In today's newscast, I'll be looking at two serious infectious disease situations in Vietnam- the rise of dengue fever in Ho Chi Minh City and with a little good news, the measles outbreak in the southern region of the country.

In this newscast, I look at the recent arrest and charges against two Chinese nationals for attempting to smuggle a fungal plant pathogen into the United States.

In this newscast, I look at the recent locally acquired malaria cases reported in North Queensland, Australia.

In this newscast, I look at the measles situation in Ontario, Canada, including the recent death. I also review the situation in the other Canadian provinces.

On today’s program we’re going to look at a drug that America’s Poison Centers are warning about–its called pink cocaine or Tusi.

Since January 2024, America’s Poison Centers National Poison Data System® has documented 18 pink cocaine exposures reported by U.S. Poison Centers in four states. Nearly all patients (83%) received medical treatment. Seven were hospitalized, three with life-threatening symptoms. Additionally, one unconfirmed death has been reported associated with pink cocaine use.

Joining me to talk about pink cocaine is Diane Calello MD, Dr Calello is the executive and medical director of the New Jersey Poison Control Center at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.

Accumulating evidence suggests that a common single-celled parasite called Toxoplasma gondii may be a contributor to affecting male fertility. An April 2025 study published in the FEBS (Federation of European Biochemical Societies) Journal showed for the first time that “human sperm lose their heads upon direct contact” with the parasite.

Could this be affecting male fertility?

Joining me today to discuss this topic is William Sullivan, PhD. Dr Sullivan is a Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at Indiana University

A common parasite can decapitate human sperm − with implications for male fertility

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and on today’s show, we are going to look at four mental health issues -anxiety, adult ADHD, PTSD, and depression.

Joining me today to discuss these issues and his personal story is author & social psychologist, Jamie Hughes.

Managing Mental Health

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The warm weather of summer is upon us, people will spend more time doing outdoor activities, as will potentially dangerous pathogens carrying critters like mosquitoes and ticks.

My guest today will discuss the risks mosquitoes and ticks pose to Americans across the country. In addition, she’ll explain how the public can best protect ourselves and family members from these bloodthirsty pests.

Joining me today is Lee Haines, PhD, Dr Haines is medical entomologist and Associate Research Professor at the Department of Biological Science at the University of Notre Dame.