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Emerging Pathogens Institute

@epi.ufl.edu

Research. Education. Outreach. From the molecular level to ecosystems, the EPI will lead the fight against infectious diseases.

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18.11.2024
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Latest posts by Emerging Pathogens Institute @epi.ufl.edu

New @carbonbrief.org post about the 10NICS - communicating climate science of all kinds is hard, and this is a great thing explainer for our 10 insights. Thanks @krisebi.bsky.social and Prof Fuss!

Really pleased for my dengue map contribution to be in a CB post, and communicated so nicely

23.01.2026 13:28 πŸ‘ 4 πŸ” 2 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Influenza, or flu,Β in Florida: What to know Β» Emerging Pathogens Institute Β» University of Florida Influenza affects the nose, throat and lungs, and spreads through coughs and sneezes. While most recover, some cases become serious. Flu shots, handwashing, masks and clean air help prevent infection ...

Did you know that there are approximately one billion cases of seasonal flu each year? πŸ€§πŸ€’

Dive into all things influenza so you can stay one step ahead of the virus this flu season.

17.11.2025 13:19 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Buzz Off - Explore Magazine UF researchers independently target mosquitoes through insecticide innovation, disease mapping, and species identification.

To learn more about a worldwide hunt, visit: explore.research.ufl.edu/buzz-off.html

29.09.2025 12:43 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
A woman with long brown hair sits at a desk in an office, smiling at the camera. She wears a blue shirt and is positioned in front of dual computer monitors displaying maps. The office has yellow walls and features a window with natural light.

A woman with long brown hair sits at a desk in an office, smiling at the camera. She wears a blue shirt and is positioned in front of dual computer monitors displaying maps. The office has yellow walls and features a window with natural light.

Medical geography Professor at @ufgeog.bsky.social, @sjryan3.bsky.social is leading efforts to predict disease risks and guide public health as mosquito habitats shift due to climate change, underscoring the vital link between planetary changes and future health.

29.09.2025 12:43 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 2 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0
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What is melioidosis? ExpertΒ explainsΒ infections caused byΒ Burkholderia Β» Emerging Pathogens Institute Β» University of Florida Burkholderia bacteria cause serious diseases like melioidosis. UF researcher Dr. Apichai Tuanyok shares how they infect,Β evadeΒ and persist, and what can be done to stop them.

Once thought to be confined to tropical regions, Burkholderia infections are emerging in the United States.

Curious about Burkholderia? Discover what it is, the diseases it causes and its growing concern in the U.S. Don’t miss our expert Q&A β€” read it now for all the insights.

10.11.2025 13:44 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
Animated graphic of a scientist with a magic syringe running across a lab table, surrounded by monster microbes and pumpkins. Spiderwebs, bats and other spooky elements complement the focal animation. The scientist is chasing microscopic monsters.

Animated graphic of a scientist with a magic syringe running across a lab table, surrounded by monster microbes and pumpkins. Spiderwebs, bats and other spooky elements complement the focal animation. The scientist is chasing microscopic monsters.

This #Halloween, we’re chasing monstersβ€”microscopic ones. 🧌🦠 #HappyHalloween

31.10.2025 14:03 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Spooky pathogens: Meet the microbes that keep us up at nightΒ  Β» Emerging Pathogens Institute Β» University of Florida Most pathogens are harmless or even beneficial, but a few are truly terrifying. Here are some of the most frightening pathogens known to science, listed in no specific order.

Flesh-eating bacteria. Brain-colonizing fungus. Brain-eating amoeba. Haunted horned rabbit virus. Parasitic zombie fungus. Swiss-cheese brain disease. πŸ§ŸπŸ°πŸ§ πŸ§€

It turns out you don’t need a haunted house to find horror, just a microscope.

Meet the microbes that keep us up at night: go.ufl.edu/9r3156v.

28.10.2025 12:17 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Batty pathogens: Why do bats spread so many diseases? Β» Emerging Pathogens Institute Β» University of Florida Bats are large reservoirs for diseases, but they don't appear to get as sick as we do. University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine professor breaks down the secret to this immune system quirk...

Let’s face it β€” bats get a bad rap. Their links to disease outbreaks and their spooky association with vampires influence their notoriety. πŸ¦‡πŸ§›

In reality, bats are remarkable. So why is it that when we hear of disease outbreaks, it always seems to be bats? πŸ€” Read our latest article to find out!

15.10.2025 12:02 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Genomic evolution of major malaria-transmitting mosquito species uncovered Sequencing hundreds of Anopheles funestus mosquitoes provides new insights into the evolutionary patterns of this important human malaria-transmitting species.

One of the most dangerous malaria-carrying mosquitoes is rapidly evolving in response to control efforts, genetics has revealed.

Findings could inform smarter tools to monitor for and fight malaria. 🦟

Read more here ‡️
http://bit.ly/4pwQKDv

19.09.2025 09:46 πŸ‘ 7 πŸ” 7 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 2
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Why is food making us sick: Unpacking the rise of food-borne illnessesΒ  Β» Emerging Pathogens Institute Β» University of Florida Why have there been so many recent outbreaks of food-borne illnesses? Food-safety experts are increasingly concerned about pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli and Listeria.

