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Your Local Epidemiologist

@ylepidemiologist.bsky.social

7.5K followers 4 following 1.7K posts

👩🏻‍🔬 Simplifying public health with data-driven insights 💡 Helping you make informed health decisions 🎓 MPH, PhD 👇🏻 Get weekly science-backed updates https://yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com/

yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com

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Your Local Epidemiologist @ylepidemiologist.bsky.social · Feb 10

1/ 🚨 Big changes are coming. We’re entering a new era in America, and it’s messy out there. But I’m here to help you navigate the chaos with evidence-based, clear health information. If you’re tired of the noise, you’re in the right place. 👇

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Your Local Epidemiologist @ylepidemiologist.bsky.social · 8h

10/ That’s your California health update for the week. As always, I’ll keep you updated if anything changes. I’ll see you next week!

Want these updates in your inbox? Subscribe here: yourlocalepidemiologistca.substack.com

Love,
Matt
Your Local Epidemiologist in California

Your Local Epidemiologist in California | Substack

Translating the ever-changing science of public health for Californians so you can take action for your community’s health. Click to read Your Local Epidemiologist in California, a Substack publicatio...

yourlocalepidemiologistca.substack.com

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Your Local Epidemiologist @ylepidemiologist.bsky.social · 8h

9/ The challenge calls on 10,000 young men to volunteer as mentors, tutors, or coaches. Raising two boys and a girl, I know that supporting our sons doesn't take away from anyone. Encourage young men to get involved, and remind those in your life they’re never a bother when they need help.

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Your Local Epidemiologist @ylepidemiologist.bsky.social · 8h

8/ Finally, Governor Newsom just launched the California Men’s Service Challenge to address loneliness and mental health among men and boys. This is urgently needed. Men make up nearly 80% of suicides in California and die from overdoses twice as often as women.

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Your Local Epidemiologist @ylepidemiologist.bsky.social · 8h

7/ Products include:
🔹 Trader Joe’s and Walmart Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo
🔹Walmart Marketside Linguine With Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce
🔹 Albertsons pasta salads

The recall affects everything with an 10/10 use-by date. If you find them, toss them.

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Your Local Epidemiologist @ylepidemiologist.bsky.social · 8h

6/ A deadly Listeria outbreak has been linked to precooked pasta sold in several California grocery chains. Across 15 states four people have died, and 19 have been hospitalized, including two in California.

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Your Local Epidemiologist @ylepidemiologist.bsky.social · 8h

5/ This year’s flu shot was 50% effective at preventing hospitalization in the Southern Hemisphere, which means vaccinated people were about half as likely to end up in the hospital with the current flu strain. Their season precedes ours, so that’s a strong sign to get your flu shot now.

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Your Local Epidemiologist @ylepidemiologist.bsky.social · 8h

4/ This week, the California Department of Public Health started their enhanced seasonal virus monitoring. This is great timing as the federal shutdown slows CDC reporting. Covid, RSV and flu are currently at low or very low levels statewide, so now’s the perfect time to get your fall vaccines.

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Your Local Epidemiologist @ylepidemiologist.bsky.social · 8h

3/ But these outcomes aren’t inevitable. We can reduce risk by limiting wildfires and protecting ourselves during smoke events.
✅ When air quality is poor check airnow.gov
✅ Keep N95 type masks handy for when outdoor air quality index (AQI) exceeds 100
✅ Use air filters indoors when AQI exceeds 100

airnow.gov

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Your Local Epidemiologist @ylepidemiologist.bsky.social · 8h

2/ As many of you know, wildfire smoke can be deadly. Most of those projected deaths come from fine particles (PM2.5) that increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and respiratory illness. Studies like this show what’s at stake if nothing changes.

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Your Local Epidemiologist @ylepidemiologist.bsky.social · 8h

1/ A Stanford study found that wildfire smoke could cause nearly 5,000 deaths per year in California by 2050, which is more than any other state.

I’m Matt, Your Local Epidemiologist in California, and I’m back with your public health updates for the week. Now, back to that wildfire study 👇

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Your Local Epidemiologist @ylepidemiologist.bsky.social · 3d

7/ If you’d like to read a more in depth breakdown of this or read about the studies referenced, click here
👉 yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com/p/tylenol-an...

Love,
The YLE Team

Tylenol and autism: What parents deserve to know

Nuance and empowerment instead of underestimation.

yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com

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Your Local Epidemiologist @ylepidemiologist.bsky.social · 3d

6/ Parents, please take note: seeing headlines like this can be stressful. Know that you are doing an amazing job. Asking questions, seeking evidence, and leading with care is exactly what good parents do. And no, there’s no causal link between Tylenol use and autism in babies or pregnant women.

