On the Heights: July 2025
Departmental news, research highlights, community achievements, and more to help you stay connected with the Michigan Public Health community.
Infectious Disease
New study on TB transmission among minorities in Arkansas highlights urgent need for focused prevention
Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander and Black Arkansans experience a substantially higher risk of recently transmitted TB
A new study from Michigan Public Health and the Arkansas Department of Health reveals that, despite low overall rates, tuberculosis (TB) continues to disproportionately affect Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Black, and Hispanic communities in Arkansas. The research highlights growing rates of recent TB transmission and calls for targeted prevention efforts and improved access to care to address persistent disparities.
Drug that treats flu shows additional benefit of protecting close contacts from infection
Newly published findings of global drug trial show promise for preventing avian flu transmission
One dose of the antiviral baloxavir marboxil lowers the chance of transmitting the influenza virus to family members by about 30%, according to new research in the New England Journal of Medicine from University of Michigan researchers.
Polio vaccine milestone: Live podcast marks 70th anniversary of historic announcement at U-M
U-M epidemiologist Matthew Boulton and Michigan's chief medical executive Natasha Bagdasarian discuss vaccines, then and now
In today's challenging era for vaccines, the University of Michigan School of Public Health will host a live podcast taping April 11 in recognition of the announcement made 70 years ago at U-M, when the polio vaccine was declared safe and effective to a worldwide audience.
How school eligibility influences the spread of infectious diseases: Insights for future outbreaks
Study uses unique approach to examine COVID-19 incidence in school-age children and what it means for managing future public health crises
A recent study in JAMA Network Open sheds light on how school attendance influences the spread of infectious diseases, using COVID-19 as a case study. The study's findings underscore the complexity of school-based transmission and highlight the effectiveness of school-based prevention measures.
Advocating for infectious disease preparedness
The Exchange keynote speaker Dr. Ashish Jha: ‘We are entering an age of biology’
The University of Michigan School of Public Health hosted keynote speaker Dr. Ashish Jha in the “Disrupting Infectious Diseases: Fighting for Our Future” seminar as part of the recently launched biannual speaker series The Exchange: Critical Conversations with Michigan Public Health.