meeting/register/24O0EIu9QoqJtXZ32enzUA
• Oct 19, 1–2pm | RSV prevention in children. Online; sponsored by Sanofi. https://societycentral.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ViBAKuikSiui1pjQcKnqzw
• Oct 19, 2–3pm | Microplastics and participatory science. Online. https://prcceh.upenn.edu/event/whats-in-our-water-a-participatory-science-toolkit-and-behavioral-intervention-to-reduce-health-risks-of-chronic-microplastic-exposure/
• Oct 20, 9–11:15am & 12:30–2pm | Bloomberg American Health Summit public livestream. In person: invitation-only. https://americanhealth.jhu.edu/2026-bloomberg-american-health-summit
• Oct 20, 6–7:30pm | Vaccines This Winter. Free, online. Disclosure: I work at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia. https://collegeofphysicians.org/events/vaccines-winter-making-sense-science-and-policy/?trk=public_post_reshare-text
• Oct 21, 2–3pm | Ira Flatow, Drexel Population Health Spotlight. Online. https://drexel.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_hvI94pKpSiaWOGSclkll9g
• Oct 22, 4:30–6pm | FDA accelerated approval reform. Hybrid, Philadelphia. https://ldi.upenn.edu/events/the-unfinished-business-of-reforming-the-fdas-accelerated-approval-pathway/
• Oct 23, noon–1pm | GLP-1 access and affordability. Online. https://ldi.upenn.edu/events/access-and-affordability-in-the-age-of-glp-1s/
• Oct 27, 8:30am–4:30pm | Fighting Asthma Disparities Summit. Online; register by Oct 23. https://prcceh.upenn.edu/event/18th-annual-fighting-asthma-disparities-summit/
• Oct 27, 2–3:15pm | Building trust for immunization. Free, online. https://www.nfid.org/webinar/building-trust-to-increase-immunization-uptake/
• Oct 27, 5–6pm | From Measles to mRNA. Hybrid, Philadelphia; free admission. https://perryworldhouse.upenn.edu/events/from-measles-to-mrna-a-legacy-of-american-efforts-in-vaccines-and-public-health/

I'm in my second year in my MHS in SBS/HBS program and I plan to start applying for jobs come this January. I have four years experience as an RPC/RA but I would want to pivot outside of academia for a few years (mainly because of financial reasons - I have a lot of debt that I would like to clear/decrease and that kinda has to be a priority for me).

So, for people with a similar degree, what do you do now and how much do you make? And, any advice for people looking to transition into your field.

If you’re an IP, can you please post your current salary and location?

Hi everyone! Currently a MPH student in my first year, and my concentration is in epidemiology. I work as an RBT right now, but have been applying to research jobs, and I got an invite to interview for both CTRC | & Il positions. I'm highly interested in going into research long-term, and I was wondering if this is a good starting point while doing my MPH? I'm sure it's a good relation with epidemiology since I'd be doing research on causes, carcinogens, and genetics. My one issue will be when I do my Capstone/Fieldwork semester and whether that organization will let me use them as a site / be in agreement with my school.

Thank you in advance!

Would widespread exposure to a livestreamed public execution plausibly increase sleep disturbances, fatigue-related traffic accidents, workplace injuries, or other health events over the following days? What data and study design would be best for detecting such an effect? How pronounced would it be?

Hi everyone! I’m an IB student in NYC working on an engagement project about healthcare inequalities.
My research question is: “How do New York’s healthcare policies reduce inequalities in access to healthcare for migrant women?”
For this project, I need to engage directly with people involved in this issue through interviews and discussions. I’m looking to connect with:
Immigrant women who have experience accessing healthcare in NYC.
Healthcare professionals, such as nurses, doctors, and caregivers.
People working in hospitals, community health centers, or immigrant support organizations.
People involved in NYC public health policy or government services.
If you’re willing to participate in a short interview, know someone I could contact, or have any advice or resources that could help with my research, I’d really appreciate it!
Thank you so much!

[Survey Cleared with Mods]

Hello everyone!

I'm a public health researcher at Yale looking to understand how Asian/AAPI women view and access healthcare services.

As an AAPI individual myself, I'm conducting a survey to address a major gap in public health research: the unique cultural and structural barriers Asian and AAPI women face when accessing mental, sexual, and reproductive healthcare services.The survey has been cleared for IRB approval at Yale (#2000043423) and I would love to get community input.

The survey is completely anonymous, administered via Qualtrics, and takes about 10-15 minutes to complete.

Who is eligible?

• Self-identify as an Asian or AAPI woman 

Take the survey here: https://yalesurvey.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_daLooH8ePvUA89o

AAPI health experiences (particularly around sensitive topics like mental health stigma and reproductive care) are heavily underrepresented in public health data. Community insight is vital to helping us understand these barriers and develop more culturally responsive care and digital support systems.

