Transmission Interrupted

In this summer-ready episode of "Transmission Interrupted," host Jill Morgan sits down with Dr. Andi Shane, Division Chief for Pediatric Infectious Disease at Emory and Medical Director of the Special Care Unit at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, to tackle the itchy, the icky, and the often misunderstood risks of summer: bugs, bites, and bathrooms. As families gear up for vacations, outdoor adventures, and the return to school, Jill and Dr. Shane break down the real dangers posed by bug bites and creepy-crawlies, offering practical guidance to parents for preventing itching, infections, and accidental exposures. They discuss best practices for using insect repellents on children, why covering up is sometimes easier said than done, and the importance of checking kids (and pets) for ticks—along with what tick-borne illnesses to watch out for as changing climates shift the landscape of risks across the country. The episode doesn’t shy away from common but uncomfortable realities like head lice, exploring why these unwelcome visitors are more gross than genuinely dangerous, and shares expert strategies for dealing with them calmly. Dr. Shane also covers hand hygiene, safe management of public restrooms, and the influx of “cooties” when kids return to school, offering memorable and sometimes hilarious tips for keeping families healthy through the literal and figurative messes of summer. Wrapping up, Jill and Dr. Shane emphasize the ongoing importance of vaccination, regular pediatric care, and practical steps every parent can take to minimize risks and avoid unexpected hospital visits. Whether you’re heading to camp, beach, or just the local playground, this episode is your guide to surviving and thriving through bugs, bites, and bathrooms. Questions or comments for NETEC? Contact us at info@netec.org. Visit Transmission Interrupted on the web at netec.org/podcast. Guests Andi Shane, MD, MPH, MSc Professor of Pediatrics and Division Chief, Division of Pediatric Infectious Disease Marcus Professor of Hospital Epidemiology and Infection Control Emory University School of Medicine and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Andi L. Shane, MD, MPH, MSc joined Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University in 2006 after completing an Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) fellowship at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and a Pediatric Infectious Disease fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco. Prior to her fellowship, Dr. Shane earned a medical degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans, followed by residency training with an additional year as a chief resident at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, NY. Dr. Shane has broad experience and interests in the field of pediatric infectious disease, including but not limited to the prevention and management of diarrheal disease, neonatal sepsis, vaccine effectiveness, and the applications of probiotics to infectious disease prevention and mitigation. In addition, she is committed to the care of children with infections with special pathogens in protected care environments working with children’s hospital preparedness teams. In her role as Marcus Professor of Hospital Epidemiology and Infection Control, she serves as the Medical Director of Hospital Epidemiology for Children’s, collaborating with the Children’s infection prevention and industrial hygiene teams. Dr. Shane currently serves as the Division Chief of Infectious Diseases. She holds an adjunct appointment in the Hubert Department of Global Health and is an Emory Global Health Faculty Fellow. Host Jill Morgan, RN Emory Healthcare, Atlanta, GA Jill Morgan is a registered nurse and a subject matter expert in personal protective equipment (PPE) for NETEC. For 35 years, Jill has been an emergency department and critical care nurse, and now splits her time between education for NETEC and clinical research, most of it centering around infection prevention and personal protective equipment. She is a member of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), ASTM International, and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) Resources NETEC - WebsiteNETEC - Transmission Interrupted PodcastNETEC - Resource LibraryNETEC - YouTube About NETEC A Partnership for Preparedness The National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center’s mission is to set the gold standard for special pathogen preparedness and response across health systems in the U.S. with the goals of driving best practices, closing knowledge gaps, and developing innovative resources. Our vision is a sustainable infrastructure and culture of readiness for managing suspected and confirmed special pathogen incidents across the United States public health and health care delivery systems. For more information visit NETEC on the web. NETEC Consultation Services Assess and Advance Your Readiness for Special Pathogens with Free, Expert Consulting. NETEC offers free virtual and onsite readiness consulting to help health care facilities and EMS agencies prepare for special pathogen events. Our targeted support services are delivered by experts selected and assigned to each inquiry based on the unique needs of your organization. Have a question? Ask a NETEC expert. For more information visit NETEC Consultation Services.

