Apoorva Mandavilli

Apoorva Mandavilli is a science and global health reporter at The New York Times. She writes mainly about infectious diseases like Covid-19 and mpox, scourges like H.I.V., malaria and tuberculosis that remain big killers in parts of the world.

Biography:  https://www.nytimes.com/by/apoorva-mandavilli

68%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermines the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
Analysis.OverallConflictOfInterestScore * 0.3F + Analysis.OverallBiasScore * 0.3F + Analysis.DeceptivenessScore * 0.3F + Analysis.ReadabilityScore * 0.1F

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

The Daily's Verdict

This author has a mixed reputation for journalistic standards. It is advisable to fact-check, scrutinize for bias, and check for conflicts of interest before relying on the author's reporting.

Bias

85%

Examples:

  • The author has a bias towards promoting vaccination.
  • The author uses fear tactics by stating that congenital syphilis cases have increased to more than 3,700 in 2022 and caused stillbirths and infant deaths.

Conflicts of Interest

55%

Examples:

  • The author has a conflict of interest with the Florida Department of Health as they cite Dr. Joseph Ladapo's statement without providing any context or clarification.
  • The author uses fear tactics by stating that congenital syphilis cases have increased to more than 3,700 in 2022 and caused stillbirths and infant deaths.

Contradictions

65%

Examples:

  • The author states that syphilis is reaching the highest rate of new infections recorded since 1950, which implies it's at an all-time high when it's actually only a small increase from previous years.
  • The author uses fear tactics by stating that congenital syphilis cases have increased to more than 3,700 in 2022 and caused stillbirths and infant deaths.

Deceptions

65%

Examples:

  • The author states that syphilis is reaching the highest rate of new infections recorded since 1950, which implies it's at an all-time high when it's actually only a small increase from previous years.
  • The author uses fear tactics by stating that congenital syphilis cases have increased to more than 3,700 in 2022 and caused stillbirths and infant deaths.

Recent Articles

CDC Urges Americans to Get Updated Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines This Fall: Protect Against Respiratory Illnesses

CDC Urges Americans to Get Updated Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines This Fall: Protect Against Respiratory Illnesses

Broke On: Thursday, 27 June 2024 The CDC urges all Americans ages 6 months and older to receive updated COVID-19 vaccines and routine seasonal flu shots this fall, amid concerns about the end of the Bridge Access Program before the rollout. Vaccinations provide increased protection against hospital visits and long COVID, while updated vaccines offer targeted protection as immunity from previous shots or infections wanes. Both flu and COVID-19 vaccines are expected to be available in August or September, and it's safe to receive them simultaneously.
New Recommendations: Older Adults Strongly Encouraged to Get RSV Vaccine

New Recommendations: Older Adults Strongly Encouraged to Get RSV Vaccine

Broke On: Wednesday, 26 June 2024 The CDC strongly recommends the RSV vaccine for people aged 75 and above, following FDA licensing of single-dose vaccines from GSK, Pfizer, and Moderna. Older adults are at higher risk for severe RSV cases due to underlying health conditions. The benefits of vaccination outweigh potential risks, including Guillain-Barre syndrome concerns.
H5N1 Avian Flu Virus Detected in Dairy Cattle and Poultry Farms: Three Human Infections Reported in the US

H5N1 Avian Flu Virus Detected in Dairy Cattle and Poultry Farms: Three Human Infections Reported in the US

Broke On: Friday, 14 June 2024 The H5N1 avian flu virus, which has low immunity among Americans and can easily spread to humans if it mutates, has been detected in dairy cattle and poultry farms across the US. Three human infections have been reported, all involving people who worked closely with animals. The USDA has confirmed 102 outbreaks in dairy herds and over 1,000 poultry flocks. It's crucial for researchers and health officials to monitor the situation as five amino acids must change for the virus to bind to a human receptor and spread human-to-human.
Avian Flu Spreads Among Dairy Cattle: Concerns Over Human Transmission and Data Gaps