Please feel free to share the survey with friends, family, or other communities who may be eligible to take the survey!

Hi, everyone! I’m working on a project focused on public health and exploring how we can improve MPH programs. I’d love to hear from people who are interested in pursuing public health, currently studying it, or already working in the field!

I have a few questions and would really appreciate any insights you’re willing to share:
- What inspired you to pursue public health?

-What are you looking for (or what did you look for) in a public health or MPH program?

- If you’re currently in the field, what are you doing with your degree?

-What skills, experiences, or opportunities do you think are most important for an MPH program to offer?

-Is there anything you wish your program had done differently or offered more of?

Feel free to share as much or as little as you’d like. I’d really appreciate hearing about your experiences and perspectives. Thank you!

I am looking to go back to school and would like some advice on pursuing a public health degree. For context, I am 31 and have been working in overdose prevention/harm reduction programming for roughly the last ten years. My experience began in direct services with Narcan and SSP supply distribution, and from there I was mentored by some amazing people and taught to write grants, programs, and policies, and manage them. I have worked for state public health departments, the CDC, harm reduction organizations, and everything in between. I currently work under SAMSHA funding providing regional overdose prevention planning for multiple counties. I also have a private consulting firm where I work with hospitals, health facilities, governments, and other organizations to implement harm reduction programs and policies, obtain and manage funding, and provide technical assistance.

My main issue is that because I do not have even an undergrad, I feel I am missing out on a lot of opportunities from a career standpoint and it seems to be increasingly difficult to be taken seriously as a professional in the state I live in. I'd like to go back to school and one day even pursue a Masters or PhD. I'm wondering if it would be beneficial for me to go back to school sooner rather than later. With my current funding we are partnered with a local university where I have some incredible colleagues in their school of public health, but I'm just unsure on when and what track might make the most sense. I figured this sub might help. Thank you so much in advance!

PS, I was in school at one point for English but...drugs. I am now thriving and using my lived experience to center people who use drugs in the programs designed to support them, but I just got so busy working that school got put on the backburner for me.

The Franklin County Coroner’s Office has confirmed that a sixth person has died in the measles outbreak in Pennsylvania. The person was a 39-year-old woman who, according to the coroner’s office, “had several underlying conditions, including a past diagnosis of measles with treatment.” The full statement is attached and can be found on the coroner’s Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BMhKpSKGF/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Pennsylvania leads the United States in measles cases in 2026, with over 1,100 confirmed cases and 219 reported hospitalizations. The full measles dashboard can be seen here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/health/diseases-conditions/infectious-disease/measles

For a global perspective: As of the week of October 12, 2026, measles remains a global public-health threat, with outbreaks occurring in every region. The latest available international surveillance highlights substantial activity in Bangladesh, Guatemala, India, Yemen, Pakistan, and Mexico. (Reporting lags mean these figures do not reflect this week’s transmission in real time.)

Persistent vaccination gaps are sustaining the resurgence: WHO estimates that only 77% of children worldwide received both measles vaccine doses in 2025, leaving approximately 29 million infants underprotected. In the Americas, PAHO has assessed the regional risk as “very high.”

Hey everyone! I’m an MPH student, and I applied to give an oral presentation at the APHA conference this year. My research was waitlisted, but someone dropped out and they reached out and asked if I would like to fill the spot. I accepted, and am delighted with the opportunity, but I’m freaking out because it’s in just 2 and half weeks! The hotel blocks have all ended, plane ticket prices are fairly high, and I’ve never been to a conference or even organized any out of state travel that wasn’t driving before!! Can anyone give me a run down of what to expect, or offer any advice!?

Studies show that when you take the medication within three days of exposure, it reduces your chance of getting COVID by two-thirds. “And even if you do get COVID, the infection seems to be milder and somewhat briefer,” said Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of preventive medicine in the department of health policy at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

Read more.

Hi guys,

I'm taking my CHES exam this Thursday... and was wondering if anybody can provide some tips? I have the NCHEC textbook and find random quizlets on the different areas of responsibility to study from. I also use chatgpt to help quiz me and this website: https://open-exam-prep.com/practice/ches#google_vignette, however, I feel like these questions are too easy compared to the actual practice questions that are in the back of the textbook?? I've been highlighting and putting sticky notes on important concepts/ key terms/ models/ theories like crazy!

I want and NEEED to pass and am desperate for tips!! Thank you in advance :)

Hi everyone. I just applied to several CDC ORISE fellowships in public health data/informatics (MS in Health Informatics, 2024). The waiting is already getting to me, so I figured I'd ask people who've been through it:
- How long after the deadline did you hear anything?
- What was the interview like?
- Anything you wish you'd known while waiting?
Thanks in advance — this is my dream and I'm trying not to refresh my email every five minutes.

Conversations to Remember is looking for volunteers who can remotely volunteer for as little as an hour per week.

