Katherine Kahn

Kate is a dedicated and experienced journalist specializing in infectious diseases. With over fifteen years of corporate and freelance writing experience, she has developed a deep understanding of the subject matter. Her background includes a DVM from Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine and a master's-level diploma from the New England School of Acupuncture. Prior to her career in journalism, Kate practiced as a veterinarian and acupuncturist, providing her with valuable insights into public health issues. Her creative writing has also earned her several scholarships and residencies, including the Hedgebrook Foundation, Ragdale Foundation, and the Montana Artists' Refuge. As a staff writer at MedPage Today, Kate combines her expertise in infectious diseases with her strong writing skills to deliver informative and engaging content for both physician and consumer audiences.

Biography:  https://www.medpagetoday.com/people/kk7097/katherine-kahn

92%

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 is known for its high journalistic standards. The author strives to maintain neutrality and transparency in its reporting, and avoids conflicts of interest. The author has a reputation for accuracy and rarely gets contradicted on major discrepancies in its reporting.

Bias

90%

Examples:

  • The author consistently reports on infectious diseases with a focus on public health preparedness and response. While no instances of bias were found in the articles provided, there is potential for unconscious bias given the subject matter.

Conflicts of Interest

100%

Examples:

  • No conflicts of interest were found in the articles provided.

Contradictions

85%

Examples:

  • In one article, it was reported that 33% of health authorities would recommend antiviral post-exposure prophylaxis for close contacts of people with laboratory-confirmed H5N1. However, the current CDC recommendations state that antiviral treatment with oseltamivir (Tamiflu) should be initiated as early as possible for symptomatic outpatients with confirmed, probable, or suspected H5N1.

Deceptions

85%

Examples:

  • The author presented challenges in monitoring exposed persons and differences in antiviral recommendations as a need to strengthen and standardize public health preparedness and response to highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) viruses. However, the article did not mention that the responses are not in line with current CDC recommendations.

Recent Articles

Bird Flu Outbreak in Cambodia: A Global Call to Action for Disease Surveillance and Preparedness

Bird Flu Outbreak in Cambodia: A Global Call to Action for Disease Surveillance and Preparedness

Broke On: Tuesday, 21 May 2024 A deadly outbreak of bird flu in Cambodia triggers a global response, underscoring the importance of international collaboration and preparedness to prevent pandemics. The WHO and FAO work with countries to strengthen surveillance systems, improve diagnostics, and develop contingency plans.
New AAP Policy: HIV-Positive Mothers Can Safely Breastfeed with Proper Medication and Guidelines

New AAP Policy: HIV-Positive Mothers Can Safely Breastfeed with Proper Medication and Guidelines

Broke On: Monday, 20 May 2024 The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has updated its policy, allowing HIV-positive mothers to breastfeed their babies if they are on effective antiretroviral medication and follow guidelines. This reverses decades-old advice due to the significant reduction in HIV transmission risk via breast milk, now less than 1%. Mothers must exclusively breastfeed for six months and initiate ART early in pregnancy for this approach.
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.