Person looking at mosquitoes under a microscope. Text reads: The Institute: Since 2001, the JHMRI has been a global leader in the fight against malaria—the infectious disease that has taken more lives than any other. Some of the world’s foremost malariologists, parasitologists, and entomologists work in close collaboration to study Plasmodium parasites and the mosquitoes that transmit them—translating scientific discoveries into real-world impact. DID YOU KNOW? Hopkins’ campus insectary, one of the country’s largest, produces as many as 50,000 mosquitoes each week.

Illustration of mosquito. Text reads: The Fight Against Malaria. The World Health Organization classifies malaria as one of the “Big Three” global infectious diseases, along with HIV and tuberculosis. Malaria is a disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite. The parasite is spread to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Symptoms range from mild (fever and headache) to severe and life-threatening (fatigue, seizures, and difficulty breathing).

Person testing someone's blood. Text reads: In 2024, 610,000 people died of malaria, most of whom were young children in Sub-Saharan Africa. While the U.S. was declared malaria-free in the 1950s, the disease continues to infect hundreds of millions of people in endemic countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and in parts of Asia and South America. Hopkins scientists work directly in communities across malaria-endemic countries, including Cameroon, Ethiopia, Gambia, and India, bringing research into the field where it’s needed most.

Someone looking into a microscope in a lab. Text reads: Findings & the Future: At Johns Hopkins, scientists are working to find better ways to protect people against malaria. Scientists have: Developed genetically modified mosquitoes with boosted immune systems that resist Plasmodium. Conducted and supported field research to advance more effective malaria treatments, including the development and refinement of vaccines. Created portable tools to track and analyze mosquito populations, enabling faster, more targeted responses to disease outbreaks.

Celebrating @jhmrimalaria.bsky.social's 25th anniversary🦟

The Johns Hopkins Malaria Institute, supported by @bloombergdotorg.bsky.social, works every day towards the fight against malaria.

For more: publichealth.jhu.edu/malaria-rese...

Hand holding phone that has a measles alert on the screen. Text reads: Measles alert! Unsure of what to do next? Stay informed by subscribing to press releases from local and state health departments and monitoring the news for alerts.

First, know if the ALERT IS LEGIT. Measles alerts are designed to prevent potential outbreaks. A legitimate measles alert will come from official public health sources, such as local or state health departments or the CDC, and should include: Where & When: Specific locations visited by an infectious individual, and precise dates and time ranges when the person was there. Transmission Risk: Measles can remain infectious while suspended in the air, or survive on surfaces, for up to two hours. Contact Details: Direct phone numbers for local health departments for reporting symptoms or questions. Authority Source: Clear identification of the health department issuing the alert, typically denoted by a header or logo. Method & Response: Ways the health department is finding other potentially infectious individuals, including rapid contact tracing, collaborating with health care providers, and reviewing patient logs.

Know what to do after POSSIBLE EXPOSURE. Check immunity status: Immediately verify your MMR vaccination status and, if unvaccinated or unsure, call your health care provider or local public health department for guidance. There’s no harm in getting an extra MMR dose if you cannot find documentation of your vaccination status. Anyone who is unvaccinated can receive the MMR vaccine within 72 hours of exposure. While it may not prevent the illness, it will reduce its severity. Isolation: Measles is highly contagious. If one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not protected. Unvaccinated individuals should quarantine for up to 21 days post-exposure to prevent further spread, as a person with measles is infectious up to four days before a rash appears.

Illustration of measles rash on hand. Text reads: Know and monitor any symptoms. Measles symptoms begin to appear 7 to 21 days after exposure and generally follow this timeline: 7–14 days after initial infection: Fever and the three Cs—cough, coryza (runny nose), and conjunctivitis (red eyes). 2–3 days after symptoms begin: Small white bumps with a red halo appear on the inner side of the mouth before the onset of rash. 3–5 days after symptoms begin: A rash of flat, red spots emerges near the hairline, before spreading to the neck, abdomen, arms, legs, and feet. If you believe you were exposed immediately call your health care provider. If you are seeking health care in person, call before visiting. This allows them to prepare for your arrival and take precautions to not infect others in the waiting room.

