In the News
How Murray and WA experts plan to ‘politics-proof’ public health | The Seattle Times
Sen. Patty Murray this week provided a few more details about her plan to address the cracks that have undercut the country’s public health system over the last two years, an initiative that includes following the lead of three nationally recognized medical providers from Washington state. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of epidemiology and of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, and Dr. Vin Gupta, affiliate assistant professor of health metrics sciences at the UW Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, are mentioned.
Patty Murray launches initiative to restore trust in public health, starting with event at WSU | The Spokesman-Review
Sen. Patty Murray on Wednesday launched an initiative aimed at rebuilding trust in the nation’s public health system, assembling a group of experts to develop a “blueprint” for policy after the tenure of President Donald Trump and his top health official, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of epidemiology and of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted. Dr. Vin Gupta, affiliate assistant professor of health metrics sciences at the UW Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, is mentioned.
Nippon Dynawave tries to dismiss lawsuit from widow of Longview employee | OPB
Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. is seeking to dismiss one of the first lawsuits filed by the family members of employees killed in a chemical spill at the company’s paper mill in Longview, Washington, this spring. Dr. Joel Kaufman, professor of environmental and occupational health sciences, of epidemiology and of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
Doctors warn the flu is having a 'very early' surge in this region — here's what we know | HuffPost
We’re creeping into flu season in the United States, but certain parts of the country, namely the West Coast, are seeing an earlier-than-usual start to flu season and an earlier-than-usual increase in cases. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of epidemiology and of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
Flu season started on West Coast this year, health officials say | Los Angeles Times
This year’s flu season started months early and in an unexpected part of the country, according to health officials. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of epidemiology and of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
This story was also published in the Seattle Times.
Why you should think about getting your flu shot right now | The Washington Post
Flu is hitting unusually early in parts of the West, catching doctors by surprise as some hospitals see levels of illness more typical of early winter, when the respiratory virus season normally gets underway. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of epidemiology and of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
The flu has arrived early in Washington state | KUOW
The crud is going around already. Respiratory illnesses are trending up in Washington state, in what experts say is an early start to this year’s flu season. “It's a little bit earlier than we would've expected for flu,” said Dr. Helen Chu, professor of epidemiology and of medicine in the UW School of Medicine.
Questions remain around WA rollout of new flu vaccine | The Seattle Times
Respiratory viruses appear to have begun their seasonal climb in the Seattle area, while the nation’s battle over vaccine policy rages on. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of epidemiology and of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
Seasonal vaccines are here, including a nasal spray you can get in the mail | KUOW
It’s vaccine season — get them before Halloween, experts say — and there’s a lot to sort through, including an at-home option for the flu vaccine. This is the second flu season that the FluMist nasal spray will be available by mail. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of epidemiology and of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
Study links some plant-based foods to slower aging, while others appear to have no impact | Earth.com
A study of nearly 4,900 U.S. adults found that eating more plants and less meat tracked with slower biological aging, even without giving up animal products entirely. Hyunju Kim, assistant professor of epidemiology, is referenced.
Wildfire smoke poses greater health risks for Washington's most vulnerable communities | The Seattle Medium
As wildfire smoke continues to affect Washington, public health experts are warning that exposure to smoke, particularly during periods of poor air quality, can affect more than the lungs, with research linking it to respiratory and cardiovascular problems and emerging concerns about mental health. Anjum Hajat, associate professor of epidemiology at the UW, and Joan Casey, associate professor of environmental and occupational health sciences at the UW, are quoted.
Doctors say changes to the MMR vaccine may cause confusion for parents | KIRO 7
The Trump administration has proposed major changes to the federal childhood vaccination schedule, including breaking up the combined measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine into individual shots. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of epidemiology and of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is mentioned.
Why older pedestrians are more likely to die after being hit by a car | The New York Times
Older pedestrians aren’t injured by motor vehicles at a greater rate than younger ones, according to 2023 data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. But they’re more likely to die. The death rate for pedestrians over 65 is higher than the average for all ages. Steve Mooney, associate professor of epidemiology at the UW, is quoted.
