In the News
WA is getting whooped by whooping cough | KUOW
Whooping cough is making a major comeback in Washington state. The bacterial disease is most dangerous to babies, and many who get it require hospitalization. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of epidemiology and of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is interviewed.
WA reports nearly 1,200 whooping cough cases so far this year | The Seattle Times
This year could shape up to be the worst year for whooping cough Washington has seen in over a decade. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted, and Collrane Frivold, doctoral student in epidemiology, is mentioned.
Opinion: Whooping cough vaccine vigilance is slipping in WA | The Seattle Times
"This week, the Washington State Department of Health reported that so far this year 1,099 cases of whooping cough have been reported compared to just 45 at the same time last year," write Dr. Helen Chu, professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, and Collrane Frivold, a doctoral student in epidemiology at the UW.
Taxing sweetened drinks decreases consumption in lower-income households by 50% | Scripps News
The researchers say this result could suggest that taxing helps reduce health disparities and promotes healthier choices. Jessica Jones-Smith, associate professor of epidemiology and of health systems and population health at the UW, is quoted.
Oppressive state laws raise mental health risks for trans people | HealthDay
There's a strong association between a state's policies and laws around the rights of transgender people and the mental health of transgender residents, a new study shows. Arjee Restar, assistant professor of epidemiology at the UW, is quoted.
Opinion: Violence intervention programs need time to demonstrate impact | The Seattle Times
"Amid racial injustices laid bare in COVID-19 morbidity and mortality, police violence and community turmoil, governments started to invest in a different kind of public safety strategy. This approach capitalizes on community insights and relationships and focuses on healing and prevention rather than punishment," co-write the UW's Kristian Jones, assistant professor of social work, and Julia Schleimer, doctoral student of epidemiology.
Rates of anxiety doubled among transgender Americans since 2014 | HealthDay
The rate of self-reported mental distress and depression among American adults who identify as transgender or gender-diverse (TGD) more than doubled between 2014 and 2022, an analysis of federal health data reveals. Arjee Restar, assistant professor of epidemiology at the UW, is mentioned.
A grieving Seattle community considers ways to keep Garfield kids safe | The Seattle Times
Gun violence cast a particularly dark shadow over their spring. In between school plays, prom and graduation, two Garfield students were shot. Dr. Ali Rowhani-Rahbar, professor of epidemiology at the UW, is quoted.
Heat wave can put hearts into oxygen debt,' lab experiment shows| STAT
When temperatures soar, so do heart attacks. Now, a lab experiment explains just how temperatures climbing into Fahrenheits three-digits can cause ischemia and potential heart attacks, all while international efforts to limit long-term warming seem like theyre running out of time. Dr. Joel Kaufman, professor of environmental and occupational health sciences, of epidemiology and of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
Washington has become safe haven for people seeking abortions, study finds | KIRO 7
A new study,published in JAMA Network Open this week, has found that since the 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization decision, when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade, Washington has seen a 50% increase in out-of-state patients seeking abortions. Dr. Emily Godfrey, associate professor of family medicine and of obstetrics and gynecology in the UW School of Medicine, and Taylor Riley, doctoral student in epidemiology at the UW, are quoted.
Rise in out-of-state patients for abortion in Washington state | HealthDay
Following the fall of Roe v. Wade in the summer of 2022, there's been a surge in women from as far away as Texas and Florida traveling to Washington state to have a legal abortion, new data shows. Dr. Emily Godfrey, associate professor of family medicine and of obstetrics and gynecology in the UW School of Medicine, and Taylor Riley, doctoral student in epidemiology at the UW, are quoted.
Washington state abortion clinics see rise in out-of-state patients | KOIN
After the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, Washington state has seen an increase in out-of-state patients seeking an abortion than before the high court struck down the case, according to a University of Washington study. Dr. Emily Godfrey, associate professor of family medicine and of obstetrics and gynecology in the UW School of Medicine, and Taylor Riley, doctoral student in epidemiology at the UW, are quoted.
Out-of-state abortions have risen in Washington since 2022 | KUOW
The number of out-of-state women coming to Washington for abortions went up after 2022, when national protections for abortion care ended, according to a new assessment. Taylor Riley, doctoral student in epidemiology at the UW, and Dr. Emily Godfrey, associate professor of family medicine and of obstetrics and gynecology in the UW School of Medicine, are quoted.