Avian Flu Spreads Among Dairy Cattle: Concerns Over Human Transmission and Data Gaps

Broke On: Monday, 17 June 2024 Growing concerns over the spread of avian flu among dairy cattle in the US, with at least 94 herds testing positive across 12 states. Experts worry about increased human transmission risk and the potential for virus mutation. Michigan is a hotspot despite no known outbreaks, as wastewater shows high levels of H5 influenza A virus. Lack of data on avian flu spread in dairy herds leaves federal government without sufficient information to contain the issue.
Unprecedented Adaptation of H5N1 Avian Influenza Viruses: Elephant Seals and Dairy Cows Affected in Argentina and the US

Unprecedented Adaptation of H5N1 Avian Influenza Viruses: Elephant Seals and Dairy Cows Affected in Argentina and the US

Broke On: Wednesday, 01 November 2023 Recent studies reveal unprecedented adaptation of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza viruses to mammals, causing mass mortality among elephant seals in Argentina and outbreaks in dairy cows in the US. Researchers are concerned about potential implications for human health, wildlife, and livestock.
Three Human Cases of Bird Flu Reported in US: Michigan Dairy Worker Infected, CDC Alerts to Heightened Vigilance

Three Human Cases of Bird Flu Reported in US: Michigan Dairy Worker Infected, CDC Alerts to Heightened Vigilance

Broke On: Thursday, 30 May 2024 Three human cases of bird flu, involving coughing and respiratory symptoms, have been reported in the US since March. All three individuals worked on different farms where influenza A(H5) was confirmed. The CDC emphasizes protecting farm workers from exposure and monitors an outbreak affecting 67 herds in nine states, with $824m in new funding for livestock health.
New Study Finds High Levels of H5N1 Influenza in Mice Given Raw Milk from Contaminated Dairy Cows

New Study Finds High Levels of H5N1 Influenza in Mice Given Raw Milk from Contaminated Dairy Cows

Broke On: Friday, 24 May 2024 A recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine reveals that mice given raw milk from infected dairy cows had high levels of H5N1 influenza in their respiratory organs, raising concerns over consuming raw milk contaminated with bird flu. Pasteurization effectively reduced or eliminated the virus, emphasizing the importance of proper milk handling and pasteurization for public health.
CDC Warns of Global Threat as Clade I Monkeypox Cases Surge in Democratic Republic of Congo: Nearly 20,000 Suspected Cases, 975 Deaths

CDC Warns of Global Threat as Clade I Monkeypox Cases Surge in Democratic Republic of Congo: Nearly 20,000 Suspected Cases, 975 Deaths

Broke On: Thursday, 16 May 2024 A recent surge of suspected clade I mpox cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with nearly 20,000 suspected cases and 975 deaths, poses a significant global threat due to its higher severity and transmissibility compared to clade II. The CDC is increasing surveillance, expanding diagnostic testing capacity, and coordinating a vaccination program to protect those at highest risk. Public health measures such as promoting safe sex practices, avoiding close contact with infected individuals or animals, and practicing good hand hygiene can also help prevent the spread of mpox.
Revolutionizing HIV Treatment: The Promise of Long-Acting Drugs

Revolutionizing HIV Treatment: The Promise of Long-Acting Drugs

Broke On: Monday, 11 March 2024 Scientists are developing long-acting HIV drugs, including once-weekly pills and semiannual shots, which could ease stigma and improve adherence to treatment plans. Companies like Gsk Plc, Merck & Co., Unitaid, and Viiv Healthcare Ltd. aim to make HIV management easier with these innovations.
Alternating Arms for Vaccinations May Boost Immune Response, Study Suggests

Alternating Arms for Vaccinations May Boost Immune Response, Study Suggests

Broke On: Tuesday, 06 February 2024 A new study suggests that alternating arms for vaccinations may increase immune response compared to just one arm. This could have implications for all multidose vaccines, including childhood immunizations. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.