UW researchers respond to novel coronavirus (COVID-19)
COVID-19 experts for reporters
Below are the most recent stories of UW experts commenting on the novel coronavirus epidemic
In addition to UW researchers from a variety of disciplines offering their expertise to journalists covering the novel coronavirus, UW Medicine researchers are leading the way in the detection and prevention of COVID-19 and other coronaviruses. In fact, our researchers have sequenced COVID-19’s genome, identified the architecture and mechanisms of COVID-19, created a new laboratory test to expedite diagnostics and are crowd-sourcing a cure, among other efforts.
This page is updated every week day. For more information on the coronavirus, visit uw.edu/coronavirus.
Some of the stories below may require a third-party subscription.
- Research from the UW is shedding new light on long COVID | KUOW3 weeks ago
About 10% of people who get COVID developed long COVID symptoms. It affects all kinds of organ systems in the body, not just the lungs. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted. - COVID silver lining: Unprecedented look at human immune system | STAT4 weeks ago
For scientists who study the human immune system, the penny dropped at different points in the early frenetic months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Looking back now, many marvel at the realization that they witnessed and were able to chronicle something no other scientists had ever actually seen. Marion Pepper, professor and chair of immunology in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted. - WA drops 5-day COVID isolation rule | The Seattle Times1 month ago
Washingtonians who test positive for COVID-19 no longer need to isolate for five days if their symptoms are mild and improving, per new state guidance that aligns with a similar national change announced earlier this month. Dr. Seth Cohen, clinical assistant professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted. - People sought for UW Medicine Seattle long COVID-19 research | Tacoma News Tribune1 month ago
Clinical researchers at UW Medicine in Seattle are taking part in testing therapies for the cognitive effects of long COVID, part of clinical trials taking place on a national scale. At the research work’s core is an attempt to figure out why some people struggle to make a full recovery. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is mentioned. - Got long COVID? UW Medicine wants to hear from you | KUOW2 months ago
Seattle is among a handful of cities chosen for studies to evaluate long-COVID therapies. UW Medicine announced Wednesday it will conduct the first two clinical trials to study long COVID for the National Institutes of Health. The clinical trials are part of the NIH RECOVER Initiative. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is mentioned. - UW doctor explains why older people and the immuno-compromised need yet another COVID shot | KUOW2 months ago
This week, the CDC recommended that people aged 65 and up get another COVID booster shot. Dr. Amanda Casto, acting assistant professor of allergy and infectious diseases at the UW School of Medicine, is interviewed. - Your 2024 guide to COVID symptoms and treatment | The New York Times2 months ago
We’re four years into the pandemic, and by this point, most Americans have had COVID-19 at least once. But when the virus comes for us (again), it can still feel just as alarming as your first bout. Here’s a guide to what COVID-19 looks like now and how to treat it. Dr. Amanda Casto, acting assistant professor of allergy and infectious diseases at the UW School of Medicine, is quoted. - Empowering expectant mothers: The importance of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy | Northwest Asian Weekly2 months ago
Amidst the myriad concerns and decisions that accompany pregnancy, one crucial aspect has become increasingly apparent in recent times: the importance of COVID-19 vaccination for expectant mothers. Dr. Alisa Kachikis, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology in the UW School of Medicine, is mentioned. - In 'vexing' trend, traffic fatalities in Washington state continue to rise | KUOW2 months ago
Washington has reached another grim milestone. The state’s Traffic Safety Commission says Washington had at least 800 traffic fatalities last year. Anne Vernez Moudon, professor emeritus of urban design and planning at the UW, is quoted. - COVID patients 4 times more likely to develop chronic fatigue: CDC research | The Hill2 months ago
COVID-19 patients are at least four times more likely to develop chronic fatigue than those who have not been infected, according to a new study published by researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The UW is mentioned. - COVID patients are 4.3 times more likely to develop chronic fatigue, CDC report finds | ABC News2 months ago
Women and older people were at higher risk of developing chronic fatigue. The UW is mentioned. - Low vaccine rates for the new COVID vaccine? Physician rolls out “the conversation” to address vaccine hesitancy | Northwest Asian Weekly3 months ago
As of Jan. 14, only 17% of Washingtonians had been inoculated with the new formula adjusted to cope with mutations in SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, according to the Department of Health. That is abysmally low compared with a rate of 76% of people in this state who’ve had at least one shot of the old formula. Dr. Crystal Wong, clinical associate professor of family medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted. - Four cases of rare fungus found in WA. Here's what you should know about it | KUOW3 months ago