Out-of-state abortions have increased by 50% in Washington post-Dobbs, UW study finds | The Spokesman-Review
Out-of-state abortions have increased by 50% in Washington since the Supreme Court ruled the procedure is not constitutionally protected, according to a new University of Washington study. Dr. Emily Godfrey, associate professor of family medicine and of obstetrics and gynecology in the UW School of Medicine, and Taylor Riley, doctoral student in epidemiology at the UW, are quoted.
Rise in out-of-state patients seeking abortions in Washington | KHQ
According to research published by JAMA Network Open, since the Supreme Court's decision on abortion rights, women have been traveling to Washington from Texas and other states to seek care, as reported by the UW Medicine.Taylor Riley, doctoral student in epidemiology at the UW, is quoted.
We can prevent another summer mPox outbreak | Scientific American
Queer peoples behavior squashed the U.S. mpox outbreak in 2022. We shouldnt have to rely on that to stop future outbreaks here or abroad. Miguel Paredes, a doctoral student of epidemiology at the UW, is quoted.
Analysis: Free school meals for all may reduce childhood obesity, while easing financial and logistical burdens for families and schools | The Conversation
"School meals are critical to child health. Research has shown that school meals can be more nutritious than meals from other sources, such as meals brought from home," write the UW's Jessica Jones-Smith, associate professor of epidemiology and of health systems and population health, and Anna Localio, a doctoral student of health systems and population health.
Idaho attorney general asks US Supreme Court to allow ban of gender affirming care for minors | KREM
Idaho's attorney general is asking the highest court in the U.S. to allow the state to ban gender affirming care for minors. Diana Tordoff, a doctoral student in epidemiology at the UW, is quoted.
Philadelphia health officials are tracking a measles outbreak: What to know | ABC News
The city health department said there were eight confirmed cases as of Monday. The UW's Dr. Indi Trehan, associate professor of pediatrics in the School of Medicine and adjunct associate professor of global health and epidemiology, is quoted. This story is written by Dr. Angela Zhang, a pediatric resident in the UW School of Medicine.
Traffic exhaust could increase blood pressure, UW study finds | The Seattle Times
Even brief exposure to highway pollution could cause significant increases in blood pressure, a new study from the UW has found, adding to a growing body of work correlating vehicle exhaust with negative health outcomes. Dr. Joel Kaufman, professor of environmental and occupational health sciences, of epidemiology and of medicine, is quoted.
Does your commute give you high blood pressure? It might be the traffic pollution | NBC News
A new study provides some evidence that suggests sitting in traffic could help trigger medical conditions such as heart attacks and strokes, though more research is needed to establish clear links. Dr. Joel Kaufman, professor of environmental and occupational health sciences, of epidemiology and of medicine, is quoted.
Air pollution can cause an increase in blood pressure | KNKX
A new study from researchers at the UW finds that air pollution on the roadway causes an increase in travelers blood pressure. Dr. Joel Kaufman, professor of environmental and occupational health sciences, of epidemiology and of medicine, is quoted.
Like a high-sodium diet: traffic pollution can cause rise in blood pressure study | The Guardian
Study finds the spike in blood pressure can last up to 24 hours and may contribute to cardiovascular problems. Dr. Joel Kaufman, professor of environmental and occupational health sciences, of epidemiology and of medicine, is quoted.
Rush-hour traffic in Seattle increases blood pressure, but not for the reason you think | KUOW
A new study suggests that ultrafine particles circulating on and near congested freeways a toxic mixture of exhaust from tailpipes, brake and tire wear, and road dust increases blood pressure, which could lead to other health problems. Dr. Joel Kaufman, professor of environmental and occupational health sciences, of epidemiology and of medicine, is quoted.
Traffic pollution has an immediate impact on blood pressure | Earth.com
A study from the UW offers new insights into the health risks associated with air pollution from congested city roadways. The findings reveal the direct impact of traffic pollution on blood pressure. Dr. Joel Kaufman, professor of environmental and occupational health sciences, of epidemiology and of medicine, is quoted.
Sitting in traffic triggers a blood pressure surge that lasts 24 hours | New Atlas
Inching forward bumper to bumper on a highway when youre on the way to an appointment, or worse, the airport, is enough to spike anyones blood pressure. But researchers have found that a blood pressure surge occurs independent of external stressors, and it could be due to the poor air flowing into the car from surrounding traffic. Dr. Joel Kaufman, professor of environmental and occupational health sciences, of epidemiology and of medicine, is quoted.
Surprisingly large effects from breathing traffic fumes inside your car | Newsweek
Both short- and long-term exposure to air pollution have been linked to a wide range of diseases, including strokes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, diabetes, obesity and even Alzheimer's, according to the World Health Organization. Dr. Joel Kaufman, professor of environmental and occupational health sciences, of epidemiology and of medicine, is quoted.
