UW Epidemiology

A New Flu Variant May Make Cold Season Brutal This Year 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

How bad will flu season be this year? While U.S. flu rates remain low, experts are keeping an eye on a new strain that’s been linked to unexpectedly early and severe seasons in several other countries.

Los Angeles wildfires prompted significantly more virtual medical visits, UW-led research finds When uncontrolled wildfires moved from the foothills above Los Angeles into the densely populated urban areas below in January 2025, evacuation ensued and a thick layer of toxic smoke spread across...

New UW–Kaiser research shows virtual care soared during the 2025 LA wildfires, especially for respiratory, cardiovascular, injury, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. The study highlights how telehealth becomes essential during climate disasters.

REMINDER: We have two dissertation defenses going on today from Susana Lozano's Esparza and Linxuan Wu. See December 1 events for details: buff.ly/9kDhDLq

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. buff.ly/TDWjXd4

Another dissertation defense after the break! Linxuan Wu will be presenting on "Advancing PrEP Use among Pregnant Women in Sub-Saharan Africa." Best of luck, Linxuan! #EpiDissertation Event details: buff.ly/qjVJPgZ

Come join us after the Thanksgiving holiday on December 1 for Susana Lozano Esparza's dissertation defense: "Polycystic ovary syndrome in Mexico: From adolescence to adulthood. Best of luck, Susana #EpiDissertation Event details: buff.ly/edUZZtB

Training competencies and recommendations for the next generation of public health genetics: Reflections from current leaders in the field Public health genetics training programs must evolve to meet the changing public health landscape and ever-growing data availability.

A new study in AJHG led by UW Epi professor Alison Fohner shows what students truly need in the AI era: critical thinking, data discernment & cross-disciplinary teamwork—plus 17 actionable competencies to help graduate programs future-proof training.

A stink and an ‘instant headache’: Seattle neighborhood endures pungent smell Over 100 complaints of a pungent smell have been reported to the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. The source has been a bit of a mystery.

What’s that rotten egg smell in Seattle’s South Park neighborhood? Seattle Times reporting points to a drywall recycler and highlights broader air-quality concerns. UW Epi’s Anjum Hajat underscores the clear links between pollution and health risks and the need for faster action.

Participants sought for new study of how viruses spread - UW Medicine | Newsroom Participants [...]

A new SeaPrep study, led by UW physician and epidemiologist Helen Chu, is enrolling participants across King, Snohomish, and Pierce counties to track how respiratory viruses spread. The study is compensated and completed from home.

A ‘mind-blowing’ trip from Seattle to Portland: 12 hours on buses and trains Along the way, he said, Simon Sandh found how those small, rural transit systems serve as the "connectors" for so many communities.

The Seattle Times picked up earlier reporting on UW Epi’s Simon Sandh, who traveled Seattle to Portland using only buses and trains. His 11-hour trip shows how rural transit connects communities and supports access to work, services, and public health.

TOMORROW: Sophie Freije will defend her dissertation: "Correlates and Metabolic Health Outcomes of Adolescent Loneliness." All are welcome to attend. Good luck tomorrow, Sophie! Event details: buff.ly/l5QgjEA

Trying to get more protein? UW Epidemiology’s Adam Drewnowski found that dairy offers the most affordable source of complete, high quality protein, with milk costing less per 50 grams than eggs, chicken, or plant based options.

How a simple, cost-effective intervention can save lives from cervical cancer | UW School of Public Health UW research shows cost-effectiveness of at-home test kits to prevent cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer in women around the world, but it’s largely preventable. Now, a new low-tech, affordable intervention can help people get screened. UW Epi's Rachel Winer is quoted:

How food insecurity can lead to long-term health complications Food insecurity can lead to long-term heath consequences, especially among young children and older adults.

Marie Spiker at UW Epi warns: “Food insecurity is bad for health, both physical and mental health, at every stage of the life course.” SNAP delays raise serious concerns about increased rates of chronic disease when people rely on less healthy options.

Past quarter century sees rise in youth loneliness | UW School of Public Health As loneliness grows amongst adolescents, researchers emphasize importance of studying possible societal reasons.

Youth loneliness is rising worldwide. Led by UW Epidemiology’s Sophie Freije, a new UW-led study in the Journal of Adolescent Health analyzed data from 1M+ teens in 38 countries and emphasizes the importance of studying societal predictors of loneliness. buff.ly/DIVXXN6

UW-led study links wildfire smoke to increased odds of preterm birth In mid-pregnancy, exposure to any smoke was associated with an elevated risk of preterm birth, with that risk peaking around the 21st week of gestation. In late pregnancy, elevated risk was most...

Wildfire smoke is officially a maternal health issue. A new study shows pregnant people exposed to it face higher odds of preterm birth. UW Epi researchers say this reinforces the need for public health guidance to protect pregnancies during smoke events.

Lessons in public health from a Seattle to Portland 12-hour public transit journey | UW School of Public Health Local public transit can fuse or disrupt the connection between communities and their access to healthcare, jobs, and each other.

UW Epi’s Simon Sandh traveled from Seattle to Portland using only local public transit. His 12-hour trip revealed how access to transportation shapes equity and health across communities. “Every delay is a health disparity in motion.” Read more:

Keynote: How Libraries Can Transform Health Information Equity - Keynote Address: Dr. Ramya Kumar – 18th AHILA Congress, Lusaka, Zambia Organizer: Association for Health Information & Libraries In Africa (AHILA) Title: Beyond Access: How Libraries Can Transform…

UW Epi affiliate professor Ramya Kumar delivered a keynote at the 2025 AHILA Congress in Lusaka: “Knowledge Without Borders.” Her talk explored how public health knowledge moves across borders and how libraries shape equitable access to evidence. Watch here:

Firearm deaths now top cause of death for U.S. high schoolers, WSU study finds Researchers found that firearm deaths increased from 1,945 in 2001 to 3,224 in 2022 — a 65% rise overall.

A new study co-authored by UW Epi’s Ali Rowhani-Rahbar finds firearm deaths now surpass car crashes as the leading cause of death among U.S. high schoolers. The Injury Epidemiology study calls for age-specific strategies to prevent firearm violence.

Wildfire Smoke Now Kills 41,000 Americans a Year, Study Finds FRIDAY, Sept. 19, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Every summer, hazy skies and the smell of burning wood remind Americans that wildfires affect far more than just the c

New research finds wildfire smoke now kills 41,000 Americans a year. "Wildfire smoke may be more toxic than common forms of pollution,” says UW Epi’s Dr. Joel Kaufman, underscoring growing concern about air quality and climate-related health risks.

How New Vaccine Guidelines May Put Older Adults At Risk Warnings about the dangers of vaccines from senior government officials inevitably will lead to more unnecessary sickness and death, especially among older adults.

New CDC vaccine recommendations are stirring confusion among older adults and providers.

Experts warn that unclear guidance could lower vaccination rates and drive up costs—just when public health can least afford it.

TOMORROW: Collrane Frivold will defend her dissertation: "Associations between influenza vaccination during pregnancy and outcomes related to maternal influenza disease, infant anthropometry/growth, and cost-effectiveness in Nepal." Good luck tomorrow, Collrane! Event details: buff.ly/6e269Ri

Seattle to launch first connected network of community food micro-pantries Seattle is piloting the nation’s first connected network of community food micro-pantries. Powered by UW-led smart sensor research, the project will fight hunger, cut food waste, and improve...

What’s a micro-pantry? Small, volunteer-run pantries & fridges that provide 24/7, local access to food. UW and partners are piloting smart sensors to reduce waste and improve access. UW Epi’s Marie Spiker is studying how communities use micro-pantries to guide this model forward.

UW School of Public Health Community Open House. October 1 from 11am - 2:30pm at the Hans Rosling Center for Pop Health. Interested in public health? Meet representatives from our depts and interdisciplinary programs to learn about careers or programs right for you. UW logo on the top corners, white text over a gray background.

The UW SPH undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs are now accepting applicants for the 2026-27 academic year. Join us in-person for the SPH Community Open House and meet with dept and program advisors!
📍 Hans Rosling Center
📅 October 1 | 11 am – 2:30pm
🔗 RSVP: forms.office.com/r/c1SgCxQ0Yr

Stay Connected Sign up for our alumni newsletter

To all our UW Epi alumni, new and seasoned, your journey continues with us. Reconnect, network, and stay informed by joining our alumni community! buff.ly/dIEhC3h

New UW SPH leaders appointed for 2025-26 academic year | UW School of Public Health The UW School of Public Health welcomes new leadership to support our shared work of co-creating health equity with our communities.

UW Epi's Helen Chu and Janet Baseman make up two of the School of Public Health's three leadership positions as Associate Dean for Research and Associate Dean for Public Health Practice!

C.D.C. Vaccine Advisers May Limit Hepatitis B Shots for Newborns

“The risk of missing a case of hepatitis B is so significant that I just can’t imagine why we would delay a vaccine that is proven to be helpful and efficacious,” Dr. Brenna Hughes @acog.org & @idsog.bsky.social member. Important context for ACIP tomorrow. www.nytimes.com/2025/09/16/h...

Q&A: Dr. Helen Chu on vaccine safety and recommendation changes in the U.S. | UW School of Public Health Epidemiology Professor Dr. Helen Chu discusses recent changes to vaccine recommendations.

All 17 voting members of the CDC’s ACIP were dismissed in June, including UW’s infectious disease Dr. Helen Chu. She warns that shifts in how vaccine evidence is reviewed could affect safety, access, and disease control. More from her Q&A:

Get your family vaccinated for back-to-school Autumn brings kids back into school classrooms and also heralds rising rates of the flu, COVID and other viruses. Infectious disease expert Dr. Helen Chu expressed concern that this year…

Back-to-school season in WA brings higher risks of flu, RSV, COVID & other infections. UW’s Dr. Helen Chu reminds parents: vaccines protect not only your child but their classmates, teachers & community. Stay current this fall.

FDA approves new COVID vaccines The newest COVID-19 shots have been approved, but recommendations won't be for all Americans 6 months and older.

UW Epidemiology's Dr. Helen Chu speaks on the potential impact of COVID-19 supplies under the federal guidelines for this year's COVID vaccines.