Are e-bikes safer than motorcycles? | KUOW
Every year, millions of Americans choose to hop on e-bikes because of their affordability, convenience and speed. Motorcycles can take you farther, faster and have been around longer; so has their dangerous reputation. When you look at the numbers, which is actually more dangerous? Steve Mooney, associate professor of epidemiology at the UW, is quoted.
Interfaith partnership helps feed Tri-City families | Tri-City Herald
At a time when almost half of all households surveyed by Washington state are relying on some type of food assistance, a Tri-Cities interfaith effort is ensuring thousands of local families have someone to turn to for help. As inflation and SNAP cuts are driving record food insecurity, three Tri-City religious organizations have partnered to try to fill the gap. Marie Spiker, assistant professor of epidemiology at the UW, is quoted.
Seattle loves its scooters, just stay off the sidewalk please | KUOW
People in Seattle took more than 10.5 million e-scooter and e-bike trips last year. But scooters can be a risky choice. Harborview treated 163 serious injuries from e-scooters or e-bikes in 2024. Recently, Seattle began requiring companies to use technology to prevent people from riding on the sidewalk. Steve Mooney, associate professor of epidemiology at the UW, is interviewed.
Can the shingles vaccine stave off dementia? | Science Friday
The benefits of getting a shingles vaccine seem relatively straightforward: It will prevent you from getting shingles, a painful rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. But researchers have found a surprising link between getting the shingles vaccine and a lower risk of developing dementia. And that’s not the only vaccine that seems to have additional benefits. So what’s going on here? Dr. Helen Chu, professor of epidemiology and of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is interviewed.
What backpackers should know about hantavirus | Outside
In 2012, three campers died following a hantavirus outbreak in Yosemite National Park. Do hikers need to be concerned today? Here's what an infectious disease specialist says. Dr. Scott McClelland, professor of medicine, of global health, and of epidemiology at the UW, is quoted.
UW expert discusses the hantavirus outbreak | Northwest News Radio
As the world watches that Dutch cruise ship facing a hantavirus outbreak, we have very little reason to worry about a breakout here. Dr. Scott McClelland, professor of medicine, of global health, and of epidemiology at the UW, is interviewed.
Study finds drug-resistant shigella threatening young children worldwide | The Seattle Medium
A new study from the UW School of Medicine finds that one in four children in low- and middle-income countries experiences Shigella-related diarrhea severe enough to require medical care within their first two years of life, with many of those infections resistant to commonly recommended antibiotics. Patricia Pavlinac, associate professor of global health and adjunct associate professor of epidemiology, is quoted.
WA has already doubled its measles cases from 2025 | KUOW
Measles cases are on the rise. Washington state has had 26 confirmed cases this year. That’s more than double all of the cases in 2025. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of epidemiology and of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
One vaccine-schedule change that actually makes sense | The New Yorker
The human-papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which protects against cervical cancer, was previously given as a series of two or three vaccinations; now it will be just one. Laura Koutsky, professor emeritus of epidemiology at the UW, is mentioned.
What the FDA's rejection of Moderna's flu shot means for the future of vaccines | NPR
The Food and Drug Administration rejected Moderna's new flu shot. This raises questions about what it means for the future of vaccine development. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of epidemiology and of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
South Carolina is America’s new measles norm | The Atlantic
Last year, starting in January, the United States experienced its largest documented measles outbreak in more than three decades, when an epidemic centered on West Texas sickened at least 762 people. Now a fast-moving outbreak in South Carolina seems poised to surpass it: Local officials have logged 700 infections, and the virus is still rapidly spreading. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of epidemiology and of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, and Pavitra Roychoudhury, research assistant professor of laboratory medicine and pathology in the UW School of Medicine, are referenced.
