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.
68%
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 Recommends Antibiotics as Preventative Measure Against Sexually Transmitted Infections: A New Approach to Combating the Rising Cases
Broke On: Saturday, 13 July 2024The CDC recommends using antibiotics like Doxycycline as a preventative measure against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis due to rising cases. This approach can reduce infection risk up to 70% within 72 hours of exposure. The McGregor Clinic in Fort Myers, Florida offers accessibility to this morning-after pill for those at risk. Antibiotics as a preventative measure is not new but raises concerns about drug resistance and gut bacteria impact. 
New Studies Highlight Vaccines' Role in Preventing Long-Term Health Complications of COVID-19
Broke On: Wednesday, 17 July 2024New studies reveal that vaccines significantly reduce the risk of long-term health complications from COVID-19, known as long COVID. According to the CDC, nearly 14 million Americans have experienced long COVID, with rates dropping dramatically among vaccinated individuals during the omicron variant. Unvaccinated people faced much higher risks. The latest research underscores the importance of staying informed and getting vaccinated to prevent long-term health issues. 
CDC Urges Americans to Get Updated Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines This Fall: Protect Against Respiratory Illnesses
Broke On: Thursday, 27 June 2024The 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
Broke On: Wednesday, 26 June 2024The 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
Broke On: Friday, 14 June 2024The 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
Broke On: Monday, 17 June 2024Growing 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
Broke On: Wednesday, 01 November 2023Recent 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
Broke On: Thursday, 30 May 2024Three 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
Broke On: Friday, 24 May 2024A 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
Broke On: Thursday, 16 May 2024A 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.