Last month the first local outbreak of Candida auris, a deadly fungus, was reported in Washington. So far, four cases of infection from the fungus have been linked and screened by Kindred Hospital — a long term acute care facility — in Seattle’s First Hill neighborhood. Dr. Seth Cohen, clinical assistant professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is interviewed. - Virologist: Latest COVID-19 variant escapes natural immunity | KIRO3 months ago
Seattle’s Morning News recently checked in with Dr. Keith Jerome, professor of laboratory medicine and pathology in the UW School of Medicine, who has helped us understand COVID-19 and other viral illnesses since the start of the pandemic. - Health officials warn that COVID is here to stay as cases rise | The Seattle Medium3 months ago
As people return to work and school after the holiday break, Dr. Seth Cohen, clinical assistant professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, says that we are seeing a rise in COVID-19 activity particularly in Washington state. - Long COVID breaks the rules of exercise | The Atlantic3 months ago
Striving for fitness is usually healing. But for most people with long COVID, it can be toxic. Dr. Janna Friedly, professor of medicine and of rehabilitation medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is mentioned. - ‘Emergency’ or not, COVID is still killing people — here’s what doctors advise to stay safe | Boston Herald3 months ago
With around 20,000 people dying of COVID in the U.S. since the start of October, and tens of thousands more abroad, the COVID pandemic clearly isn’t over. However, the crisis response is because the World Health Organization and the Biden administration ended their declared health emergencies last year. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted. - Respiratory viruses down in WA, but still circulating at high levels | The Seattle Times3 months ago
Holiday season has passed. Gatherings have slowed. But don’t let your guard down just yet — experts say we’re still in the midst of respiratory virus season. Pavitra Roychoudhury, research assistant professor of laboratory medicine and pathology in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted. - Why demand for COVID vaccines lags behind uptake of flu vaccines | STAT3 months ago
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that, as of Jan. 6, a mere 21.5% of Americans aged 18 and older and 11% of children have been vaccinated with the latest COVID vaccine. Heidi Larson, clinical professor of health metrics sciences at the UW Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, is quoted. - Rising concerns — JN.1 COVID variant sparks worry as school and work resume in WA | Northwest Asian Weekly3 months ago
There is new concern over the latest COVID variant, JN.1, as the state of Washington and the nation return to school and work this new year. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted. - Understanding lingering coughs: Causes, treatment, and when to see a doctor | Everyday Health3 months ago
Reports of coughs hanging on for weeks have been growing as winter respiratory virus season peaks. What’s causing all this hacking, and what can you do about it? Dr. Helen Chu, professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted. - COVID-19, flu trend upward in New Year | KXLY4 months ago
The CDC says Washington is among the states with a high rate of respiratory illnesses. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted. - COVID and flu are both surging — what to know about risk of coinfection | NBC News4 months ago
The most recent data from the CDC shows high levels of flu across the country and increases in hospitalizations due to COVID. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted. - Cases of respiratory illnesses spike in WA, according to CDC | Tacoma News Tribune4 months ago
Respiratory illnesses increase across the country in a cycle every year during certain months. Along with the natural ebbs and flows that come with sickness, there are certain time frames where illness is more prevalent. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted. - COVID-19, flu cases trending upwards in Washington, expected to peak in next few weeks | KIRO 74 months ago
Transmission of COVID-19 and the flu are trending upward, according to the UW. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted. - COVID-19 is ticking up in King County | Axios Seattle4 months ago
COVID-19 is on the rise in King County and rates of flu and RSV remain above the local "alert threshold," according to Public Health – Seattle & King County. Pavitra Roychoudhury, acting instructor of laboratory medicine and pathology in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted. - Long COVID’s deep impact on Latinos | The Oregonian4 months ago
With its Latino essential workforce risking their lives to feed their families — and the country — by summer 2020, COVID blazed through Yakima County, which quickly became Washington’s most scorching of hot spots. Not only did Yakima County tally the highest per-capita case rate of all West Coast counties (with Latinos making up 67% versus, 26% for white people), it also saw more cases than the entire state of Oregon. Dr. Leo Morales, professor of medicine at the UW School of Medicine and co-director of the UW Latino Center for Health, is quoted. - 'The viruses are returning to normal' in Washington for winter 2024 | KUOW4 months ago
The winter season in the Northwest brings rain, dark skies and the sniffles. For winter 2024, health officials expect that a lot more sniffles are coming, with three viruses circulating through the region. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted. - The viruses are back | KUOW4 months ago
If you are starting 2024 with sniffles, a cough or even a fever, you’re not alone. The festive holiday weeks have left many of us with a respiratory bug. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, explains what viruses might be making the rounds in your household and how to protect yourself. - Opinion: Why navigating COVID vaccines is harder now | The Seattle Times4 months ago
"We are a two-physician family with two young kids, ages 4 and 2. With our employment and private health insurance, it should be simple to find COVID-19 vaccines for our family, right? Wrong," co-write the UW School of Medicine's Dr. Kathleen Li, acting instructor of emergency medicine, and Dr. Christopher Su, assistant professor of hematology and oncology. A UW study is mentioned. - Long-COVID patients need more resources in central Washington | Northwest Public Broadcasting4 months ago
In Washington, there is only one clinic to treat long COVID. It is in Seattle on the west side of the state. Long-COVID haulers in the Yakima Valley face a lack of local resources, diagnosis and information. Some say they feel disconnected from their doctors. Dr. Leo Morales, professor of medicine at the UW School of Medicine and co-director of the UW Latino Center for Health, is quoted. Dr. Janna Friedly, professor of rehabilitation medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is mentioned. - COVID-19 subvariant JN.1 dominating the Northeast | New York Daily News4 months ago
The rapidly growing JN.1 coronavirus subvariant is now responsible for approximately one-third of new COVID-19 infections in the Northeast U.S., compared to about 20% of new infections across the country as a whole. Dr. Alex Greniger, assistant director of the Clinical Virology Laboratory at the UW School of Medicine, is quoted. - Coronavirus subvariant JN.1 growing fast in US, already dominant in the Northeast | CNN4 months ago
The CDC estimates that prevalence of the coronavirus subvariant JN.1 more than doubled in the U.S. between late November and mid-December. It seems to be getting an assist from holiday travel and waning immunity. Dr. Alex Greniger, assistant director of the Clinical Virology Laboratory at the UW School of Medicine, is quoted. - Vulnerable Americans are going into the holiday season without COVID-19 protections | The Hill5 months ago
The U.S. is heading into peak respiratory virus season, and some of the most vulnerable Americans are unprotected against COVID-19. Ali Mokdad, professor of health metrics sciences at the UW Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, is quoted. - COVID variants: What to know about JN.1 and BA.2.86 | NBC News5 months ago
A jumble of variants are circulating in the U.S., though experts say none stand out as being of concern as holiday travel begins. Ali Mokdad, professor of health metrics sciences at the UW Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, is quoted. - US COVID shot rates are low and it will be a challenge to boost them | CNBC5 months ago
COVID shot uptake is slumping, and vaccine makers and health experts believe vaccination rates in 2024 and beyond will likely look similar to the uptake of the latest round of shots this year. Ali Mokdad, professor of health metrics sciences at the UW Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, is quoted. - COVID is part of the holidays — here's how to think about risks now | NPR5 months ago
COVID-19 is now a fixture of the winter respiratory illness season. As expected, emergency department visits and the number of people being admitted to the hospital are ticking up around the country, but experts largely agree that the virus doesn't need to rule our holiday plans anymore. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted. - COVID-19 vaccination crucial for older adults amidst ongoing threat | Northwest Asian Weekly5 months ago
In the face of an ongoing and persistent threat, recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention underscores the critical importance of COVID-19 vaccination, particularly for older adults. The report, which collected information between January and August of this year, reveals that individuals aged 65 and older accounted for a staggering 62.9% of all COVID-19-related hospitalizations in the U.S. Dr. Thuan Ong, associate professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted. - COVID, flu, RSV vaccines urged during pregnancy but fewer want them, CDC finds | NBC News6 months ago
This is the first year that four vaccines are being recommended during pregnancy. Yet, there are already signs that fewer pregnant women are getting vaccinated. Dr. Linda O'Neal Eckert, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the UW School of Medicine, is quoted. - RSV vaccine and new monoclonal antibody face rollout challenges | STAT7 months ago
In a fall in which new tools to fight old diseases — updated COVID-19 vaccines, new products to protect older adults and babies from RSV — have been introduced with fanfare but rolled out in a particularly rocky manner, frustration may be about to go next level. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted. - UW expert anticipates a rise in RSV, flu and COVID | KGMI7 months ago
Dr. Helen Chu, professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is anticipating that this upcoming viral season will include a jump in illnesses caused either by RSV, the flu and COVID-19. Chu is interviewed. - Navigating the challenges of RSV, influenza and COVID-19 this fall and winter | Northwest Asian Weekly7 months ago
As the days grow shorter and temperatures begin to drop, infectious disease specialists like Dr. Helen Chu, professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, are gearing up for what promises to be a challenging fall and winter season. Chu is quoted. - Infectious disease experts warn of viral season, new tools to combat RSV introduced | KEPR Pasco7 months ago
Infectious disease doctors are sounding the alarm on the upcoming viral season. They tell us with last year's surge in RSV, there are now new tools to keep you and your family safe from the virus. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is interviewed. - Is Washington state in another COVID surge? | KUOW7 months ago
It seems that almost everyone knows someone who has COVID in Western Washington these days, or has heard of someone who has had it recently. But in this post-pandemic emergency era, how do we know if we're in a surge? Pavitra Roychoudhury, research assistant professor of laboratory medicine and pathology in the UW School of Medicine, and Dr. Helen Chu, professor of allergy and infectious disease in the UW School of Medicine, are quoted. - As COVID-19 cases rise, do we mask again? | Northwest Asian Weekly7 months ago
While we are seeing a similar pattern as in past years—COVID-19 cases are increasing as the fall sets in—the extent of the carnage is still much less than in previous years. Dr. Crystal Wong, clinical associate professor of family medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted. - COVID cases are rising in Seattle again | Seattle Met7 months ago
After a blessedly low number of King County Covid-19 cases in the earlier half of this year, we’ve been trending back upwards over the last several months. With a potential surge in the making, is it time to rethink, well, everything? Dr. John Lynch, associate professor of medicine and of allergy and infectious diseases in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted. - COVID still rearing its head as Snohomish County leaders urge people to get new booster | KIRO 77 months ago
The Snohomish County Health Department is asking residents to stay vigilant while the department monitors a rise in local COVID cases. Dr. Helen Chu, professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted. - CDC recommends updated COVID vaccines for ages 6 months and up | CNBC7 months ago
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday recommended that all Americans ages 6 months and older receive updated COVID shots from Pfizer and Moderna, clearing the way for Americans to start receiving the shots within days. Dr. Beth Bell, clinical professor of global health at the UW, is quoted. - CDC recommends new COVID booster shots for anyone 6 months and older | The Washington Post7 months ago
Virtually all Americans should get an updated coronavirus shot, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended Tuesday, with the vaccines expected to become available within 48 hours — as the respiratory illness season looms. Dr. Beth Bell, clinical professor of global health at the UW, is quoted. - How to check if expired tests still work as cases rise | CNBC8 months ago
Americans are digging out their unused at-home COVID-19 tests as the U.S. sees a new surge in cases. Some expired COVID-19 tests are still safe to use, if the Food and Drug Administration says the test has an extended expiration date. Otherwise, using expired tests without extensions could be unreliable. Pavitra Roychoudhury, acting instructor of laboratory medicine and pathology in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted. - When to wear masks as cases rise, new variants emerge in US | CNBC8 months ago
An uptick in COVID cases and hospitalizations in the U.S., and the emergence of new variants of the virus, are prompting questions about whether Americans should start masking up again. Pavitra Roychoudhury, acting instructor of laboratory medicine and pathology in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted. - It seems like everyone has COVID-19 — here’s why this wave is probably worse than official data suggests | CNN8 months ago
COVID-19 certainly didn’t take a vacation this summer. Virus levels in the U.S. have been on the rise for weeks, but it’s hard to know exactly how widely it’s spreading. Ali Mokdad, professor of health metrics sciences at the UW Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, is quoted. - Should you celebrate summer's end with a COVID booster or wait until fall? | KUOW8 months ago
According to the CDC, COVID cases are on the rise in several regions throughout the U.S. — including the Pacific Northwest. This may be bringing up some questions for you, like, what’s this new variant we’ve been hearing about? Or, what should I be doing about getting a booster? Dr. Seth Cohen, clinical assistant professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted. - Early signs suggest WA could see a late-summer COVID wave | The Seattle Times9 months ago
Some signs of a late-summer COVID-19 wave are beginning to emerge in Washington after months of low transmission levels. But researchers and public health officials aren’t too worried yet. Pavitra Roychoudhury, acting instructor of laboratory medicine and pathology in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted. - If you never got a COVID booster get one now, experts say | KUOW9 months ago
COVID cases and hospitalizations are ticking up slightly in Washington state and King County, so people are wondering if they should run out and get another COVID shot. Experts say some people should consider it: anyone who didn’t get last fall’s booster, and anyone who is over 65 or immunocompromised and didn’t get two of last fall’s shots. Dr. Shireesha Dhanireddy, professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted. - What to know about latest COVID strain, EG.5 | Axios Seattle9 months ago
While COVID-19 cases remain low in Seattle and Washington state, some researchers expect to see increased infections from a new strain that was named a variant of concern by the World Health Organization this week. Pavitra Roychoudhury, acting instructor of laboratory medicine and pathology in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted. - Western Washington may be getting hit with new wave of COVID-19 | MyNorthwest9 months ago