There's a measles alert in my area. Now what?

Verifying immunity, monitoring symptoms, and staying current with vaccinations are key.

Read more: publichealth.jhu.edu/2026/what-is...

What to Know About Hepatitis C | Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Hepatitis C is a common, often silent bloodborne infection affecting millions in the U.S. Though it can cause severe liver damage, it is now highly curable—making testing and prevention essential.

Despite being preventable and largely curable, hepatitis C remains a major public health issue in the U.S.

Early treatment is crucial, so knowing the risk factors, symptoms, what behaviors to avoid, and when to get tested are the best means of prevention.

Here's what to know:

Text reads: Fellas, if your girl: Can smell carbon dioxide you exhale, typically blood feeds at night, usually hitches a ride into rooms (can't fly; won't travel far alone). Then that's NOT your girl. That's a bed bug. Images include; Man sleeping, bed bug rash, suitcase open on bed.

@ pest control, come get your girl !

Why It Matters: Congenital syphilis (CS) occurs when syphilis passes from a pregnant person to their baby during pregnancy or birth. If left untreated during pregnancy, CS can lead to: Miscarriage or stillbirth, Premature birth, Low birth weight

A baby with CS may not show symptoms at birth. However without prompt treatment, serious issues can arise. Babies born with CS can have: Deformed bones, Severe anemia, Jaundice, Brain and nerve problems, like blindness or deafness. Babies born to people with untreated syphilis may be stillborn or die shortly after birth from the infection.

Testing Saves Lives: Early detection allows timely treatment and prevents transmission. Experts recommend: Testing for syphilis at the first prenatal visit, Repeat testing during pregnancy (often around 28 weeks), Testing sex partners, and Testing again at delivery if risk remains. It's possible to get syphilis and not know it. The infection may cause no symptoms, only mild symptoms, or symptoms that mimic other illnesses. Even if you have been tested in the past, you should get tested again when you become pregnant.

Treatment Is Effective: If you test positive for syphilis, you will need treatment right away. Syphilis is curable with the right antibiotics from your health care provider. It’s important to know: Having syphilis once does not protect you from getting it again, even after successful treatment. For this reason, you must continue taking steps to reduce your risk of a new infection and get tested when recommended. The earlier treatment occurs, the better the outcomes.

Congenital Syphilis Is Preventable. Congenital syphilis rates in the United States have increased dramatically in the past decade. The good news: Early testing and treatment can protect both parent and baby.

Congenital syphilis (CS) is preventable.

While rates in the US have risen, testing and early treatment make all the difference for baby and parent.

For more info about congenital syphilis, visit the NCSD Learning Center. Learn more here: ncsddc.org/learning-cen...

@ncsddc.bsky.social

Mock up tweet with image of Justin Bieber on his computer at Coachella. Text reads: when i get asked to expand on my discussion posts in CoursePlus

Mock up tweet with image of Coachella grounds with a building photoshopped to look like hand sanitizer. Text reads: coachella fairgrounds this year are stunnnniiinnnngggg

Mock up tweet with image of Justin Bieber on his computer at Coachella. Text reads: reading BSPH's latest article on public health study types so when someone tells me to "do my own research," i actually can.

Mock up tweet with image of The Strokes at Coachella. Text reads: the energy in the room coming back to visit BSPH as an alum

it's JustinS Bieber actually 💅

We are so proud to be part of the #1 School of Public Health in the Nation!

Promo graphic for episode 1034 of Public Health On Call titled An Update on Measles and the U.S.'s Elimination Status. Additional text reads: What's at stake with the verification of the U.S.'s elimination status and why the resurgence of measles is so concerning for immunization writ large.

The U.S. is on track to surpass 2025’s alarming number of measles cases in 2026, while the nation’s measles elimination status remains under review.

Infectious disease specialist William Moss explains what’s going on.

🔗 podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/1034-an-upda...

Illustration of vegetables. Text reads: FIBER! As colon cancer rates and gastrointestinal-related issues rise, research teams across the School and country are working to bring more fiber into our diets. A fiber-rich diet supports digestion, reduces chronic disease risk, and is a key factor in lifelong gut health.