We have one hour per week positions for volunteers 17-25 years old who are interested in speaking with seniors to alleviate feelings of loneliness and social isolation, a key social determinant of health. Our program works with many seniors who are living with cognitive decline (mild to advanced) so this is a great opportunity for exposure to an underserved portion of the population who could use assistance.

If you're interested in opportunities to contribute more, we have volunteer or internship positions in public health promotion and volunteer outreach too that are open to individuals 18+. Check out our website for more information about this opportunity or just register to volunteer.

Training will be provided.

Descriptions of open roles can be found here.

I’m a social work intern tasked with creating a trauma-informed pandemic plan for a private mental health practice serving children and young adults.

I’d love to hear from social workers who worked during the pandemic!

What policies or practices made you feel safer working with clients?
What did your workplace do well, and what could have been better?
How did your agency support staff’s mental health and well-being?
What do you wish your workplace had done differently?
What should every agency or private practice include in a pandemic preparedness plan?

I’d really appreciate any experiences or lessons learned. Thank you!

https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/hepatitis/hepatitis-b-vaccine-study-condemned-unethical-wins-approval-danish-university

How did this shit even get approved? Withholding the hepatitis B vaccine in a country where the disease is widespread is just cruel. It runs afoul of the very ethics of public health to say the least.

Things are weird, for lack of a better term. The federal government, once a champion of public health (and science in general), is now an adversary. We legit have an HHS Secretary who funded (and founded) a group that has made it clear that it is their mission to get rid of vaccines. We have a who’s who of anti-vaccine activists and their allies at the top. They’ve defunded public health programs and don’t seem to care how state and local health departments are doing.

Unless you're a cyborg or large language model, I'm sure you're feeling some of the effects of all of this.

I need you to know that you are not alone. Millions of us in this country care about what is going on, and we're doing something about it. From funding our favorite non-profits to donating our time, to doing our work as best we can, putting on our headphones and crunching the data (preparing slides, writing papers, talking to people, delivering care, presenting posters)… Any public health workers worth their salt are doing something. Big or small, we're doing something.

If you're feeling extra stressed, or worse, please reach out to someone. Talk to a friend or trusted family member. If things are really bad, reach out to a health professional.

We need to be okay so we can keep working to make others okay. Not perfect. Not excellent. Just okay.

Burnout is real, my friends. And the current administration is doing its best to make us feel isolated and hopeless. Don't let them burn us out.

Take care.

If you haven’t heard of PANS or PANDAS:
PANS stands for Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome. PANDAS stands for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections.

I didn’t learn about PANS or PANDAS until I got sick with 3 tick borne diseases. I’ve become a patient advocate and have learned how much these conditions actually occur. Both conditions are triggered by inflammation of the brain. And while PANDAS is named after a streptococcal infection, it can also be triggered by an undiagnosed tick borne infection. 😬

The hallmark of both PANS and PANDAS is a sudden, and often OVERNIGHT change in a person’s behavior. OCD-like behaviors, Tourette’s-like behaviors, restrictive eating, rage, depression, insomnia and more. I’ve spoken to several parents who’s children were effected, and it sounds like a nightmare. Their child stops eating, or starts getting violent, and they become a different person.

While it’s typically something that happens to children, I just interviewed a man whose adult son had it (he was 21).

The good news is, it’s treatable. Bad news is, many doctors don’t know anything about PANS or PANDAS, and some even think it’s not real! The other bad news is, anything PANS/PANDAS related is NOT covered by insurance.

I don't know about you all, but I'm seriously wondering if we even have a functioning CDC Director. Measles is killing in Pennsylvania and spreading elsewhere. A kid died from invasive Hib in Montana. Pertussis is coming back. Mumps hit the football team at San Diego State.

And that's just the vaccine-preventable diseases.

Russia is playing around with plague. Ebola continues to rage in the DRC and Uganda. Bangladesh is awash in measles and dengue.

And that's just infectious diseases.

Opioid and synthetic drug overdoses continue. Kids are more lonely than ever. Rules on environmental health protections are being rolled back. Cities are removing fluoride from their water.

And Dr. Schwartz is nowhere to be found. No communication. No comment. No… leadership?

I know from friends and colleagues at CDC that they're working, and working hard. But do we have a CDC Director?

Ah, she talked at a forum with the Wall Street Journal yesterday, and the contents are sitting comfortably behind a paywall, with a few excerpts available on social media.

I take it all back. (Not.)

Hello, I am a sophomore in college, majoring in Integrated Health Science with a minor in public health. I want to know if it is possible to break into the public health field with an IHS degree. Or do I really have to major in public health for future jobs? The thing is that I've been researching, and I've been getting mixed signals about whether you need to major in PH if you want certain certifications. But later on, if I want to get my master's in Public health. I've heard it will kind of be redundant, hearing the same information in undergrad, and that it won't be as interesting. So let me know ya'll thoughts