TWiV 1320: Clinical update with Dr. Daniel Griffin

In This Week in Virology episode 1320, Vincent Racaniello is joined by Dr. Daniel Griffin for a comprehensive clinical update on emerging viral threats, with a major focus on a recent hantavirus outbreak aboard a cruise ship in South America. The episode begins with a reflection on intellectual humility in science, quoting John Marshall and Sarah Ishkar’s 'hold strong convictions but hold them loosely.' The discussion then dives into the epidemiology of hantavirus, particularly the Andes virus, which has shown rare human-to-human transmission—unusual for hantaviruses—raising concerns about a potential pandemic, especially given an eight-week incubation period and the lack of effective antivirals. The cruise ship outbreak, linked to an index case with rodent exposure in South America, led to two deaths and a flight attendant being tested after brief contact, underscoring the need for strict quarantine. The hosts express alarm over the CDC’s failure to monitor returning U.S. passengers and criticize the erosion of public health infrastructure. The conversation shifts to vaccine hesitancy, with data showing 17% of U.S. adults believe MMR risks outweigh benefits, driven by exposure to 'new right' media and non-authoritative sources. The CDC’s 2025 revision of its autism-vaccine statement is condemned as scientifically irresponsible and a catalyst for vaccine distrust. The episode also covers the FDA’s suppression of peer-reviewed research on vaccine safety, calling it censorship. Other topics include rising tick-borne illness cases, measles resurgence threatening U.S. elimination status, and the benefits of RSV vaccination in reducing pediatric ear infections. Finally, the hosts address patient questions on antiviral use for flu and COVID, advocating for Paxlovid in high-risk individuals despite rebound concerns, and discussing the potential for maternal vaccination to protect infants beyond current practices.