In this episode of Transmission Interrupted, host Jill Morgan sits down with Abbey Lowe, Associate Professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and the lead for the Special Pathogens Research Network (SPRN) Work Group One. Together, they break down the often-overlooked world of clinical research in special pathogens response—demystifying everything from Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) to the essential preparedness required for rapid research and ethical problem-solving during outbreaks. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, researcher, or just curious about what happens “behind the scenes” when new pathogens emerge, this episode is packed with insight. Abby Lowe offers a candid look at how networks like NETEC and SPRN prepare to blend the slow, methodical processes of research oversight with the urgent demands of outbreak response. The conversation also highlights the importance of ethics, patient consent, rapid protocol development, and how future expansion to more treatment centers might change the game. Tune in to learn how unglamorous but vital groundwork in research and ethics lays the foundation for saving lives—and improving care—when it matters most. Guest Abbey Lowe, PhD Abbey Lowe, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the College of Allied Health Professions, Department of Allied Health Professions Education, Research, and Practice, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and a UNMC Global Center for Health Security Scholar. She is affiliate faculty of Medical Humanities at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Abbey’s interests are at the intersection of ethics, health policy, and health security, and her research focuses on ethics in public health emergencies. Her research is grounded in mixed methods research leveraging her expertise in conducting structured and semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and facilitation. Abbey’s work has been published in the AMA Journal of Ethics, the Journal of Law, Medicine and Ethics, and the Journal of Public Health Policy, among others. Host Jill Morgan, RN Emory Healthcare, Atlanta, GA Jill Morgan is a registered nurse and a subject matter expert in personal protective equipment (PPE) for NETEC. For 35 years, Jill has been an emergency department and critical care nurse, and now splits her time between education for NETEC and clinical research, most of it centering around infection prevention and personal protective equipment. She is a member of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), ASTM International, and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). Resources NETEC Special Pathogens Research NetworkNETEC Resource Library: Research Design ResourcesTransmission Interrupted PodcastNETEC YouTubeNETEC Email Newsletter About NETEC A Partnership for Preparedness The National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center’s mission is to set the gold standard for special pathogen preparedness and response across health systems in the U.S. with the goals of driving best practices, closing knowledge gaps, and developing innovative resources. Our vision is a sustainable infrastructure and culture of readiness for managing suspected and confirmed special pathogen incidents across the United States public health and health care delivery systems. For more information visit NETEC on the web at NETEC.org. NETEC Consultation Services Assess and Advance Your Readiness for Special Pathogens with Free, Expert Consulting. NETEC offers free virtual and onsite readiness consulting to help health care facilities and EMS agencies prepare for special pathogen events. Our targeted support services are delivered by experts selected and assigned to each inquiry based on the unique needs of your organization. Have a question? Ask a NETEC expert. For more information visit NETEC's Consultation Services.

On this episode of Transmission Interrupted, host Jill Morgan sits down with Dr. John Horton, Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs for Gynecology and Obstetrics at Emory, to explore one of the most challenging intersections in healthcare: special pathogens and pregnancy. From emerging threats like Ebola and Marburg to familiar concerns like measles and chickenpox, they dive deep into what makes caring for pregnant patients so uniquely complex in the face of infectious diseases. Join us for a candid and insightful conversation on the evolving best practices for labor and delivery in high-risk situations. Dr. Horton shares lessons learned on the front lines, why compassion and humanity matter as much as protocol, and practical advice on infection prevention, disaster drills, and protecting both patients and healthcare workers. Whether you’re in obstetrics, infectious disease, emergency preparedness, or just curious about what makes pregnancy and pathogens such a tough clinical challenge, this episode is packed with fresh insights and actionable takeaways. Guest John Patrick Horton, MD, MBA Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs Gynecology and Obstetrics Department Emory University Dr. John Horton is the Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs for Emory University’s Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics. He also serves as Emory Healthcare’s Division Director for General Gynecology and Obstetrics, and Interim Operations Director for the Gynecologic Specialties Division. Additionally, Dr. Horton is the Director of the Obstetric Rapid Response Team at Emory Healthcare and is Associate Professor at the Emory University School of Medicine Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Host Jill Morgan, RN Emory Healthcare Jill Morgan is a registered nurse and a subject matter expert in personal protective equipment (PPE) for NETEC. For 35 years, Jill has been an emergency department and critical care nurse, and now splits her time between education for NETEC and clinical research, most of it centering around infection prevention and personal protective equipment. She is a member of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), ASTM International, and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). Resources NETEC:https://netec.orgNETEC Resource Library:https://repository.netecweb.org/NETEC YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@TheNETECNETEC Newsletter:https://netec.org/newsletter-sign-up/Transmission Interrupted:https://netec.org/podcast/ About NETEC A Partnership for Preparedness The National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center’s mission is to set the gold standard for special pathogen preparedness and response across health systems in the U.S. with the goals of driving best practices, closing knowledge gaps, and developing innovative resources. Our vision is a sustainable infrastructure and culture of readiness for managing suspected and confirmed special pathogen incidents across the United States public health and health care delivery systems. For more information visit NETEC on the web at www.netec.org. NETEC Consultation Services Assess and Advance Your Readiness for Special Pathogens with Free, Expert Consulting. NETEC offers free virtual and onsite readiness consulting to help health care facilities and EMS agencies prepare for special pathogen events. Our targeted support services are delivered by experts selected and assigned to each inquiry based on the unique needs of your organization. Have a question? Ask a NETEC expert. For more information visit: netec.org/consulting-services.