Illustration of a vending machine. Text reads: Harm Reduction Vending Machines: Whether distributing naloxone, fentanyl test strips, or personal hygiene products, harm reduction vending machines provide 24/7 access to lifesaving tools. Communities with these machines experience reduced overdose fatalities, especially in areas with limited service access.

Illustration of water dripping into glass. Text reads: Clean Drinking Water: Access to clean water is foundational to community health. A community-led water-quality improvement effort in Native American communities led by a Bloomberg American Health Initiative Fellow demonstrated how combining household water filtration, culturally informed outreach, and digital health tools can reduce exposure to contaminants like arsenic.

Illustration of bread slices. Text reads: Loaf of Bread: The slices of bread you use to make a PB&J or tuna fish sandwich are fortified with an essential nutrient: folic acid. Folic acid is especially important for pregnant women. Those who don’t get enough may give birth prematurely or give birth to babies with neural tube defects in the brain, spine or spinal cord, including spina bifida and anencephaly. Because of folic acid supplementation, more than 50% of potential neural tube defects are prevented in newborns.

Illustration of car seat. Text reads: car seats: Epidemiologist Susan P. Baker’s landmark study demonstrated a shocking truth: 3,152 children under age 13 died in car accidents in the U.S. from 1976 to 1977. In 1978, the first state law requiring young children to ride in car seats was approved. Today, all 50 states have child-restraint laws on the books. The laws are one of the reasons why automobile fatality rates have dropped 80% for infants in the U.S. and 73% for children ages 1–3 since 1975.

Illustration of traffic lanes filled with cars. Text reads: Right-Sizing Travel Lanes: Research led by Bloomberg Assistant Professor of American Health Shima Hamidi, found that narrower road widths of 9 feet reduced fatal car accidents and improved quality of life for residents.

Celebrating National Public Health Week With INNOVATIONS WE ARE THANKFUL FOR. Recognizing how public health has improved our daily lives, safeguarded our families, expanded our life spans, and strengthened our communities.

Celebrating National Public Health Week 🎉

Swipe to read about different public health innovations that we are thankful for 💙

www.apha.org/initiatives/...

@apha.org #NPHW

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Again Rated #1 by Peers in U.S. News & World Report | Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health The School has held the #1 spot since the rankings began in 1994. The School has also been named by peers as a leader in five specialty areas within public health this year.

We are proud to again be recognized by our peer schools and programs as the #1 public health school in the nation, as reported by U.S. News & World Report. The Bloomberg School is grateful to partner closely with our peers on our shared commitment to improving health for people everywhere.

Image of Sunglasses and baseball hat with arrows pointing at them. Text reads: protect your scalp and eyes from harmful UV rays. Image of sunscreen bottle with arrow pointing at it. Text reads: SPF 30+ even when the sun's not out!

Hydration & Sanitation. Image of hand sanitizer with arrow pointing at it. Text reads: Use hand sanitizer before eating or after touching surfaces to stay healthy on the go. Image of reusable water bottle with arrow pointing at it. Text reads: Drink water to stay hydrated ... especially if consuming alcohol

iPad with magazine article open. Magazine. Text reads: Reading Material. Check out the award-winning Hopkins Bloomberg Public Health magazine. Available to read online!

Added protections! Image of condoms with arrow pointing at them. Text reads: Reduce your risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) with condoms. Image of first aid kit with arrow pointing at it. Text reads: Blisters? Burns? Scrapes? A travel first aid kit has you covered.

Travel bag filled with: sunglasses, condoms, hand sanitizer, reusable water bottle, sunscreen, baseball hat, first aid kit, and the Hopkins Bloomberg Public Health magazine. Text reads: Public health travel essentials: spring edition.

Traveling soon? Make sure you have these public health essentials packed before you head out.

Safe travels!✈

Need reading material? Check out the Bloomberg Hopkins Public Health magazine: magazine.publichealth.jhu.edu

The Health Benefits of Baby Bonds | Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Early wealth-building policies are popular and effective.

"We found that Americans overwhelmingly support this policy: 67.6% of U.S. adults support a baby bonds-like policy that would create a meaningful wealth investment, particularly for children born into low-income families."

Graphic by Public Health On Call, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Teens in the Driver Seat, and the National Safety Council depicting a car. Title reads: A Parents' Guide to Teen Driving Safety. Every day, six teens die in car crashes in the U.S. Hundreds of thousands more are seriously injured every year. Here’s how parents and caregivers can help protect young drivers.

Parents and caregivers are in the driver seat when it comes to teaching teens good driving habits and reducing fatal crashes.

Road safety researcher Johnathon Ehsani shares how adults can prepare and protect young drivers on Public Health On Call 🎧

podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/1022-prevent...

Garfield laying on the couch. Text reads: While cases have gone down, we continue to vaccinate dogs and cats against rabies because: Your pet is more likely than you to have contact with wildlife and risk transmitting it to a human. Even cats that spend their lives indoors should be vaccinated: If a bat enters your home, or your cat slips out the front door, the vaccine protects them.

Clifford with a bunch of dogs. Text reads: Leptospirosis Vaccine: Leptospirosis circulates commonly among mammals, particularly wildlife and rodents. While mainly found in animals, it can also be transmitted to humans. Dogs are more likely than humans to come in contact with an infection source—like a contaminated stream, or animal excrement—and then risk transmitting it to humans. With rising prevalence of leptospirosis across the U.S., all dogs should be vaccinated annually for leptospirosis.

Rodger petting Pongo from 101 Dalmatians. Text reads: why should you vaccinate your pet? Vaccinating your pet is safe, effective, and far less risky than the diseases the vaccines prevent. Vaccinations greatly lower the chance your pet will become infected and get sick. If a vaccinated dog or cat does get sick, the vaccine helps reduce the severity of symptoms and the likelihood of long-term complications. Additionally, vaccinating your pets can help prevent certain diseases from spreading to us humans!

Courage the Cowardly dog looking confused at a computer. Text reads: What vaccines does my pet need? Talk to your veterinarian about your pet’s lifestyle and risk factors. Vaccines for pets fall into two categories: Core Vaccines - universally recommended and Noncore Vaccines - dependent on a dog’s geographic location or exposure risk. Examples of noncore vaccines can include: A dog that visits dog parks or boarding facilities will be at higher risk for respiratory viruses. Those dogs should stay up to date on vaccines for Bordetella bronchiseptica and canine influenza—in fact, many boarding and daycare facilities require it. Dogs spending time outdoors or live in tick-prone areas should be vaccinated for Lyme disease.

Cat from Secret Life of Pets. Text reads: The Rabies Vaccine: Rabies vaccines are core vaccines because: rabies can spread from animals to humans, and it’s nearly always fatal. Most states mandate rabies vaccination for pets, though it can vary by state/county. Rabies vaccination status is critical in determining what actions may be warranted: A human who is bitten or scratched by an animal without confirmed up-to-date rabies vaccination may require emergency medical treatment. Animals who interact with wildlife or bites or scratches a person or another animal, and are not vaccinated, or whose vaccination status cannot be verified, may have to be quarantined or euthanized.

Dog and cat from The Simpsons. Text reads: Rabies vaccination Success in the U.S.: Thanks to public health surveillance and vaccination of pets, less than 10% of U.S. rabies cases occur in domesticated pets. In that same time, human rabies deaths have declined from hundreds per year to less than 10. The majority of rabies cases are in wildlife. 3 in 4 Americans live in communities where wildlife rabies still presents a risk.

Brian Griffin holding a Daily Grind coffee cup. Text reads: why do we Vaccinate our dogs and cats? Pet vaccines don’t just protect our beloved animals—some of them protect us, too.

Pet vaccines are not only designed to help protect your pet, they're also designed to protect you, too.

For more: publichealth.jhu.edu/2026/vaccina... 🐾

orca emoji. text reads: when environmental public health efforts also are beneficial for sea life not just human life

fight cloud emoji. text reads: fighting the urge to bring up that vaccines are safe and effective for the 13,894,435 time

trombone chest emoji. Text reads: soundtrack of turning 50 and needing to get a colonoscopy (womp, womp)

mosquito emoji. Text reads: and our fav: the mosquito emoji our school helped create in 2018

Distorted face emoji. Text reads: when you find out the BSPH building houses 50,000 mosquitoes weekly.

