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Katy Stephenson

@kstephensonmd.bsky.social
2K followers 1.7K following 284 posts

Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School. Infectious diseases doc and scientist at Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. #IDsky

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Reposted by Katy Stephenson
The Great Pumpkin Papers 🎃🎃🎃 @professormusgrave.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
As a professor, most of what I do is log in to things
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Katy Stephenson @kstephensonmd.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
A+ good story. These young scientists rule www.nytimes.com/2026/09/26/s...
nytimes.com
In an $80 Motel Room, a Discovery to Shed Light on the Origins of Life (Gift Article)
A scrappy science project led to a significant discovery: two new species of a rare organism that could elucidate a fundamental transition in the history of life on our planet.
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Apoorva Mandavilli @apoorvanyt.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
I’ve been reporting on the CDC for years, and have written about many of its troubles over the past year. I was still shocked by the extent of the staff losses and political interference I found when reporting this one. www.nytimes.com/2026/09/26/h...
nytimes.com
‘Zombified’ C.D.C., Hobbled by Cuts, Struggles to Fulfill Scientific Mission (Gift Article)
The agency has lost its independence and nearly a third of its staff, as Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and associates have tightened control.
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Yonatan Grad @yhgrad.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Postdoc position in infectious disease epi, genomics, applied stats to join our work on sampling strategies for pathogen genomics surveillance. Based in Shirlee Wohl’s group at BWH but to work closely with my team. See ad here: massgeneralbrigham.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/MGBExt...
massgeneralbrigham.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com
Postdoctoral Fellow
Site: The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc. Mass General Brigham relies on a wide range of professionals, including doctors, nurses, business people, tech experts, researchers, and systems analysts t...
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The Ferrari Lab @theferrarilab.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
I have quantified measles deaths globally on behalf of the WHO since 2012. We attribute any death within 4 weeks of a measles case to measles. Measles is immunosuppressive and the proximate cause is often a secondary infection that would otherwise not have led to death.
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Katy Stephenson @kstephensonmd.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
A statement from the society that represents all the infectious diseases doctors in America
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Katy Stephenson @kstephensonmd.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
This whole story is nightmare-inducing
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Jessica Nix @jessicanix.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
The US public health workers sent to staff an Ebola facility in Kenya described a shambolic and hurried effort to stand up an isolation unit, leaving behind state of the art facilities back home. Latest for @bloomberg.com : www.bloomberg.com/news/feature...
bloomberg.com
Chaotic Push to Train Staff for US Ebola Outbreak Facility Alarms Health Workers
The three-day session focused more on administrative tasks than spread prevention.
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Clinical Infectious Diseases @cidjournal.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
Cost-effectiveness Analysis of Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra for the Diagnosis of HIV-Associated Tuberculous Meningitis ✅ Just Accepted 🔗 bit.ly/4uZQ1wk
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Katy Stephenson @kstephensonmd.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
This is a travesty for many reasons, but one is the continued deterioration of scientific collaboration which will only harm the US in the end. There are no major advances in HIV medicine without South Africa. U.S. Plans to End AIDS Funding for South Africa www.nytimes.com/2026/06/19/w...
nytimes.com
U.S. Plans to End AIDS Funding for South Africa
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Dimitri Drekonja, MD, MS @dimitridrekonja.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
Every infectious disease clinician and epidemiologist knew this would happen. Because duh...and because #vaccineswork
nytimes.com
Scores Fall Ill at Air Force Base After Hegseth Makes Flu Vaccine Optional
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Katy Stephenson @kstephensonmd.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
The OMB and the Politicization of Science | New England Journal of Medicine www.nejm.org/doi/full/10....
nejm.org
The OMB and the Politicization of Science | NEJM
The Editors highlight three aspects of OMB’s recently proposed rule changes as particularly striking: that decisions on research funding would be made by political appointees, that funding could be...