There seems to be a new food recall every week. Why are there more foodborne outbreaks? Why are people getting sick from their groceries?

Dive into the article for food safety breakthroughs and setbacks, the top three foodborne pathogens and how to avoid foodborne illness: go.ufl.edu/ccb77ye.

09.09.2025 13:47 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

It may be time to add wildlife photographer to your CV because these pictures are stunning!

08.09.2025 12:36 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Did you know #SwineFlu is actually a type of #BirdFlu? 🀯

Watch the full video on YouTube as one of our experts covers everything bird flu, including responding to tweets about the virus!

www.youtube.com/channel/UCO2...

03.09.2025 17:02 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
Scientists support the inclusion of the United States as an endemic country for Chagas disease Scientists from the University of Florida, Texas A&M University, and the University of California have published an article proposing an official classification for the United States as a Chagas disease endemic country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that around 300,000 people in the United States are affected by

πŸ§‘β€πŸ”¬Scientists support the inclusion of the United States 🌎 as an endemic country for #Chagasdisease πŸͺ³

πŸ‘‰ coalicionchagas.org/en/scientist...

@uofcalifornia.bsky.social @tamu.bsky.social @ufresearch.bsky.social @epi.ufl.edu

21.08.2025 08:22 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
Two researchers look into a microscope’s camera to look at a mosquito.

Two researchers look into a microscope’s camera to look at a mosquito.

It’s World Mosquito Day! Over 125 years after the day it was founded, we’re still working hard to study mosquito-borne diseases and improve the health of all. πŸ¦ŸπŸ§‘β€πŸ”¬#WorldMosquitoDay2025

20.08.2025 15:25 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
An excerpt from JAMA insights discusses measles, a contagious viral disease, noting transmission, complications, and diagnostic testing. Text includes statistics on cases, deaths, and the importance of vaccination.

An excerpt from JAMA insights discusses measles, a contagious viral disease, noting transmission, complications, and diagnostic testing. Text includes statistics on cases, deaths, and the importance of vaccination.

#Measles, a highly contagious viral disease, is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.

πŸ“Š This JAMA Insights discusses transmission, clinical presentation, and diagnosis of measles.

ja.ma/4ozL1wh

14.08.2025 15:25 πŸ‘ 18 πŸ” 9 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 2
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How to avoid getting sick during back-to-school season Β» Emerging Pathogens Institute Β» University of Florida Ready to head back into the classroom? So are pathogens! See what this expert from UF EPI is saying to those heading back to school, from tiny tots to college students, to stay happy and healthy this ...

School is back in session! And that means various returning pathogens are eager to reunite with their hosts after a summer away. πŸ¦ πŸ€’πŸ˜·

Visit our website to learn about the most common illnesses, what signs to look out for, advice on what to do when sick, and more!

11.08.2025 12:27 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

One of our amazing members published a new paper in the journal Pathogens! Explore how mosquitoes are used as flying syringes to conduct pathogen surveillance on wildlife. πŸ¦ŸπŸ’‰

08.08.2025 16:28 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Barbecues, bites and biology: Tick-borne disease risks in Florida Β» Emerging Pathogens Institute Β» University of Florida Florida has approximatley 25 to 30 ticks. Which ticks are in Florida? What diseases do ticks spread? And how do residents and visitors alike can stay safe when outdoors?

About 25 to 30 #tick species are found in #Florida. According to the Florida Department of Health, some of the most common diseases they spread in the state are Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis.

Where are ticks most common? How should you protect yourself? Our website has all the answers.

05.08.2025 14:00 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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World Health Organization raises concern about spread of mosquito-borne Chikungunya virus The World Health Organization issued an urgent call for action on Tuesday to prevent a repeat of an epidemic of the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus that swept the globe two decades ago, as new outbreaks linked to the Indian Ocean region spread to Europe and other continents.

🦟"World Health Organization @who.int raises concern about spread of #mosquito-borne #chikungunya #virus" via @reuters.com #arbovirus #GLAI

www.reuters.com/business/hea...

23.07.2025 22:20 πŸ‘ 7 πŸ” 6 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Florida Icon: J. Glenn Morris Jr. Professor of Infectious Diseases and Founding Director of the University of Florida’s Emerging Pathogens Institute; Gainesville; age 73

"You’ve got to have scientists and public health practitioners to be able to move forward with disease prevention, but the system is being dismantled. There could be profound consequences if we are confronted with another major pandemic.’’ β€” J. Glenn Morris Jr
www.floridatrend.com/articles/202...

05.07.2025 19:09 πŸ‘ 3 πŸ” 2 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 1
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AI and epidemiology: Can combining the two predict pandemics?Β  Β» Emerging Pathogens Institute Β» University of Florida Scientists weigh the pros and cons of using artificial intelligence in epidemiological models to predict pandemics.

What if we were one step ahead of infection across diseases and regions? Combining #AI and epidemiology may bring that possibility closer to reality.

In a scoping review published by @nature.com, researchers analyze AI's impact on outbreak forecasting. #AIAppreciationDay

16.07.2025 13:27 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Forget Jaws. These Bacteria in Beach Water Can Make You Seriously Ill Illnesses from stealthy pathogens known as Vibrio are advancing northward along numerous coasts, potentially ruining your summer vacation

Deadly, flesh-eating #bacteria may be moving to a #beach near you. EPI member Antar Jutla works with collaborators to use machine learning to refine risk models and curb Vibrio infections.

Read the latest Scientific American article covering the bacteria!

15.07.2025 12:28 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Surprising daycare infection underscores need for broader disease surveillanceΒ  Β» Emerging Pathogens Institute Β» University of Florida A recent study reveals a new variant of an intestinal virus found in a daycare worker. The discovery was accidentally made due to a lab error, which initially led to the mistaken diagnosis of bacteria...

In a moment of serendipity when investigating a case of meningitis in a daycare worker, EPI members stumbled upon a new virus. This surprising case helped create a domino effect in proper health care. βš•οΈ

Uncover the power of combining #research and #healthcare.

14.07.2025 12:39 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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New study suggests Florida Chagas disease transmission Β» Emerging Pathogens Institute Β» University of Florida A new study by UF Emerging Pathogens Institute members suggests Florida has all the ingredients for local Chagas disease transmission, a latent but life-threatening disease that can cause organ failur...

A new 10-year study led by UF EPI members suggests #Florida has all the ingredients for local #Chagas disease transmission, a latent but life-threatening disease that can cause organ failure.

Visit our website to dive into the collaborative research: go.ufl.edu/5ua0p0e.

08.07.2025 12:43 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
Spatial Patterns of Dengue Incidence in Nepal During Record Outbreaks in 2022 and 2023: Implications for Public Health Interventions Dengue, which was first reported as a travel case in Nepal in 2004, was initially confined to the lower plains but has spread to higher elevations. Large outbreaks in 2022 and 2023 (54,784 and 51,243 ...

Spatial Patterns of Dengue Incidence in Nepal During Record Outbreaks in 2022 and 2023 - now published in Trop Med, led by @simrikbhandari.bsky.social!

doi.org/10.4269/ajtm...

11.06.2025 18:16 πŸ‘ 8 πŸ” 2 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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During an outbreak, what does β€œcontact tracing” mean?

A newly released disease agnostic practical guideline, helps to strengthen public health responses during outbreaks by defining essential terms.

Explore the guideline, now available in 6 languages: bit.ly/4mETgWL

02.06.2025 09:04 πŸ‘ 250 πŸ” 60 πŸ’¬ 4 πŸ“Œ 4
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UF EPI expert explains measles as U.S. outbreaks hit 1,000 cases Β» Emerging Pathogens Institute Β» University of Florida University of Florida Emerging Pathogens Institute expert explains measles as U.S. outbreaks breach 1,000 cases for the second time this century.

According to the @CDCgov, there have been 1,046 #measles cases in the U.S. as of May 23, 2025.

How does measles spread? Is the virus airborne? How do you treat it? How do you prevent it? And who is at risk?

Read our latest expert Q&A for all the answers.

29.05.2025 11:30 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
Daniel Swale holds up a Florida Gators handheld banner while posing in front of the U.S. Capitol Building.

Daniel Swale holds up a Florida Gators handheld banner while posing in front of the U.S. Capitol Building.

Daniel Swale sits between two people on a panel to speak before members of Congress.

Daniel Swale sits between two people on a panel to speak before members of Congress.

EPI Associate Director of Training and Special Projects Daniel Swale recently visited the U.S. Capitol to advocate for the development and innovation of agrochemical technology.

With #AI and investments, he believes #agricultural #research can advance with increased agrochemical discovery. πŸ’«

27.05.2025 13:19 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Frontiers | Whole genome characterization of Torque teno sus virus 1 (TTSuV1) in wild and domestic pigs: insights into genetic classification, host differentiation, and intra-host variation BackgroundTorque teno sus virus 1 (TTSuV1), a member of the Anelloviridae family, is highly prevalent in swine populations and exhibits substantial genetic d...

Today my lab published a manuscript that provides insights about Torqu teno sus virus, a cute little 2800bp virus of pigs! THM: this virus can be used in wildlife ecoepideiology and biosecurity πŸ§ͺπŸŒπŸ‘©πŸ»β€πŸ”¬
doi.org/10.3389/fmic...

09.05.2025 13:05 πŸ‘ 5 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Timing and predictors of disease incidence among named contacts of reported tuberculosis patients in a low incidence setting Contact investigations are crucial for tuberculosis (TB) control, yet the temporal dynamics of disease progression among exposed contacts remain poorly understood. We conducted a retrospective cohort ...

How does contact with someone with #tuberculosis affect #disease transmission? How do age and immune status affect the risk of #TB? πŸ€”

EPI members collaborated with the Florida Department of Health on a recently published paper in @plosone.org to answer both questions. #EndTB

19.05.2025 12:11 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0