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Your Local Epidemiologist @ylepidemiologist.bsky.social · 3d

5/ So the question is, why do some developing brains take this path while others don't? Autism is complex and rooted in brain development. About 85% of the risk comes from genetics, with the remaining 15% from environmental factors. It doesn’t develop from a single exposure or medication.

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Your Local Epidemiologist @ylepidemiologist.bsky.social · 3d

4/ As for the implication that babies taking Tylenol will increase their risk of autism, we know that autism is rooted in brain development, with differences in neuron growth and connectivity forming in utero during the first trimester. Autism doesn't develop from medications taken after birth.

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Your Local Epidemiologist @ylepidemiologist.bsky.social · 3d

3/ In 2024, there was a major study from Sweden. This study compared siblings—one exposed to Tylenol in utero, the other not. This type of “natural experiment” is powerful because it controls for genetics and family environment. It found no causal link between Tylenol and autism.

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Your Local Epidemiologist @ylepidemiologist.bsky.social · 3d

2/ Let’s be clear: there’s no causal link between Tylenol use and autism in babies or pregnant women. The science simply doesn't support it. Some observational studies have found small correlations, but correlation is not causation. Nothing has proven that Tylenol causes autism.

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Your Local Epidemiologist @ylepidemiologist.bsky.social · 3d

1/ In case you missed it, earlier today RFK Jr. implied in a Cabinet meeting that babies who circumcised early have double the risk of autism because they took Tylenol. He’s previously made the same claim about Tylenol with pregnant people. This idea is spreading and it’s scaring parents.

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Your Local Epidemiologist @ylepidemiologist.bsky.social · 3d

7/ It’s not all bad out there. Science, compassion, and persistence are still moving us forward.

If you want to hear more good news like this (and stay updated on the hard stuff too), give us a follow or subscribe to the newsletter: yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com

Love,
The YLE Team

Your Local Epidemiologist | Katelyn Jetelina | Substack

Providing a direct line of "translated" public health science to you, so you can take action for your community's health. Click to read Your Local Epidemiologist, a Substack publication with hundreds ...

yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com

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Your Local Epidemiologist @ylepidemiologist.bsky.social · 3d

6/ The FDA just approved another generic version of mifepristone, a medication abortion drug, giving patients more options and protecting access amid ongoing policy fights.
👉 nytimes.com/2025/10/02/health/abortion-pill-generic-fda.html

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Your Local Epidemiologist @ylepidemiologist.bsky.social · 3d

5/ For the first time, researchers have slowed Huntington’s disease progression by 75% using new targeted gene therapy delivered during a lengthy brain surgery. It’s a major step forward for patients and families affected by this devastating disease.
👉 bbc.com/news/articles/cevz13xkxpro

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Your Local Epidemiologist @ylepidemiologist.bsky.social · 3d

4/ HIV prevention shots that once cost $42K/year will be available for just $40 in over 100 low- & middle-income countries starting in 2027. This Clinton Global Initiative partnership could save millions of lives
👉 clintonhealthaccess.org/news/unitaid-chai-wits-rhi-dr-reddys-lenacapavir-agreement/

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Your Local Epidemiologist @ylepidemiologist.bsky.social · 3d

3/ They also uncovered the key protein FoxP3, which keeps those cells in check. When FoxP3 fails, it can cause a rare but severe autoimmune disease called IPEX syndrome.
👉 nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/2025/press-release/

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Your Local Epidemiologist @ylepidemiologist.bsky.social · 3d

2/ This year’s Nobel Prize in Medicine went to the scientists who discovered regulatory T cells. Think of them as the immune system’s peacekeepers. These special cells prevent our immune cells from attacking our own body.

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Your Local Epidemiologist @ylepidemiologist.bsky.social · 3d

1/ Hey, do you need some #goodnews? I know I do. Between the noise and the chaos, it helps to stop and remember what progress actually looks like.

Here are four public health wins to give you some good news for the week 👇

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Your Local Epidemiologist @ylepidemiologist.bsky.social · 5d

9/ Want the in-depth answers to these questions?
Click here 👉 yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com/p/routine-va...

Plus, gain access to a PDF version of the top 14 FAQs on routine vaccinations by upgrading to a paid newsletter subscriber!

Love,
The YLE Team & @kmpanthagani.bsky.social

Routine vaccinations, sanitation, and a look back at history

Sanitation vs. vaccine impact, requirements, universal recommendations, Hep B and more

yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com

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