Supreme Courts devotion to gun rights faces a challenging test | The New York Times
The justices will hear arguments on Tuesday on whether the government can disarm people subject to restraining orders for domestic abuse. Dr. Ali Rowhani-Rahbar, professor of epidemiology at the UW, is mentioned.
More Washington kids get the measles vaccine, thanks to a rule change | KUOW
More school kids in Washington state have been getting vaccinated against measles. Thats because, after measles outbreaks in 2019 including a major one in the Portland/Vancouver area legislators tightened who could opt out of the shots. Julia Bennett, doctoral student in epidemiology at the UW, is quoted.
A vending machine in Seattle that dispenses the morning-after pill | KUOW
Theres a new kind of vending machine on the UW campus. It sells pregnancy tests, tampons, tylenol and the morning-after pill for $12.60, packaged in purple and white boxes. Taylor Riley, doctoral student in epidemiology at the UW, is quoted.
Mass shooting rates by US state | NBC News
Washington, D.C., and Louisiana had the highest rates of mass shootings per capita from 2014 to 2022, while Hawaii and North Dakota were the only two with zero. Dr. Ali Rowhani-Rahbar, professor of epidemiology at the UW, is quoted.
Rise of emergency contraception vending machines on college campuses | USA Today
At least 39 colleges and universities across 17 states have implemented emergency contraception vending machines on their campuses, including in some places that have largely banned or restricted abortion access. This move is gaining steam in schools located in or near contraceptive deserts areas that lack reasonable access to health centers.Meghan Eagen-Torkko, associate professor of nursing at UW Bothell, and Taylor Riley, doctoral student in epidemiology at the UW, are quoted.
US gun violence rates at historic highs ahead of July 4th holiday | USA Today
The U.S. witnessed five mass shootings each Independence Day on average over the past decade more than on any other day of the year. In that time, there have been more than 50 shootings in which four or more people were hit by gunfire on July 4th, according to an analysis of Gun Violence Archive data by researcher James Alan Fox of Northeastern University in Boston. Dr. Ali Rowhani-Rahbar, professor of epidemiology at the UW, is referenced.
Rise in fatal shootings in Seattle prompts new police task force | Axios Seattle
Fatal shootings in Seattle are up 20% year over year, with 18 people dead of gunshot wounds in the first five months of 2023 compared to 15 deaths during the same period last year. Dr. Ali Rowhani-Rahbar, professor of epidemiology at the UW, is quoted.
Plan B to land in vending machines on WA college campuses | The Seattle Times
On the first floor of the University of Washingtons main undergraduate library, one vending machine stands out. Instead of bags of chips and candy, the shelves are stocked with emergency contraception, pregnancy tests and over-the-counter pain medications.Taylor Riley, doctoral student in epidemiology at the UW, is quoted.
This man created our best chance of stopping the next pandemic but now he is under attack - why? | The Telegraph
A database holding the genetic codes to the world's most deadly viruses has fallen victim to petty jealousies and institutional squabbling. Trevor Bedford, affiliate associate professor of genome sciences and of epidemiology at the UW, is quoted.
Plan B vending machines becoming college campus staples | Axios Seattle
College campuses nationwide are installing vending machines to distribute emergency contraception such as Plan B. The UW is mentioned and Taylor Riley, doctoral student in epidemiology at the UW, is quoted.
New research project aims to reduce asthma cases in Duwamish valley | KUOW
Asthma is nearly four times more common among children in Seattle's Duwamish valley than in the rest of King County. A new research project aims to close that gap. Anjum Hajat, associate professor of epidemiology at the UW, is quoted.
Should we think of gun violence as a 'disease'? These epidemiologists do | KUOW
Epidemiologists study diseases the ways they spread and how we can combat them. Its all in the interest of protecting public health. Now, more epidemiologists will be studying the many health impacts of gun violence. The UW's Dr. Ali Rowhani-Rahbar, professor of epidemiology, and Julia Schleimer, doctoral student of epidemiology, are quoted.
End of COVID emergency highlights US weakness in tracking outbreaks | The Washington Post
When the COVID public health emergency ends May 11, American labs, hospitals and state health departments will likely report less comprehensive data to the CDC. That will make it more difficult for the agency to protect Americans. David Fleming, clinical associate professor of epidemiology at the UW, is quoted.