Duwamish valley organizers appeal permit allowing Ash Grove to burn more tires | South Seattle Emerald
South Seattle organizers are opposing a newly approved permit for a South End cement manufacturing plant to burn more tires for fuel. Anjum Hajat, associate professor of epidemiology at the UW, is quoted.
Vaccine panel chair says polio and other shots should be optional, rejecting decades of science | The New York Times
Offering a startlingly candid view into the philosophy guiding vaccine recommendations under the Trump administration, the leader of the federal panel that recommends vaccines for Americans said shots against polio and measles — and perhaps all diseases — should be optional, offered only in consultation with a clinician. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of epidemiology and of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
WA doctors weigh in on CDC child vaccination changes | KING 5
By now, many are likely familiar with sweeping changes to federal childhood vaccination recommendations as laid out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Local doctors in Washington state provided additional insight to the changes. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of epidemiology and of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
Which childhood vaccines are no longer broadly recommended by the CDC? | People
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is starting off the new year by making some major changes to its childhood immunization schedule. On Jan. 5, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced in a press release that it was reducing the number of vaccines broadly recommended for American children by six. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of epidemiology and of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
CDC cuts recommended childhood vaccines | KUOW
The CDC is dropping the number of recommended vaccines for all children, including for influenza, hepatitis A and B, and RSV. Trump administration officials say insurance and Medicaid programs will continue to pay for the shots. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of epidemiology and of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, says the change is alarming and will endanger the health of Americans.
U.S. cuts recommended childhood vaccines | HealthDay
Federal health officials have decided to narrow the list of vaccines routinely recommended for U.S. children, a move that has outraged public health experts. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of epidemiology and of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
RFK Jr. scales back the number of vaccines recommended for children | The New York Times
Federal health officials now recommend that children be routinely inoculated against 11 diseases, not 17, citing standards in other wealthy nations. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of epidemiology and of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
Trump hails CDC decision to drop 6 childhood shot recommendations: 'Common sense' | New York Post
President Trump praised the “common sense” announcement by federal health officials Monday to stop recommending childhood vaccination for six illnesses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is no longer recommending that all kids receive vaccines for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, meningococcal disease, rotavirus, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Dr. Helen Chu, professor of epidemiology and of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
RFK Jr. overhauls childhood vaccine schedule to resemble Denmark's in unprecedented move | NBC News
The new U.S. guidelines recommend all children get vaccines for 11 diseases, compared with the 18, including Covid, previously on the schedule. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of epidemiology and of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
Flu season is ramping up, and some experts are 'pretty worried' | CBS News
Doctors and scientists say this year's influenza season could be tougher than usual. A new version of the flu virus, called H3N2, is spreading quickly. At the same time, fewer people are getting flu shots. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of epidemiology and of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
West Coast alliance continues to back universal hepatitis B vaccine | The Seattle Times
Babies should continue to get the hepatitis B vaccine shortly after birth, the West Coast Health Alliance said late Friday afternoon — disagreeing with a federal vaccine advisory committee’s new recommendation to delay the shots. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of epidemiology and of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
Washington, other West Coast states, go against CDC, recommend hepatitis B vaccine for all newborns | KUOW
A CDC panel voted on Friday to recommend the hepatitis B vaccine only to the babies of mothers who test positive for the virus, and to suggest that, for all other babies, doctors and parents should have a conversation about the risks and benefits of the shot, a process known as “shared clinical decision-making.” That goes against what the federal government has recommended for nearly 35 years and against the guidance of medical organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of epidemiology and of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
Vaccine advisors to vote on Hepatitis B schedule | KIRO
Vaccine advisers to the CDC will vote on a controversial change to the vaccine schedule for children. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of epidemiology and of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is mentioned.