Hairy creature emoji. Text reads: the evidence that vaccines cause autism (hint: it doesn’t exist)

Ballet Dancer emoji. Text reads: how i feel when it’s finally spring and Orioles opening day is tomorrow

Landslide emoji. Text reads: the public health hill that i’ll always die on (it’s that community involvement and buy-in is essential for most policies to really work)

did you know BSPH helped create the mosquito emoji in 2018? 🦟

read more: hub.jhu.edu/2018/02/08/m...

A public health intervention: The Better Together program, created by Terrinieka Powell, was launched in 2023 in Baltimore middle schools to help youth navigate family substance use challenges. The program helps students learn to: Identify safe, drug-free environments. Find trusted adults for support. Build safety plans for difficult situations at home.

Prevention may need to start even earlier. Powell and her team initially planned prevention programs for high school students. But interviews revealed many teens had already tried substances by that age—suggesting interventions should begin earlier in adolescence.

LOOKING FORWARD: Powell’s new research initiative, EMBRACE, aims to better understand bereaved youth and develop policies that support them. The goal: Not just to respond to childhood trauma—but to prevent lifelong health consequences.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs): ACEs can affect a child’s health long into adulthood. They can include: Losing a parent, Family separation, A caregiver with substance use disorder, and Other major stressors at home. These experiences can increase risks of depression, anxiety, substance use, and PTSD later in life.

2.9 million U.S. children experienced caregiver death between 2000 and 2021. About 320,000 U.S. children lost a parent to overdose between 2011 and 2021. More than 140,000 U.S. children experienced a caregiver death from April 2020 through June 2021. 2X Increased likelihood that a Black or Hispanic child will experience the death of a parent. SOURCES: Nature Medicine, JAMA Psychiatry, Pediatrics, JAMA Network Open

Why early support matters: When children face adversity, protective factors can make a powerful difference. Supportive adults, strong community connections, and access to counseling can help young people build resilience and cope with trauma.

Substance use in the home: Research shows that children whose parents have substance use disorders are more likely to use substances themselves—and at younger ages. Why? Stressful home environments. Greater access to drugs or alcohol. Seeing substances used for pleasure or stress relief.

From Hopkins Bloomberg Public Health magazine: For Adult Well-Being, Address Childhood Trauma. Why healing childhood wounds matters for lifelong health and success.

Childhood experiences shape adult health, but early support can make a difference.

Identifying safe spaces, building coping skills, and supporting families can reduce lifelong risks from trauma.

Read more: magazine.publichealth.jhu.edu/2025/adult-w...

Did you know the Bloomberg School of Public Health houses one of the largest insectaries in the US? YouTube video by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Did you know the Bloomberg School of Public Health houses one of the largest insectaries in the US?

Learn more about the insectary: publichealth.jhu.edu/malaria-rese...

@jhmrimalaria.bsky.social

Algorithms are shaping our perception of risk, elevating our emotions and distracting us from more serious health threats.

@jessicamalaty.bsky.social discusses how online ecosystems are changing how we think about public health.

🔗 podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/1023-how-soc...

Cannabis Use Disorder Among Young People Linked to Diagnosis of Psychiatric Disorders | Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Analysis of nearly 700,000 health records reveals age-related association between cannabis use disorder and subsequent psychiatric disorders diagnoses.

“Is cannabis use a unique risk factor compared to the use of other substances such as alcohol, opioids, or cocaine? That’s the question we addressed in this study, and our findings suggest that that relative risk depends on the user’s age,” says @dmh-bsph.bsky.social's @drjthrul.bsky.social

Teen car crashes and deaths are a hidden public health crisis.

Johns Hopkins researcher Johnathon Ehsani explains what's driving teen car accidents and what can be done to curb this trend.

🔗 podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/1022-prevent...

ONEHopkins 2026 Join me and make a gift to ONEHopkins 2026!

Donate today to support @johnshopkinssph.bsky.social students! Help us meet our goal this year of having 8,000 donors make a gift to any area of Hopkins closest to their heart. #ONEHopkins 💙