Hello, everyone! I have seen so many people posting about the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, and there seems to be quite a few questions and possible misinformation about this major public health crisis. In response to this, I would like to step in and perhaps offer some of my expertise in answering some of the questions that you might have.
First, a little bit about myself. I currently work as an epidemiologist for the California Department of Public Health, and I also teach epidemiology at Stanford University. Prior to this, I have spent several years throughout Latin America studying neglected tropical diseases, such as Yellow Fever and Chagas Disease. I have some basic background knowledge about how viruses function, but I'm not specifically a virologist. Most of my expertise involves disease transmission, vector elimination, and public health promotion. Most of my work with CDPH up until now has mostly involved tracking vaccine-preventable diseases, such as measles.
However, as the COVID-19 epidemic has really caught the public attention, I have found myself having to help out with the state's response to this growing public health threat. I would be happy to take any questions that anyone might have, and hopefully clarify this very murky situation.
First, a little bit about myself. I currently work as an epidemiologist for the California Department of Public Health, and I also teach epidemiology at Stanford University. Prior to this, I have spent several years throughout Latin America studying neglected tropical diseases, such as Yellow Fever and Chagas Disease. I have some basic background knowledge about how viruses function, but I'm not specifically a virologist. Most of my expertise involves disease transmission, vector elimination, and public health promotion. Most of my work with CDPH up until now has mostly involved tracking vaccine-preventable diseases, such as measles.
However, as the COVID-19 epidemic has really caught the public attention, I have found myself having to help out with the state's response to this growing public health threat. I would be happy to take any questions that anyone might have, and hopefully clarify this very murky situation.