CDC vaccine panel scraps guidance for universal Hepatitis B Shots at birth | Scientific American
New guidance from the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel would do away with a decades-old universal birth dose recommendation for hepatitis B that helped cut infections by 99 percent in the U.S. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of epidemiology and of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
How bad will flu season be this year? | Scientific American
U.S. flu rates remain low, but experts are keeping an eye on a new strain that’s been linked to unexpectedly early and severe seasons in several other countries. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of epidemiology and of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
South Park residents endure recurring sulfur, ‘rotten egg’ smell | The Seattle Times
Between Sept. 19 and Nov. 7, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency received over 110 reports from about 80 residents and workers across South Park who described smells of sulfur, rotten egg, feces or natural gas. An agency inspector in the neighborhood confirmed a sulfur smell at least four times, according to PSCAA records. Anjum Hajat, associate professor of epidemiology at the UW, is mentioned.
New UW study looking at how viruses are transmitted through households | Northwest News Radio
People at holiday gatherings often share bugs. Now volunteers are needed to help UW researchers figure out how viruses spread in households and communities. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of epidemiology and of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is interviewed.
Halted NIH clinical trials list reveals slashed treatments for cancer, COVID and minority health | Scientific American
The National Institutes of Health has canceled funding for at least 383 clinical trials in the last year, affecting some 74,000 participants. Dr. Bruce Psaty, professor emeritus of medicine and of epidemiology at the UW, is quoted.
High protein, low cost: Why dairy still rules the muscle-building value game | Men's Fitness
In the quest for clean, affordable protein, it's easy to get lost in the noise with products like trendy bars and "superfood" snacks all promising muscle magic. Adam Drewnowski, professor of epidemiology at the UW, is mentioned.
Amid SNAP saga, WA experts say food insecurity can bring health issues | The Seattle Times
The future of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which feeds roughly 42 million Americans, remained uncertain Monday, as the longest government shutdown in history continued. For many communities, losing access to SNAP benefits would likely translate to higher rates of food insecurity — which extensive research has shown is linked to serious health issues, from diabetes to cognitive decline. Marie Spiker, assistant professor of epidemiology at the UW, is quoted.
12th measles case reported in Washington | KOMO News
Washington state has confirmed its 12th measles case of the year. The individual was vaccinated against measles, but developed the illness after being on the same flight as someone with measles. Dr. Indi Trehan, professor of pediatrics in the School of Medicine and adjunct professor of global health and epidemiology, is interviewed.
Want a COVID shot? What new federal and WA guidance mean for you | The Seattle Times
As Washington seeks to make COVID-19 vaccines more available, federal guidance continues to lock into place, firmly shifting away from years of recommendations that aimed to boost vaccination levels. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of epidemiology and of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
Firearm deaths now top cause of death for US high schoolers, WSU study finds | KIRO 7
Firearm-related deaths among high school-aged youth have surged over the past two decades, surpassing motor vehicle collisions as the leading cause of death since 2017, according to a new study. Kelsey Conrick, postdoctoral scholar in pediatrics in the UW School of Medicine, and Ali Rowhani-Rahbar, professor of epidemiology at the UW, are mentioned.
Wait, are carbs actually awesome? | Men's Health
More than fat, more than artificial ingredients, more than GMOs, carbs have long been a scapegoat for ancient philosophers, class warriors and creators of money-raking fad diets alike: Carbs will shorten your life, as the drumbeat goes. Carbs are blood-sugar-spiking empty calories. Carbs will make you fat, sick, and unhappy. Adam Drewnowski, professor of epidemiology at the UW, is quoted.
How new vaccine guidelines may put older adults at risk | Forbes
The latest vaccine recommendations by a federal Centers for Disease Control advisory panel could put older adults at risk for severe illness. Not directly, perhaps, but due to growing uncertainty over the risks and benefits of vaccines. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of epidemiology and of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted.
Ask a Doctor: What the latest federal vaccine guidance means for your kids | KUOW
There's a flurry of health news happening these days: Decisions and announcements being made at federal agencies. State governments vowing to fight changes. It can be hard to know what the impacts will be at the ground level. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of epidemiology and of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is interviewed.