Seattle's soda tax reduces soda consumption | KUOW
A new Seattle audit shows the costs and health benefits of the city's soda tax. Soda consumption by lower income families did go down after the Seattle tax went into effect, but it also went down in nearby cities that do not have the tax. Jessica Jones-Smith, associate professor of epidemiology and of health systems and population health at the UW, is quoted.
UW researchers say their prevention program could reduce gun violence deaths in children | ABC News
A group of researchers led by Dr. Ali Rowhani-Rahbar, professor of epidemiology at the UW, think their community-based prevention program could help reduce the number of kids who die from gun violence. Their work can be implemented by community members not lawmakers. Margaret Kuklinski, associate professor of social work and co-author of the research paper, is quoted.
Dianne Feinstein's shingles diagnosis What to know about the rash caused by a virus | Fox News
Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the oldest sitting member of the Senate, is reportedly recovering at home after a recent hospitalization secondary to the viral infection called shingles.Roughly one out of every three people in the U.S. will develop shingles in their lifetime, according to the CDC.Dr. Anna Wald, professor of medicine, epidemiology and laboratory medicine and pathology at the UW, is quoted.
What is the state of the COVID-19 pandemic in Washington? | KING 5
The last mask mandate is set to end in less than a month for those in Washingtons health care facilities. It comes as health officials say COVID-19 rates are continuing to decline, and the federal government prepares to end its pandemic response declaration this May. So where do things stand now with the virus in Washington and can we let our guard down? It's a question on many people's minds as the pandemics impacts evolve locally.Gerard Cangelosi, professor of environmental and occupational health sciences at the UW, is quoted.
Lupus, RA tied to higher risk for adverse obstetric, birth outcomes | HealthDay
Women with rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus and their infants experience higher rates of adverse obstetric and birth outcomes, according to a study published in Arthritis Care & Research. Dr. Namrata Singh, assistant professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
Herpes can be devastating but treatment and testing remain scant | The New York Times
Herpes is extremely common: The World Health Organization estimates that 3.7 billion people live with HSV-1, some oral and some genital. And cases where HSV-1 spreads to the genitals during oral sex have sharply increased over the past two decades. Dr. Anna Wald, professor of medicine, epidemiology and laboratory medicine and pathology at the UW, is quoted. Dr. Christine Johnston, an associate professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is mentioned.
Lower your risk for dementia by spending time in nature | The Washington Post
Spending time in nature even as little as two hours a week has been linked to several health benefits. It seems to support healthy aging and has been associated with, among other things, improved cognitive function, blood pressure, mental health and sleep. Now, a study of nearly 62 million Medicare beneficiaries suggests that nature may also help protect against the risk of developing certain neurodegenerative disorders. Anjum Hajat, associate professor of epidemiology at the UW, is quoted.
Almost 8,000 US shootings attributed to unseasonable heat study | The Guardian
Almost 8,000 shootings in US cities in recent years were attributable to unseasonably warm temperatures, according to a new study. The researchers said the work suggested the climate crisis could be contributing to increased gun violence by pushing temperatures beyond the normal ranges. Shootings were already known to peak in summer, when people are outside more and when heat can increase aggression. But the new research took account of the season and showed that above average temperatures at any time of year increased the risk of shootings. Vivian Lyons, a graduate student in epidemiology at the UW, is quoted.
Gender-affirming care tied to improved mental health | Discover Magazine
In late 2021 and early 2022, several studies dug deep into the mental health benefits of gender-affirming care and found that these treatments greatly reduce depression and suicidal thoughts in trans teens and young adults. Its well known that this population is particularly vulnerable to mental health issues. In fact, LGBTQ youth are more than four times as likely as their peers to attempt suicide, and trans and nonbinary youth are the most vulnerable within this community, according to a national survey of nearly 34,000 LGBTQ youth by the nonprofit Trevor Project. Thats why medical professionals and scientists have argued that supporting such care would be lifesaving, benefitting the health and wellbeing of thousands of trans youth. Diana Tordoff, a doctoral student in epidemiology at the UW, is quoted.
How to get connected and fight food insecurity | The Seattle Medium
With the holidays and the new year ahead, you may be looking for ways to help in a meaningful way. Relieving food insecurity, especially because of the recent inflation and economic recession, is one major area you can contribute. According to a survey done by the Urban Institute, 21.4% of adults in the United States reported not having reliable access to affordable food within the last 30 days in June 2022. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in October reported that food prices in the Seattle area have risen 11.5% over the last year. Marie Spiker, assistant professor of epidemiology at the UW, is quoted.