In this important episode of Transmission Interrupted, host Jill Morgan is joined by a distinguished panel of experts to provide a comprehensive update on respiratory illness trends for the 2025 season. Dr. Ryan Maves (infectious diseases and critical care medicine, Wake Forest University), Dr. Kari Simonson (pediatric infectious diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center), and Dr. John Horton (clinical affairs, gynecology and obstetrics, Emory University) share the latest data and evidence-based recommendations for healthcare providers and the public. The discussion covers the full spectrum of respiratory viruses currently impacting our communities, including influenza, RSV, COVID-19, and pertussis. The panel addresses the unique risks facing infants, children, pregnant individuals, older adults, and those with underlying health conditions. Listeners will gain valuable insight into current vaccine guidance, the role of updated testing strategies, and protective measures that go beyond vaccination—such as proper mask use, respiratory and hand hygiene, and the importance of source control and eye protection. This episode offers practical guidance for both healthcare workers and the public as we enter another busy respiratory virus season. Drawing on real-world experience and the latest research, our guests emphasize steps we can all take to reduce transmission, protect vulnerable populations, and maintain safety in both clinical and home settings. Guests John Patrick Horton, MD, MBA Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs for Gynecology and Obstetrics Emory University Dr. John Horton is the Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs for Emory University’s Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics. He also serves as Emory Healthcare’s Division Director for General Gynecology and Obstetrics, and Interim Operations Director for the Gynecologic Specialties Division. Additionally, Dr. Horton is the Director of the Obstetric Rapid Response Team at Emory Healthcare and is Associate Professor at the Emory University School of Medicine Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Ryan Maves, MD, FCCM, FCCP, FIDSA Professor in Infectious Disease and Critical Care Medicine Office of Global Health Wake Forest University Dr. Ryan Maves is a Professor of Medicine at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where he serves as medical director of transplant infectious diseases and as a faculty intensivist at North Carolina Baptist Hospital. A graduate of the University of Washington School of Medicine, he entered active duty in the U.S. Navy in 1999. He completed his residency in internal medicine and fellowships infectious diseases and critical care medicine at Naval Medical Center San Diego. During his military service, he served as the flight surgeon for Carrier Air Wing SEVENTEEN embarked onboard the USS George Washington (CVN-73), at the Naval Medical Research Unit No. 6 in Lima, Peru, conducting preclinical and clinical studies in antimicrobial drug resistance and vaccine development, as director of medical services at the NATO Role 3 Multinational Medical Unit at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, and as ID division chief and fellowship director in San Diego. He retired from active duty in 2021 and joined the faculty at Wake Forest. He is the chair of the ABIM Critical Care Medicine Examination Board, co-chair of the SCCM Congress Program Committee, and Chair-Elect of the Chest Infections and Disaster Response Network in CHEST, as well as deputy editor for outreach for the journal CHEST and contributing editor for Critical Care Explorations. He is an author of over 150 scientific manuscripts, 15 textbook chapters, and 100 conference abstracts and invited lectures. He lives in Winston-Salem with his wife, Robin, whom he met in the traditional manner (in the ICU, next to a ventilator), and their three children, Astrid, Robert, and Jonathan. Kari Simonsen, MD, MBA Professor, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Chair, Department of Pediatrics University of Nebraska Medical Center Kari A. Simonsen, MD, MBA, is the Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) and Pediatrician-in-Chief of Children’s Hospital and Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska. She is a tenured Professor of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and led for over a decade as division chief of Pediatric Infectious Disease at UNMC. She also served as Hospital Epidemiologist of Children’s Hospital and Medical Center in Omaha, NE from 2013-2020 and as Assistant Vice Chancellor for Faculty Affairs at UNMC from 2018-2019. Kari received her undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, her medical degree at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and her MBA at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. She completed pediatric residency at Indiana University, and fellowship in Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Brown University. Her research interests include pediatric infection prevention, hospital preparedness, and pediatric clinical trials in antimicrobial drug discovery and vaccines. Kari is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society, and a member of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America. Host Jill Morgan, RN Emory Healthcare, Atlanta, GA Jill Morgan is a registered nurse and a subject matter expert in personal protective