Brain-Eating Proteins? Prion Outbreak in Oregon, Yellow Fever Rising, and Ticks in NYC

They begin with a rare and deadly outbreak of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) in Oregon, caused by misfolded proteins known as prions—a mysterious class of infectious agents that destroy brain tissue and have no cure. Drs. Varma and Epstein explore what prion diseases are, how they spread, and why they remain one of the most baffling and devastating forms of infection. From historical cases of mad cow disease to modern public health safeguards, they explain how something as simple as protein structure can lead to catastrophic illness.

Next, they address a yellow fever travel alert across Colombia, Bolivia, and Peru. With rising cases tied to mosquito-driven transmission, the CDC now recommends enhanced precautions and vaccination for travelers. The episode discusses the history of yellow fever, its link to climate-driven mosquito expansion, and what this means for disease resurgence in the Americas.

Finally, they turn to an unexpected surge of blacklegged ticks in New York City, driven by ecological factors like urban oak trees and booming mouse populations. With Lyme disease risk rising, the episode offers practical advice for outdoor safety—especially as warmer seasons extend tick activity in urban environments.

Topics covered include:

A deadly cluster of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) and what prions do to the brain
How industrial farming, surgical tools, or unknown exposure may transmit prion disease
Yellow fever’s resurgence in South America and the importance of pre-travel vaccination
Why mosquito-borne illnesses are expanding with climate change
A tick boom in NYC parks and what that means for Lyme disease and other infections
How to stay safe outdoors: tick checks, insect repellents, and protective clothing

This episode is a powerful reminder that even rare or forgotten diseases can reemerge under the right conditions—and that public awareness and prevention remain our best defense.

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