Hantavirus and the penile implant surgeon

The hantavirus outbreak, which began on a Dutch cruise ship and was first reported to the World Health Organization on May 2, has left 3 people dead, a handful of others sick, and the US, Swiss, and British governments monitoring individuals who had been on the ship for symptoms of the illness.

Dr. Brian Christine, assistant secretary for health at the Department of Health and Human Services (DHS), gave an update on the potentially infected American passengers, who are quarantined in a Nebraska medical center.

"At the Department of Health and Human Services, our approach is grounded in science, and it's grounded in transparency," he said. "This is what a strong public health system looks like: experienced professionals, seamless coordination, and a shared commitment to protecting the American people. We'll continue to follow the science. We will stay vigilant."

Comforting words from Dr. Christine. However, questions have arisen regarding the doctor’s qualifications to serve as one of the Trump administration's top officials overseeing infectious disease policy.

As reported in Rolling Stone magazine, he has no background in virology or infectious disease epidemiology, with virtually no experience in public health. He is, however, a surgical urologist specializing in penile implants.

He once hosted a YouTube video series, “The Erection Connection,” and posted topics including "Revising a Mis-Shapen Penile Implant" and "Getting the Right Cuff Size During Artificial Sphincter Surgery."

During the Biden administration, he spread conspiracy theories about the COVID-19 vaccine, suggesting they were part of a larger plot to control the beliefs and behaviors of the American public. He also stated in Senate confirmation hearings that there was "no question" that COVID-19 and the subsequent government response had been used to favor Biden in the elections.

Perhaps these opinions were the strongest credentials in the President's eyes for making Dr. Christine one of the most visible government officials overseeing the response to the hantavirus outbreak.

I’m not making light of those who have died and the others battling the illness. We’re still a pandemic-weary world, and I hope that all those in charge around the globe will share their findings and successfully contain this virus.