Osterholm Update
CIDRAP
A weekly report on the COVID-19 pandemic from infectious disease expert Michael Osterholm, PhD, MPH. Dr. Osterholm is the director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) at the University of Minnesota and has spent a career investigating outbreaks. Since 2005, he has emphasized supply chain and other vulnerabilities and a critical need for pandemic preparedness. In this podcast, Dr. Osterholm dissects the latest COVID-19 news, data, and guidance.
CIDRAP’s Chris Dall, MA, is the cohost of the Osterholm Update and a reporter for CIDRAP News. http://www.cidrap.umn.edu
CIDRAP’s Chris Dall, MA, is the cohost of the Osterholm Update and a reporter for CIDRAP News. http://www.cidrap.umn.edu
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 22, 2026 • 0sec
Measles: It's more than a rash
Measles can cause far more than a rash, with complications including immune amnesia and rare brain disorders. The discussion also explores Congo’s accelerating Ebola crisis, rising H5N1 activity on US farms, seasonal flu trends, and how Medicaid changes could disrupt HIV care. It also honors journalist Helen Branswell and examines transparency in vaccine safety research.
Oct 8, 2026 • 0sec
CDC Cuts: Understaffed and Overwhelmed
A weakened CDC faces mounting challenges as measles spreads in Pennsylvania and dengue gains ground in Florida. The discussion also examines an unexplained death at a Russian plague lab, ongoing Ebola transmission in the DRC, and shifting flu, COVID, and RSV trends. Public health history and the enduring importance of compassionate primary care round out the conversation.
Sep 24, 2026 • 0sec
The Current State of Measles
Measles surges across Pennsylvania and the U.S., raising concerns about undercounting, vaccine doubt, and winter transmission. The discussion also explores promising yet fragile progress against Ebola in the DRC, fall trends in COVID, flu, and RSV, and new vaccine guidance. Rabies exposures, delayed pediatric COVID vaccine access, and lessons from the Flint water crisis round out the conversation.
Sep 10, 2026 • 0sec
Making Sense of Measles Misinformation
Two measles-associated deaths in Pennsylvania spark a discussion about misinformation, reporting, and the threat to measles elimination. The conversation examines evidence behind COVID, flu, and RSV vaccines, when to schedule seasonal shots, and shifting respiratory-virus activity. It also explores Ebola vaccine strategy in the DRC, West Nile prevention, and the pioneering legacy of school nursing.
Aug 27, 2026 • 0sec
Back to School: What You Need to Know
Clear guidance on dealing with measles clusters and why local vaccination rates matter. Up-to-date discussion of COVID trends, testing, and timing for shots. Practical timing for flu and RSV protection for kids and elders. Rundown of recent produce-linked foodborne outbreaks and simple safety tips. Brief update on the expanding Ebola situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Aug 13, 2026 • 0sec
Answering Your Questions: The Executive Order & More!
A rapid tour of big public health headlines from Washington. They critique a new vaccine executive order and unpack fallout from a high-profile congressional hearing. Updates cover foodborne outbreaks and food irradiation, a new mRNA flu vaccine approval, cyclospora and salmonella responses, Ebola in DRC, blood supply concerns, and a historical salute to the father of blood banks.
7 snips
Jul 30, 2026 • 0sec
Cyclospora: Then and Now
A deep look at the rising cyclospora outbreak and how current response compares to a 1996 produce-linked crisis. Critiques of public health communication and supply-chain challenges. Practical consumer guidance on produce and disinfecting claims. Brief updates on Ebola in the DRC, measles resurgence, early COVID-19 signs, and an unusual West Nile surge.
5 snips
Jul 16, 2026 • 0sec
Cyclospora, Ticks, and Mosquitoes: Summertime Threats
A look at summertime infectious risks from ticks, mosquitoes, and foodborne parasites. Discussion of a large cyclospora outbreak linked to produce and why it may be winding down. Examination of tick‑linked alpha-gal red meat allergy and new antibody findings. Update on rising West Nile activity and practical mosquito protections. Overview of Ebola struggles in the DRC and public health response challenges.
Jul 2, 2026 • 0sec
Episode 212: Major Roadblocks
Discussion of the escalating Ebola outbreak in the DRC and why contact tracing and workforce gaps hinder control. A flu surge at a Texas Air Force base and the promise and limits of mRNA flu vaccines. Newly released CDC emails revealing politicization and changes to advisory processes. Risks of New World screwworm to wildlife and updates on recent COVID booster effectiveness studies.
Jun 18, 2026 • 0sec
Episode 211: A System Held With Duct Tape
They discuss the dangerous Ebola outbreak in the DRC and the challenges of limited tools and community distrust. They raise concerns about public-health readiness for the World Cup and funding gaps at state and local levels. They explain the threat of screwworm to livestock and the US response shortfalls. They cover hantavirus links to El Niño and the risk to the US losing measles elimination.
