Explore Dr. Varma’s collection of insightful articles, research findings, and expert commentary on public health, infectious diseases, and health policy.
Learn from a physician, epidemiologist, and public health leader with decades of experience investigating outbreaks, advising governments, and translating science into action.
Why silence from the CDC during a growing measles outbreak puts public health at risk. Why the CDC Should Be Leading the Measles Response This week, RFK Jr. told Congress, “I don’t think people should be taking … medical advice from me.” I agree. But that raises a deeper question—who should the public be listening… Read more: Where Is the CDC on Measles?
A friend recently asked me if it was safe to travel to Colombia while recovering from cancer. Their concern wasn’t crime or altitude? It was yellow fever. The CDC has issued a Level 2 travel alert—“Practice Enhanced Precautions”—due to increased yellow fever activity in Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia. If you’re planning to travel to one… Read more: Why Yellow Fever Is Back in the Headlines—And What Travelers Need to Know
Over the past eight months, health officials in Hood River County, Oregon, have reported three cases of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD). Two of the three people have already died. It’s a small number, but it’s the kind of cluster that raises big questions because the disease is untreatable and 100% fatal. What Causes CJD? CJD is… Read more: What Is Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease and Why Are Cases in Oregon Alarming?
If you want to predict someone’s life expectancy, don’t bother asking about their DNA. Ask for their ZIP code. This is the core message behind a new report from the World Health Organization. It’s also a long-overdue challenge to the way the average person and policy maker typically thinks about health, especially in high-income countries… Read more: Why Your ZIP Code Predicts Health More Than DNA
A professor recently posted on social media that he was blocked by a prominent COVID-19 contrarian who has now been appointed to a senior position at the FDA. His post struck a nerve for me, because I’ve seen the same pattern play out again and again since the pandemic started. Loud voices from this community… Read more: The COVID Contrarian Playbook Is Winning. But It’s Built on Bad Faith.
Explore All Blog Posts
Explore All Blog Posts by Month
Looking for something older? Browse all of Dr. Varma’s previous blog posts below.
“Public health is about anticipation, prevention, and action.” – Dr. Jay K. Varma