equipment (PPE) for NETEC. For 35 years, Jill has been an emergency department and critical care nurse, and now splits her time between education for NETEC and clinical research, most of it centering around infection prevention and personal protective equipment. She is a member of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), ASTM International, and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). Resources NETEC Resource Library:repository.netecweb.orgTransmission Interrupted:netec.org/podcastNETEC YouTube:youtube.com/TheNETECNETEC:netec.org About NETEC A Partnership for Preparedness The National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center’s mission is to set the gold standard for special pathogen preparedness and response across health systems in the U.S. with the goals of driving best practices, closing knowledge gaps, and developing innovative resources. Our vision is a sustainable infrastructure and culture of readiness for managing suspected and confirmed special pathogen incidents across the United States public health and health care delivery systems. For more information visit NETEC on the web at www.netec.org. NETEC Consultation Services Assess and Advance Your Readiness for Special Pathogens with Free, Expert Consulting. NETEC offers free virtual and onsite readiness consulting to help health care facilities and EMS agencies prepare for special pathogen events. Our targeted support services are delivered by experts selected and assigned to each inquiry based on the unique needs of your organization. Have a question? Ask a NETEC expert. For more information visit: netec.org/consulting-services.

In this episode of Transmission Interrupted, host Jill Morgan sits down with Angie Vasa—one of NETEC’s seasoned experts in special pathogens preparedness. Together, they take a deep dive into the Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (VHF) Preparedness Checklist: a practical, accessible tool designed to help any healthcare facility—from small rural clinics to large urban hospitals—prepare for the challenges of identifying and caring for patients with high-consequence infectious diseases. Angie unpacks what sets special pathogens apart, walks through the checklist’s design, and explains how it’s tailored for frontline healthcare workers who need clear, actionable steps—even if they’re not disaster response experts. She and Jill explore how the tool aligns with Joint Commission standards, who should complete it, and what to do if gaps in preparedness are identified. You’ll gain practical insights into early identification, isolation, PPE, communication strategies, and more. Whether you’re an infection preventionist, emergency nurse, hospital administrator, or anyone involved in preparedness, this episode offers valuable tips to help you get ready for the “what if” moment—because ready or not, patients will come. Questions or comments for NETEC? Contact us at info@netec.org. Visit Transmission Interrupted on the web at netec.org/podcast. Host Jill Morgan, RN Emory Healthcare, Atlanta, GA Jill Morgan is a registered nurse and a subject matter expert in personal protective equipment (PPE) for NETEC. For 35 years, Jill has been an emergency department and critical care nurse, and now splits her time between education for NETEC and clinical research, most of it centering around infection prevention and personal protective equipment. She is a member of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), ASTM International, and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). Guest Angie Vasa, MSN, RN Angie Vasa is the Director of Biopreparedness and Special Pathogen Programs at Nebraska Medicine. She serves as the Director of Consulting Services and Metrics Development at NETEC and is the Program Director for the Region 7 Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Center. Resources Disaster Available Supplies in Hospitals (DASH) Tool:https://asprtracie.hhs.gov/dash-toolNETEC VHF Checklist:https://netec.org/vhfchecklistRequest the Readiness Assessment for Hospitals:https://netec.org/readiness-assessments/hospital-assessment-areas/hospital-readiness-assessment-sign-up/Need assistance? Ask NETEC:https://netec.org/consulting-services/ask-our-experts/NETEC:https://netec.org/NETEC Resource Library:https://repository.netecweb.orgTransmission Interrupted:https://netec.org/podcast/ About NETEC A Partnership for Preparedness The National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center’s mission is to set the gold standard for special pathogen preparedness and response across health systems in the U.S. with the goals of driving best practices, closing knowledge gaps, and developing innovative resources. Our vision is a sustainable infrastructure and culture of readiness for managing suspected and confirmed special pathogen incidents across the United States public health and health care delivery systems. For more information visit NETEC on the web at www.netec.org. NETEC Consultation Services Assess and Advance Your Readiness for Special Pathogens with Free, Expert Consulting. NETEC offers free virtual and onsite readiness consulting to help health care facilities and EMS agencies prepare for special pathogen events. Our targeted support services are delivered by experts selected and assigned to each inquiry based on the unique needs of your organization. Have a question? Ask a NETEC expert. For more information visit: netec.org/consulting-services.

