Julie Rowe

Whoever designed the hazmat suit either had a hell of a sense of humor or hated all their co-workers—VIABLE THREAT julieroweauthor.com/viable-threat.… #thriller #romanticsuspense

Measles is no longer “coming back.” It’s back. The U.S. has had continuous, overlapping outbreaks since 2025. That means transmission chains are sustaining themselves without import resets. Elimination status is effectively dead in pockets of the country.

Bird flu is still killing millions of animals. In the past 30 days, H5N1 has been confirmed in 85 poultry flocks and has affected about 10.10 million birds. Indiana alone accounts for 26 commercial flocks.

Hey babe wake up Florida turned a university-town measles cluster into a county outbreak topping 100 cases. Turns out contagion still works.

UK OUTBREAK 2,500+ antibiotic prophylaxis courses delivered 5,000 students targeted for MenB vaccination Nationwide GP alert

⚠️🦠The surge in meningitis and other invasive infections following the COVID-19 pandemic is increasingly understood not just as a result of "immunity gaps" from lockdowns, but as a direct biological consequence of how the SARS-CoV-2 virus interacts with the human body. Research from 2024 through early 2026 has identified several specific physiological mechanisms—ranging from the degradation of physical barriers to long-term immune remodeling—that explain why individuals may be more susceptible to bacterial and viral pathogens after a COVID-19 infection. 1. Disruption of the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) The most direct link to meningitis is the virus's impact on the brain's protective lining. SARS-CoV-2 doesn't just affect the lungs; it significantly compromises the integrity of the Blood-Brain Barrier. * Increased Permeability: The virus increases the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), an enzyme that degrades type IV collagen in the basement membrane of the BBB. * Endothelial Damage: By infecting neurovascular cells, the virus triggers "mast cell activation" and restructuring of the cellular cytoskeleton. This creates "gaps" in the barrier that normally keep bacteria like Neisseria meningitidis (meningitis) out of the central nervous system. * Trojan Horse Entry: COVID-induced inflammation increases the transmigration of infected or activated leukocytes. These cells can "carry" secondary pathogens across the weakened BBB into the brain. 2. Mucosal Barrier Breakdown and "Ciliary Loss" Bacteria that cause meningitis often live harmlessly in the nasopharynx (the upper part of the throat). For these bacteria to become "invasive" and enter the bloodstream, they must bypass the mucosal immune system. * Mechanical Failure: SARS-CoV-2 causes ciliary loss—the destruction of the tiny hair-like structures that sweep bacteria and mucus out of the airways. Without this "escalator," bacteria can settle and colonize the tissue more deeply. * Epithelial "Leaking": The virus damages tight junctions (the "glue" between cells) in the respiratory lining. This allows bacteria to slip between cells and enter the bloodstream, a prerequisite for bacterial meningitis and sepsis. 3. Systematic Immune Dysregulation (T-Cell Exhaustion) While the "immunity gap" theory focuses on a lack of exposure, the "immune dysregulation" theory focuses on the damage done by the virus to the immune system's architecture. * T-Cell Exhaustion: Post-COVID patients often show signs of "T-cell exhaustion," a state where T-cells (the "generals" of the immune system) are functionally impaired and express high levels of inhibitory receptors. This limits the body's ability to mount a rapid defense against secondary viral and bacterial threats. * Lymphopenia: SARS-CoV-2 frequently causes a drop in total lymphocyte counts. Studies in 2025 have shown that even 12 months after a "mild" infection, some patients retain a signature of immunological hypofunction, making them significantly more likely (up to 46% more likely in some cohorts) to test positive for non-SARS-CoV-2 infections. * Interferon Suppression: The virus is highly effective at suppressing Type I and III interferon responses. These interferons are the body's first line of defense against both viruses and bacteria; when they are "dampened," the threshold for a secondary infection to take hold is much lower. 1/2

The "Headache" that kills in 24 hours.🧵 As a doctor, this is the one diagnosis that genuinely scares me. Bacterial Meningitis doesn't give you days to "wait and see." It gives you hours. By the time you realize it's not just a flu, it’s often too late. 👉Stop scrolling and memorize these 3 clinical red flags: 1. The Fused Neck: This isn't a "stiff muscle" from sleeping wrong. If you have a fever and literally cannot touch your chin to your chest - that is Nuchal Rigidity. It’s an emergency. Period. 2. The "Glass Test" Rash: If you see tiny purple pin-pricks on the skin, press a clear glass firmly against them. If the spots don't fade/disappear under the glass, your blood is leaking. That’s Septicemia. Run to the ER. 3. Agonizing Photophobia: It’s not just "bright lights are annoying." It’s a physical, painful wince at a smartphone screen or a bedside lamp. 👉How to actually stay safe? 1. Mask up in crowds: It’s a respiratory drop infection. If there’s an outbreak in your school/hostel, a mask is your best friend. 2. Stop sharing everything: Vapes, spoons, water bottles, cigarettes. If their saliva is on it, the bacteria is on it. 3. Hygiene: Wash your hands like your life depends on it. 4. Vaccines: Check your records for MenACWY/MenB when you have a minute. It’s the ultimate insurance policy.

I’m tired

POILIEVRE: Meanwhile, under his leadership, and after 11 years of Liberal government, we have 6 million Canadians who cannot find a family doctor. CARNEY: Mr. Speaker, 11 years? I just got here. The member opposite has been here his whole life.

Wake up bae We are seeing drug‑resistant TB ticking up in multiple regions Long treatment courses failing Hospitals logging rising complex cases

Reality check. Canada named a new chief public health officer today. Dr. Joss Reimer, who says tackling misinformation and the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles and avian influenza is an immediate priority.

Strange that Danielle Smith can decide to include all of these referendum questions for an October ballot based on the opinions of a select few who were part of the Alberta Next Panels but can't include the Forever Canadian question that received over 400,000 signatures.

Rat hepatitis E virus markers are circulating in Argentine wastewater at high prevalence. In an immunocompromised host, this virus can cause persistent infection and progressive liver damage. Immunocompromised patients do not need another hepatotropic virus in circulation.

Incredible news out today. The same mRNA tech used in COVID vaccines is now training the immune system to recognize triple-negative breast cancer. In a new study, 10 /14 patients remained relapse-free at ~5-year mark. This is why we fund science and support mRNA technology!

JENEROUX: "Quite honestly it was the speech in Davos ... it felt disingenuous and quite simply wrong to be sitting on the sidelines anymore. So I reached out to the PM's office and will be joining his caucus and I couldn't be more proud to be here."

South Carolina is a headline scene. Total measles cases climbed to 962 and rising. Children are carrying most of these infections. The largest sustained measles outbreak in the U.S. in over 30 years.

Canada is now the first non-European country to be granted a membership in SAFE. This is a gamechanger program that means Canada can rearm our Canadian Armed Forces members more effectively and scale up our defence industries with more contracts overseas.

@WillieHandler I drink tea, is that okay? :-)

I'm just looking for strange people who love coffee, read books and are not afraid to use the word fuck.

Survival of 8 common viruses in the air: RSV: up to 45 mins Influenza: at least 1 hour Rhinovirus: 1-2 hours Measles: up to 2 hours Norovirus: up to 2 hours COVID-19: up to 3 hours Chickenpox: several hours Mumps: several hours TB: 6-12 hours 😷+🪟+ HEPA #CleanAir

I’m watching the U.S. measles surge 910 confirmed cases as of Feb 12 Weekly increases of ~24% Sustained transmission and risk of spread to under‑immunized groups

There are very few countries in the world where the Head of State, Head of Government, and Leader of the Opposition drop everything, come together, hold hands, and grieve like this. This is my Canada and the Canada I am proud to be raising a family in.