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Reposted by Katy Stephenson
Apoorva Mandavilli @apoorvanyt.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
Even as the world is racing to contain the deadly Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Trump administration is moving ahead with a plan that could decimate support for programs that detect and snuff out exactly such outbreaks. 🎁 🔗 www.nytimes.com/2026/06/17/h...
nytimes.com
New Plan Scales Back C.D.C.’s Work on Diseases Abroad
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Harmit Singh Malik @harmitmalik.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
One of the world's most tightly controlled experimental evolution projects is underway in DC, and I hope someone has had the foresight to collect a time series of algal samples. www.cnn.com/2026/06/16/p...
cnn.com
Reflecting Pool woes: Trump administration turns to hydrogen peroxide in latest bid to beat back algae | CNN Politics
President Donald Trump’s more than $14 million Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool renovation was completed just over a week ago, with its more than 300,000 square feet refilled with 6.5 million gallons ...
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STAT @statnews.com · 19/05/2026
Sources say USAID cuts damaged epidemic preparedness and hampered the DRC's Ebola response, a perfect storm fueling third-largest outbreak in history. www.statnews.com/2026/05/19/u...
statnews.com
Trump’s cuts to foreign aid are undermining the Ebola response, insiders say
Trump's cuts to foreign aid likely hampered the detection of the Ebola outbreak and the response to it.
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Prof Gavin Yamey MD MPH @gavinyamey.bsky.social · 23/05/2026
We need to call this what it is: Trump is holding vulnerable people to ransom (“give us your minerals & your sensitive health data—or else we shut down your antiretroviral program & people with HIV will get sick or die”) I wrote about this in today’s @bmj.com www.bmj.com/content/393/...
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BK. Titanji @boghuma.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
Important to read the seminal paper on the discovery of the Bundibugyo virus. It is a different species from Zaire Ebola virus, differing in its genome by up to 32%. The vaccines and monoclonal antibodies for Zaire virus are unlikely to be effective here. journals.plos.org/plospathogen...
journals.plos.org
Newly Discovered Ebola Virus Associated with Hemorrhagic Fever Outbreak in Uganda
Author Summary In this report we describe a newly discovered ebolavirus species which caused a large hemorrhagic fever outbreak in western Uganda. The virus is genetically distinct, differing by more ...
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Science Magazine @science.org · 19/05/2026
Confirmation on Friday that a rare Ebola virus was sickening people in the DRC shocked many scientists—mainly because of the outbreak’s sheer size. Since then, researchers and public health experts have been sprinting to make up for lost time. scim.ag/4ftcyx5
scim.ag
Scientists play catch-up to startling Ebola outbreak
Testing, sequencing, and clinical trial efforts spring to life as Bundibugyo virus spreads
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Katy Stephenson @kstephensonmd.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
Follow @helenbranswell.bsky.social for the best outbreak coverage btw
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Krutika Kuppalli, MD FIDSA @krutikakuppalli.bsky.social · 17/05/2026
As someone who worked on Ebola and was once admitted to be ruled out for Ebola — I can say this is frightening for these Americans in DRC. They deserve support, compassion, and every effort from the to bring them home to receive advanced care if needed. www.statnews.com/2026/05/17/e...
statnews.com
In Ebola outbreak, a number of Americans in the Congo believed to have had exposure to suspected cases
A number of Americans who are in the Congo are believed to have had exposure to suspected cases in the country’s latest Ebola outbreak, sources have told STAT.
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WHO @who.int · 17/05/2026
Under the IHR (2005), @drtedros.who.int, the Director General of WHO, having consulted the States Parties where the event is occurring, has determined that the Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus in DRC & Uganda constitutes a public health emergency of international concern bit.ly/3P4ZDac
Epidemic of Ebola Disease caused by Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda determined a public health emergency of international concern
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Oni Blackstock, MD MHS @oniblackstock.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
I was interviewed about what's next for the CDC. My contribution was to remind the public that many staff still remain at the CDC, working hard, doing the often invisible work of public health. A special kudos to the courageous Dr. Robyn Fanfair, who leads the Division of HIV Prevention.
thebodypro.com
CDC Future: Should the Agency Be Rebuilt, Reformed, or Regionalized?
Explore the future of the CDC, including proposals to rebuild, reform, or regionalize the agency for better public health outcomes.
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Ian M. Mackay, PhD (he/him) 🦠🤧🧬📑🦟🧀 @mackayim.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Version 3. I've extended the orange-shaded area to cover the full 45 days (WHO number) and indicated each week since the date post-onset of Case 1's symptoms (dpo). May 10th was a day when 2 people became symptomatic and also tested positive. I've used green
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Helen Branswell 🇨🇦 @helenbranswell.bsky.social · 09/05/2026
1. #CDC issued its 1st alert to health providers & public health depts on the cruise ship #hantavirus outbreak overnight. I got it at 12:45 am ET This should have happened days ago. CDC's communications are tightly controlled by HHS in this administration. This isn't the way CDC normally functions.
