Fleas, Fungus & Flesh-Eaters: Dr. Steve Filters Fact from Fear

Fleas in Los Angeles. Deadly Vibrio oysters. Valley Fever dust storms. Even armadillos carrying leprosy. Don’t panic—we’ve got infectious disease expert Dr. Steve Threlkeld back to separate fact from frenzy. In this jam-packed conversation, Kara, Jennie, and Molly pepper Dr. Steve with the latest health scare headlines and the questions we’re all secretly Googling: What exactly is flea-borne typhus—and should L.A. pet owners worry Why are oyster-related Vibrio infections popping up more often in the news? How to tell Valley Fever from “just a cough,” and why knowing your region matters. The nightmare case of screw-worms burrowing in humans (yes, really). And the surprising truth about armadillos, bats, and rabies exposure. 00:00 — Burpgate and Terrifying News on TikTok 03:30 — Meet Dr. Steve + Why August was so “Diseasy” 06:03 — Fleas, Lice & Typhus 101 (from L.A. to Napoléon) 14:42 — What You Need to Know About Eating Oysters, Warm Seas & Valley Fever  39:00 — Screw Worms & What Animal Carries Leprosy (Spoiler Alert: Armadillos) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices