Michael H Merson
Michael Howard Merson
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Interim Chair of the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Clinical Professor of Global and Environmental Health
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Professional overview
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Michael Merson is Interim Chair of the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences and a Clinical Professor of Global and Environmental Health at NYU. He also the William Joklik Emeritus Professor of Medicine and Global Health at Duke University, where he served as the founding director of the Duke Global Health Institute and as Vice President and Vice Provost for Global Affairs. His current research is focused on policy issues related to the response to pandemics, evaluating the rollout of Paxlovid in low-income countries and on ways to regain trust in public health.
Prior to NYU, he joined the faculty at Yale University as its first Dean of Public Health. Before entering academia, between 1980 and 1995, Dr. Merson served as director of the World Health Organization (WHO) programs on Diarrheal Diseases and Acute Respiratory Infections, and subsequently the WHO Global Program on AIDS. He has authored over 150 articles, is the senior editor of a leading global health textbook “Global Health: Disease, Programs, Systems, and Policies” and lead author of The AIDS Pandemic: Searching for a Global Response on the history of the global response to AIDS. He has served in advisory capacities for UNAIDS, WHO, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria, World Bank, World Economic Forum, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and was an advisor to various private sector entities on the COVID-19 pandemic. He has two honorary degrees and is a member of the National Academy of Medicine.
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Education
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B.A., 1966, cum laude, Amherst College, Amherst, MassachusettsM.D., 1970, summa cum laude, SUNY, Health Sciences Center at Brooklyn, New York
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Honors and awards
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Consortium of Universities for Global Health (CUGH) Distinguished Leadership Award (2018)Duke Medical Alumni Association Distinguished Faculty Award (2017)Master Teacher Award in Preventive Medicine, Downstate Medical Center (2010)Outstanding Contribution to the Campaign Against HIV/AIDS, Russian Association Against AIDS (2000)Connecticut Health Commissioner’s AIDS Leadership Award (1998)Connecticut Health Commissioner’s AIDS Leadership Award (1997)Frank Babbott Alumni Award (1995)Surgeon General's Exemplary Service Medal (1993)Commendation Medal, US Public Health Service; (1986)Arthur S. Flemming Award for Outstanding Federal Service (1983)Commendation Medal, US Public Health Service (1975)
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Publications
Publications
Salmonellosis in the united states, 1968-1974
AbstractRyder, R. W., Merson, M. H., Pollard, R. A., & Gangarosa, E. J. (n.d.).Publication year
1976Journal title
Journal of Infectious DiseasesVolume
133Issue
4Page(s)
483-486Abstract~Travelers' Diarrhea in Mexico : A Prospective Study of Physicians and Family Members Attending a Congress
AbstractMerson, M. H., Morris, G. K., Sack, D. A., Wells, J. G., Feeley, J. C., Sack, R. B., Creech, W. B., Kapikian, A. Z., & Gangarosa, E. J. (n.d.).Publication year
1976Journal title
New England Journal of MedicineVolume
294Issue
24Page(s)
1299-1305AbstractWe conducted a prospective study of travelers' diarrhea on 73 physicians and 48 family members attending a medical congress in Mexico City, in October, 1974. Fecal and blood specimens were collected before, during and after their visit and examined for enteric bacterial pathogens, viruses and parasites. In 59 (49 per cent) participants travelers' diarrhea developed. Median duration of illness was five days. Onset occurred a median of six days after arrival. An etiologic agent was found in 63 per cent of ill participants. Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli of different, non-“enteropathogenic” serotypes was the most common cause; other responsible pathogens included salmonellae, invasive Esch. coli., shigellae, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Giardia lamblia and the human reovirus-like agent. Consumption of salads containing raw vegetables was associated with enterotoxigenic Esch. coli infection (P = 0.014). Travelers' diarrhea in Mexico is a syndrome caused by a variety of pathogens, the most common of which is enterotoxigenic Esch. coli. (N Engl J Med 294:1299–1305, 1976) AMERICANS traveling in foreign countries often experience “travelers' diarrhea” shortly after arrival. This illness can be mild and short-lived but is sometimes prolonged and incapacitating. In travelers to Mexico the illness which is frequently called “turista” or ”Montezuma's revenge,” has an attack rate of 24 to 50 per cent.123The cause of “turista” was unknown until a recent study demonstrated that strains of Escherichia coli that produce heat-labile enterotoxin play an important part.3The vehicles responsible for this illness have not been identified, and thus preventive measures have been difficult to define. To characterize more clearly the clinical, epidemiologic and.A CONTINUING COMMON-SOURCE OUTBREAK OF BOTULISM IN A FAMILY
AbstractHorwitz, M. A., Marr, J. S., Merson, M. H., Dowell, V. R., & Ellis, J. M. (n.d.).Publication year
1975Journal title
The LancetVolume
306Issue
7940Page(s)
861-863AbstractIn December, 1974, three cases of botulism occurred in a family; two were fatal. The first patient died after a 10-day illness without botulism being suspected. 4 days later, after a 2-day illness, the second patient was diagnosed as having botulism after a cardiorespiratory arrest; she died 3 days later. In the third patient, the only symptom was dysphagia. Clostridium botulinum type B was found in stool specimens from all three patients. Home-canned (bottled) mushrooms, which were found to contain C. botulinumtype B and its toxin, were believed to be responsible for the outbreak; mushrooms were found at necropsy in the gastrointestinal tracts of both patients who died. Heat treatment of the mushrooms during canning had been inadequate.A new criterion for implicating Clostridium perfringens as the cause of food poisoning
AbstractMerson, M. H., Dowell, V. R., Torres-Anjel, M. J., Riemann, H. P., Merson, M., Whaley, D., & Darland, G. (n.d.).Publication year
1975Journal title
Revista Latinoamericana de MicrobiologiaVolume
17Issue
3Page(s)
137-142AbstractFor the first time the enterotoxin of Clostridium perfringens type A (CPE) was demonstrated in stools from patients suffering from the specific type of 'food poisoning'. Sensitivity was 100% and specificity 94% vs. diarrhea reporting. The only person in which the CPE was demonstrated without his reporting diarrhea, had consumed implicated food; and the suspect strain, Hobb's type 1, was isolated from him. The samples were studied in a 'blind' fashion, during an outbreak epidemiologically and bacteriologically assigned to C. perfringens. The methodology was based on reversed, passive, hemagglutination. Glutaraldehyde was both the fixative as well as Y globulin sensitizer (from anti CPE rabbit serum), upon sheep red blood cells. The simplicity of the test will allow for detection of CPE in stools from patients at local public health laboratories of any capacity. Protocols to be followed in further outbreaks are recommendedDIARRHŒA ASSOCIATED WITH HEAT-STABLE ENTEROTOXIN-PRODUCING STRAINS OF ESCHERICHIA COLI
AbstractSack, D. A., Wells, J. G., Merson, M. H., Sack, R. B., & Morris, G. K. (n.d.).Publication year
1975Journal title
The LancetVolume
306Issue
7928Page(s)
239-241AbstractFive patients who developed acute watery diarrhœa while travelling in Mexico in October, 1974, were found to have enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli in their stool which produced heat-stable enterotoxin (S.T.) without producing heat-labile enterotoxin (L.T.). These S.T.-only E. coli,which have previously been described as causing diseases in animals, must now be regarded as pathogenic for humans as well.EPIDEMIOLOGY OF WATERBORNE DISEASE IN THE UNITED STATES, 1971-1973.
AbstractHughes, J. M., Merson, M. H., & Craun, G. F. (n.d.).Publication year
1975Page(s)
38-55AbstractReported outbreaks of waterborne disease most frequently involve semi-public systems which are frequently inadequately maintained and monitored. The most common system deficiencies associated with these outbreaks are lack of treatment of ground water and treatment deficiencies such as malfunctioning chlorinators. The most common factors associated with these outbreaks are treatment deficiencies and deficiencies in the distribution system. Data are tabulated and presented graphically.Food borne disease outbreaks in the United States, 1973
AbstractMerson, M. H., Hughes, J. M., Merson, M. H., & Pollard, R. A. (n.d.).Publication year
1975Journal title
Journal of Infectious DiseasesVolume
132Issue
2Page(s)
224-228Abstract~From the Center for Disease Control : outbreaks of waterborne for disease control: outbreaks of Waterborne disease in the United States, 1973
AbstractMerson, M. H., Hughes, J. M., Merson, M. H., Craun, G. F., & McCabe, L. J. (n.d.).Publication year
1975Journal title
Journal of Infectious DiseasesVolume
132Issue
3Page(s)
336-339Abstract~Gastrointestinal Illness on Passenger Cruise Ships
AbstractMerson, M. H., Hughes, J. M., Wood, B. T., Yashuk, J. C., & Wells, J. G. (n.d.).Publication year
1975Journal title
JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical AssociationVolume
231Issue
7Page(s)
723-727AbstractMedical logs of 2,445 cruises taken by 38 vessels over a 20-month period beginning Jan 1, 1972, were reviewed. On 92% of the cruises, the recorded incidence of gastrointestinal illness was 1% or less; on 2% of cruises, it was 5% or greater. The actual incidence of gastrointestinal illness determined by a questionnaire survey of passengers sailing on nine cruises was found to be at least four times as high as that recorded in the medical logs. Although the cause of the illnesses was not known, there was evidence that transmission took place aboard ship. A survey of food-handling practices and water systems aboard selected ships demonstrated a significant potential for transmission of foodborne and waterborne disease.Shigellosis at sea : An outbreak aboard a passenger cruise ship
AbstractMerson, M. H., Tenney, J. H., Meyers, J. D., Wood, B. T., Wells, J. G., Rymzo, W., Cline, B., Dewitt, W. E., Skaliy, P., & Mallison, G. F. (n.d.).Publication year
1975Journal title
American Journal of EpidemiologyVolume
101Issue
2Page(s)
165-175AbstractBetween June 23 and June 30. 1973, 90% of 650 passengers and at least 35% of 299 crew members experienced a diarrheal illness during a 7-day Caribbean cruise aboard a passenger cruise liner. Symptoms were consistent with shigellosis, and Shigella flexneri 6. Boyd 88 biotype, was isolated from rectal swabs taken from 8 of 35 ill passengers and 33 of 294 crew members. Epidemiologic evidence incriminated the ship's water, including ice, as the probable vehicle of transmission, and elevated coliform counts were found in potable water samples obtained aboard the vessel at the peak of the outbreak. Potential sources of contamination of the vessel's potable water supply were investigated, and improvements in the loading and chlorination of potable water were recommended.Toxigenic Turista
AbstractMerson, M. H. (n.d.).Publication year
1975Journal title
New England Journal of MedicineVolume
292Issue
18Page(s)
969-970AbstractBefore departing on their long awaited vacation, visit, or business trip to a foreign land, many Americans pack an ample supply of various pharmaceuticals for treatment of an anticipated diarrheal illness. The medications that they carry are as varied as the names given this affliction. Not to be taken lightly, this illness, most commonly referred to as travelers' diarrhea, has compromised the activity of American troops stationed in Europe and Vietnam, limited the performance of Olympic athletes, and altered the best laid plans of scientific visitors to international congresses. The clinical syndrome of travelers' diarrhea generally follows a typical pattern….Travelers’ Diarrhea
AbstractMerson, M. H., & Gangarosa, E. J. (n.d.).Publication year
1975Journal title
JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical AssociationVolume
234Issue
2Page(s)
200-201Abstract~An outbreak of Shigella sonnei gastroenteritis on colorado river raft trips
AbstractMerson, M. H., Goldmann, D. A., Boyer, K. M., Peterson, N. J., Patton, C., Everett, L. G., Downs, H., Steckler, A., & Barker, W. H. (n.d.).Publication year
1974Journal title
American Journal of EpidemiologyVolume
100Issue
3Page(s)
186-196AbstractMerson, M. H. (Enteric Disease Section, Bacterial Disease Branch, Center for Disease Control, Atlanta, Ga. 30333), D. A. Goldmann, K. M. Boyer, N. J. Peterson, C. Patton, L. G. Everett, H. Downs, A. Steckler and W. H. Barker, Jr. An outbreak of Shigella sonnei gastroenteritis on Colorado River raft trips. Am J Epidemiol 100:186-196, 1974.-In the summer of 1972 an extensive outbreak of acute gastroenteritis occurred among passengers and boatmen on Colorado River raft trips. The illness was characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever, and laboratory results indicated that the outbreak was caused by Shigella sonnei. Epidemiologic evidence suggested that illness originated among boatmen and spread to passengers primarily by person-to-person transmission. No common food or water vehicle could be identified as the source of the outbreak. A bacteriologic and chemical analysis of water from the Colorado River and some of its tributaries demonstrated that this water is unsuitable for drinking unless purified. As a result of the outbreak, the Colorado River Health Committee was created to establish guidelines for food and water handling and sewage disposal aboard the rafts and to initiate a health training course for boatmen.Current Trends in Botulism in the United States
AbstractMerson, M. H., Hughes, J. M., Dowell, V. R., Taylor, A., Barker, W. H., & Gangarosa, E. J. (n.d.).Publication year
1974Journal title
JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical AssociationVolume
229Issue
10Page(s)
1305-1308AbstractBetween 1970 and 1973, thirty outbreaks of food-borne botulism involving 91 cases and 21 deaths (23%) were reported to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Three of the 30 outbreaks were attributed to commercial foods. Six cases of wound botulism were also reported. Electromyography and a recently developed test for detection of botulinal toxin in human feces have facilitated the laboratory diagnosis of botulism. Intensive respiratory care and elimination of toxin from the gastrointestinal tract remain the most important aspects of therapy. The efficacy of botulinal antitoxin is unclear, and the rate of untoward reactions to its administration appears to be about 20%. Education of the home canner and enforcement of federal regulations established for the canning of low-acid foods by the food industry are vital to the prevention and control of botulism.Outbreaks of waterbone disease in the United States, 1971-1972
AbstractMerson, M. H., Merson, M. H., Barker, W. H., Craun, G. F., & McCabe, L. J. (n.d.).Publication year
1974Journal title
Journal of Infectious DiseasesVolume
129Issue
5Page(s)
614-615AbstractThere were 47 outbreaks of waterborne disease comprising 6,817 cases in 1971 and 1972 (18 in 1971 with 5,179 cases, and 29 in 1972 with 1,638 cases). 30 states reported at least one outbreak. The largest outbreak comprised approximately 3,500 cases, and occurrred in Pico Rivera, Calif., in the summer of 1971. The annual average number of reported outbreaks increased during these 2 years, as compared with the last three 5 yr periods, probably as a result of renewed interest in surveillance activities.Scombroid Fish Poisoning : Outbreak Traced to Commercially Canned Tuna Fish
AbstractMerson, M. H., Baine, W. B., Gangarosa, E. J., & Swanson, R. C. (n.d.).Publication year
1974Journal title
JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical AssociationVolume
228Issue
10Page(s)
1268-1269AbstractIn February 1973, scombroid fish poisoning occurred in 232 persons who had eaten from either of two lots of commercially canned tuna. Cases occurred in four states, with no reported hospitalizations or deaths. Patients became ill about 45 minutes after eating the fish; symptoms lasted about eight hours. Contaminated fish contained histamine levels of 68 to 280 mg/100 gm of fish muscle.Surveillance of foodborne disease in the United States, 1971-1972
AbstractMerson, M. H., Merson, M. H., Barker, W. H., & Taylor, A. (n.d.).Publication year
1974Journal title
Journal of Infectious DiseasesVolume
129Issue
3Page(s)
365-368AbstractSince 1966 the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has maintained surveillance of outbreaks of foodborne disease with the objective of preventing such outbreaks through an understanding of the responsible etiologic agents and contributing factors. In 1968 a standard form for reporting outbreaks to the CDC was made available to all state health departments. A foodborne disease outbreak is defined as an incident in which 2 or more persons experienced a similar illness, usually gastrointestinal, after ingesting a common food; and epidemiologic analysis implicated food as the source of the illness. Data on single cases, except for botulism and chemical poisonings, were not included. In 1972, 301 outbreaks affecting 14,559 persons were reported from 38 states. In contrast, in 1971, 320 outbreaks involving 13,453 persons were reported from 47 states. Laboratory confirmation was obtained in 45% of outbreaks in 1972 and in 29% of outbreaks in 1971. Bacterial pathogens accounted for over two thirds of laboratory confirmed outbreaks and over 95% of laboratory confirmed cases in both years. Chemical food poisonings were the second most commonly confirmed cause of outbreaks in both years. In 1972 and 1971 salmonellae and Staphylococcus aureus together were responsible for over 50% of confirmed outbreaks.Epidemiologic, Clinical and Laboratory Aspects of Wound Botulism
AbstractMerson, M. H., & Dowell, V. R. (n.d.).Publication year
1973Journal title
New England Journal of MedicineVolume
289Issue
19Page(s)
1005-1010AbstractAn analysis of the clinical, epidemiologic and laboratory aspects of nine patients with wound botulism showed that all had characteristic clinical findings, including respiratory paralysis. Five cases were reported between April, 1971, and November, 1972. Laboratory confirmation was obtained in six cases by demonstration of botulinal toxin in serum or isolation of Clostridium botulinum from a wound or both; all were Type A. Although four of the nine patients died, only one of the six most recent cases was fatal. Electromyography was helpful in confirming the diagnosis in three cases. A diagnosis of wound botulism should be considered when characteristic neurologic abnormalities are present and no food item can be implicated epidemiologically. Use of proper laboratory methods for detection of botulinal toxin and identification of clostridial isolates is imperative. (N Engl J Med 289:1005–1010, 1973).Origin of pleural fluid amylase in esophageal rupture.
AbstractMerson, M. H., Sherr, H. P., Light, R. W., Merson, M. H., Wolf, R. O., Taylor, L. L., & Hendrix, T. R. (n.d.).Publication year
1972Journal title
Annals of internal medicineVolume
76Issue
6Page(s)
985-986Abstract~