Western Washington may be heading into a summer wave of COVID-19 cases. People are testing less for COVID-19, but Pavitra Roychoudhury, acting instructor of laboratory medicine and pathology in the UW School of Medicine, is still finding evidence of it in her lab. - Health officials predict summer COVID wave | Northwest News Radio9 months ago
Health officials are warning of a summer COVID wave ahead. We’re not seeing any significant spikes in COVID case numbers in Washington with disease activity low compared to the height of the pandemic. Pavitra Roychoudhury, acting instructor of laboratory medicine and pathology in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted. - US vaccine program now flush with cash, but short on key details | The New York Times10 months ago
A $5 billion federal program aims to make better COVID vaccines. But vaccine makers are confused by murky regulatory guidance. Neil King, assistant professor of biochemistry in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted. - UW graduates reflect on the past four years ahead of commencement | KIRO 711 months ago
What was it like to kick off your college career at the start of the pandemic in 2020? That class is graduating from UW this weekend. KIRO 7 spoke with several UW students who reflected on the past four years. - What are the top symptoms of long COVID? | Everyday Health11 months ago
An ambitious new scientific investigation published in JAMA on May 25 proposed a list of 12 symptoms that can be used to identify long COVID. Researchers consider it a big first step in the quest to find treatment or even a cure for the condition. Dr. Jessica Bender, co-medical director at the UW Medicine Post-COVID-19 Rehabilitation and Recovery Clinic, is quoted. - China is bracing for a massive new wave of COVID cases — what this means for the rest of the world | Fortune11 months ago
Cases of Omicron variant XBB are mounting in China, forming a new wave expected to crest around 65 million cases weekly by the end of June. Ali Mokdad, professor of health metrics sciences at the UW Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, is quoted. - End of COVID emergency highlights US weakness in tracking outbreaks | The Washington Post12 months ago
When the COVID public health emergency ends May 11, American labs, hospitals and state health departments will likely report less comprehensive data to the CDC. That will make it more difficult for the agency to protect Americans. David Fleming, clinical associate professor of epidemiology at the UW, is quoted. - US Surgeon General says country seeing epidemic of loneliness, WA health leaders weigh in | KEPR Pasco12 months ago
The U.S. Surgeon General says the country is suffering from an epidemic of loneliness. We talked to state health leaders who tell us the condition can make an impact on your health. Patrick Raue, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted. - Opinion: COVID responses across the US: What worked, what didn’t, and what made a difference | South Seattle Emerald12 months ago
"While COVID isn’t entirely behind us yet, most of the emergency declarations are expiring, and the public health community is now finally getting around to understanding who responded well, who didn’t, and what made a difference," writes freelancer Kevin Schofield. A study from the UW’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation is featured. - Spring COVID-19 booster now available, as Health Leaders continue to monitor new variant | KEPR12 months ago
Health Leaders from the UW School of Medicine say a second Bivalent COVID-19 vaccine booster is now available. Doctors say some may need it more than others. Dr. Shireesha Dhanireddy, professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted. - COVID variant 'Arcturus' is spreading: What to know about XBB.1.16 | NBC News12 months ago
XBB.1.16 — dubbed “Arcturus” on social media — is another descendant of Omicron. It was first detected in early January, and the majority of cases have been seen in India so far. It’s been steadily rising in the U.S. in recent weeks, although it still made up slightly less than 10% of new confirmed COVID cases as of Saturday, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Ali Mokdad, professor of health metrics sciences at the UW Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, is quoted. - COVID-19 booster from last fall sufficient to fight variants, UW Medicine doctor says | MyNorthwest12 months ago
The COVID-19 booster that became available last fall should provide ample protection against emerging virus variants, according to UW Medicine. Dr. Shireesha Dhanireddy, professor of medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is quoted. - Latinos in Washington likely suffering silently from long COVID | South Seattle Emerald1 year ago
A new study seeks to discover how many Latinos in Washington state are experiencing prolonged medical symptoms after a COVID-19 infection without realizing it. Dr. Leo Morales, professor of medicine at the UW School of Medicine and co-director of the UW Latino Center for Health, is quoted. Dr. Janna Friedly, professor of medicine and of rehabilitation medicine in the UW School of Medicine, is mentioned. - Who needs a COVID vaccine? What CDC, WHO, experts say | Miami Herald1 year ago
Certain people may benefit more from additional COVID-19 vaccines — but new global guidance says vaccinating healthy children and teenagers against the virus can now be considered a “low priority.” Ali Mokdad, professor of health metrics sciences at the UW Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, is quoted.