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Katy Stephenson @kstephensonmd.bsky.social · 09/05/2026
For my virology friends, simple but I liked it
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Jon Cohen @cohenjon.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
www.science.org/content/arti...
science.org
Trump administration cuts CDC’s key role in global program to stop HIV
State Department would send PEPFAR money directly to countries, which could then pay fees to health agency for help
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Katy Stephenson @kstephensonmd.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
This story is not funny of course, but … it must be shared www.nytimes.com/2026/04/20/u...
nytimes.com
Scientist Irritated by Lab Colleague Accused in Poisoning Attempt
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Apoorva Mandavilli @apoorvanyt.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
Credited with saving 26 million lives, PEPFAR suffered big blows to its impact after the Trump administration’s abrupt stop and restart of its activities last year, according to the first tranche of data from the program since 2024. Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2026/04/17/h...
nytimes.com
New PEPFAR Data Show Worrying Declines in Testing and Treatment for H.I.V.
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The Journal of Infectious Diseases @jidjournal.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
The long-term effect of two and three doses of bivalent HPV vaccination against HPV infections: a comparison between two observational cohort studies ✅ Just Accepted 🔗 bit.ly/4c7zYq2
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Dr. Skylar Grayson @skylargrayson.bsky.social · 04/04/2026
NASA just dropped this image of Artemis II astronaut Christina Koch looking back at us. The first woman to ever see our planet in its entirety. I’m not crying you’re crying 🥹🔭🧪 📸: NASA
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Melissa Barber @mbarber.bsky.social · 30/03/2026
Today, MSF is going public with something we've been fighting behind closed doors for months: Gilead will not sell us their new HIV drug, lenacapavir. The sticking point isn't even price, they just refuse to sell. Open letter linked + explainer 🧵1/ www.doctorswithoutborders.org/latest/gilea...
doctorswithoutborders.org
Gilead refuses to sell groundbreaking HIV prevention drug to MSF
Blocking humanitarian organizations from accessing a medical breakthrough puts vulnerable people across the world in danger.
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Dimitri Drekonja, MD, MS @dimitridrekonja.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
I would greatly appreciate anyone amplifying this or contributing. The Alex Pretti nursing scholarship is being created. An endowed scholarship awarded to a student with financial need. Preference will be given to students with an interest in supporting America's veterans. Link below. Thank you.
crowdfund.umn.edu
I'm supporting the University of Minnesota Foundation!
Help support academics and scholarships at the University of Minnesota.
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Katy Stephenson @kstephensonmd.bsky.social · 08/03/2026
Yes Helen!! It’s very special to see your mentees thriving in the wild, but this makes me doubly proud. 🥹❤️
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Gregg Gonsalves @gregggonsalves.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
Vinay Prasad has been an a noxious influence on public health and drug regulation. Good riddance. UCSF should not take him back. He should wander in the wilderness forever. www.cnn.com/2026/03/06/h...
cnn.com
FDA’s controversial vaccine chief will exit agency next month | CNN
The US Food and Drug Administration’s head of vaccines and biologic medicines will leave the agency at the end of April, a spokesperson confirmed to CNN on Friday.
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Katy Stephenson @kstephensonmd.bsky.social · 01/03/2026
My friend has run a camp for kids affected by HIV/AIDS for 28 years and they’ve expanded to include children impacted by stigma against the LGBTQIA+ community. Please donate! www.mightycause.com/story/rock2026
mightycause.com
Help Camp Starlight reach for the stars on Mightycause
More than ever, we need your help!
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Eric Topol @erictopol.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
This week's cover @thelancet.com
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Letters of Note @lettersofnote.com · 12/02/2026
Happy birthday to one of my favourite haters, Charles Darwin
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Katy Stephenson @kstephensonmd.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
The thing about this that is so enraging to me is that the FDA blessed running this study and 41,000 volunteers (heroes!) put their bodies on the line so we can benefit and that data is thrown away for nothing. (Btw I have no stock in Moderna or any other pharma) www.nytimes.com/2026/02/10/h...
nytimes.com
F.D.A. Refuses to Review Moderna Flu Vaccine
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NEJM.org @nejm.org · 29/01/2026
Physicians throughout Minnesota bear witness to the devastation that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is wreaking. They implore physicians everywhere to raise their voices. Read “We Do Care” by Bernard E. Trappey, MD, for Minnesota Physician Voices: nej.md/4akke1G
Correspondence
“When our patients go without medical care, the harm is not theoretical. It is measurable. Fear doesn’t just keep people away from clinics and EDs, it pushes patients into crisis.”

“We Do Care” by Bernard E. Trappey, M.D., for Minnesota Physician Voices
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Sherrilyn Ifill @sifill.bsky.social · 25/01/2026
I cannot imagine the devastation this family is experiencing today. This statement is powerful and must be read.
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Aaron Stewart-Ahn @badideas.bsky.social · 25/01/2026
A video of Alex Pretti reading out the final salute of an unnamed veteran he cared for until the end of his life in the ICU, posted to Facebook by his son.
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Katy Stephenson @kstephensonmd.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
“Reporters were told the CDC scientist could not be identified by name as a condition of participating in the briefing.” Is there a super secret society of genomic epidemiologists I don’t know about?? @kgandersen.bsky.social @billhanage.bsky.social @helenbranswell.bsky.social
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Katy Stephenson @kstephensonmd.bsky.social · 19/01/2026
Snowy Boston from work today
Snowy Boston picture
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HIVMA @hivma.bsky.social · 10/01/2026
The House is proposing nearly $2 billion cuts in federal HIV funding, wiping out CDC’s HIV prevention program, core Ryan White services, and the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative. Contact your representatives and senators to urge them to fully fund federal HIV programs: bit.ly/4rG38lz
bit.ly
We cannot go back: Act now to save HIV funding
Urge your members of Congress to fully fund federal HIV programs as they negotiate final funding levels for the FY 2026 LHHS spending bill.
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Katy Stephenson @kstephensonmd.bsky.social · 08/01/2026
It’s not too late in the season to be vaccinated and children can get the vaccine down to 6 months old. The vaccine is not great this year but it’s better than nothing!
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Katy Stephenson @kstephensonmd.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
IDSA is the association of all the infectious diseases doctors in America
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Boston Public Health Commission @publichealth.boston.gov · 05/01/2026
We continue to follow evidence-based science that protects the health of children across Boston. If you have questions about vaccines, talk to your health care provider and visit boston.gov/vaccines.
Blue background with text that reads, "January 5, 2026. Statement in Response to Federal Childhood Vaccine Schedule Changes: Childhood vaccines are safe, effective and save lives. In the last 30 years, routine childhood vaccinations have prevented 32 million hospitalizations and 1.1 million deaths in the US. The federal decision to reduce the number of recommended vaccinations for infants and children place our children at significant risk and contradict decades of evidence-based science. In Boston, we believe in science. There is no scientific evidence to support this decision. Bisola Ojikutu MD MPH FIDSA, Commissioner of Public Health, City of Boston. 1 of 2". The Boston Public Health Commission logo is at the bottom. Blue background with text that reads, "January 5, 2026. Statement in Response to Federal Childhood Vaccine Schedule Changes: Here in our state, we will continue to recommend the full childhood vaccine schedule, as per the American Academy of Pediatrics. All recommended childhood vaccinations will continue to be covered by insurance. Keeping our children healthy is a key part of making Boston a city where all children and families can thrive. If you have questions about vaccines, talk to your health care provider and visit boston.gov/vaccines.  Bisola Ojikutu MD MPH FIDSA, Commissioner of Public Health, City of Boston. 2 of 2". The Boston Public Health Commission logo is at the bottom.
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Katy Stephenson @kstephensonmd.bsky.social · 04/01/2026
#VaccinesWork (to do a lot of things) www.nytimes.com/2026/01/03/h...
nytimes.com
Vaccines Are Helping Older People More Than We Knew
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Joseph M. Adelman @jmadelman.bsky.social · 01/01/2026
Magic Johnson was the grand marshal of the Rose Parade today, and as someone who remembers his November 1991 HIV announcement: if you had told anybody that day that he would be alive and healthy 34+ years later, I don't think they would have believed you. Medicine and research—they work.
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