On this episode of Transmission Interrupted, host Jill Morgan of Emory University Hospital is joined by Jade Flinn from Johns Hopkins Hospital and waste management experts Ashley Perry from Daniels Health, and Alex Chapman and Cara Simaga from Stericycle. Together, they unpack the practical and regulatory challenges of managing “Category A” infectious waste generated during the care of patients with special pathogens like Ebola, Marburg, and Lassa fever. Drawing from real-world experience, including a recent Lassa fever case, the panel explores communication breakdowns, the complexities of regulatory compliance, and the critical importance of cross-functional preparedness. They clarify what qualifies as Category A waste, how it differs from routine medical waste, and the meticulous multi-step process required for safe containment, packaging, and disposal. The discussion also highlights key takeaways from recent Joint Commission standards, the necessity of engaging waste vendors before an incident occurs, and actionable strategies to reduce risk—from the patient’s bedside to final disposal. Packed with practical guidance and expert insight, this episode is a must-listen for infection prevention, emergency preparedness, and clinical teams aiming to stay ready, protect staff, and safeguard their communities. Questions or comments for NETEC? Contact us at info@netec.org. Visit Transmission Interrupted on the web at netec.org/podcast. Guests Alex Chapman Director of Regulatory Affairs Stericycle Jade Flinn, MSN, RN, CCRN, CNRN Director of Operations, Special Pathogens Center, Biocontainment Unit The Johns Hopkins Hospital Ashley Perry Director, Hazardous Waste Services Daniels Health Cara Simaga, CHMM Senior Director, Regulatory Affairs Stericycle Host Jill Morgan, RN Emory Healthcare, Atlanta, GA Jill Morgan is a registered nurse and a subject matter expert in personal protective equipment (PPE) for NETEC. For 35 years, Jill has been an emergency department and critical care nurse, and now splits her time between education for NETEC and clinical research, most of it centering around infection prevention and personal protective equipment. She is a member of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), ASTM International, and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). Resources Daniels Health:Ebola & Other Category A Infectious WasteDaniels Health:Ebola Packaging Kit Instructions (PDF)PHMSADOT:Planning Guidance for Handling Category A Solid WastePHMSADOT:DOT Special Permit 16279Stericycle:Ebola Waste PreparednessStericycle:Ebola Waste Management Requirements & Packaging Procedures (PDF)NETEC:Category A Waste and Healthcare Facility Questions to Ask Your Waste VendorNETEC:Handle with Care: Special Pathogen Waste Management (Webinar)NETEC Resource Library:https://repository.netecweb.org About NETEC A Partnership for Preparedness The National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center’s mission is to set the gold standard for special pathogen preparedness and response across health systems in the U.S. with the goals of driving best practices, closing knowledge gaps, and developing innovative resources. Our vision is a sustainable infrastructure and culture of readiness for managing suspected and confirmed special pathogen incidents across the United States public health and health care delivery systems. For more information visit NETEC on the web at www.netec.org. NETEC Consultation Services Assess and Advance Your Readiness for Special Pathogens with Free, Expert Consulting. NETEC offers free virtual and onsite readiness consulting to help health care facilities and EMS agencies prepare for special pathogen events. Our targeted support services are delivered by experts selected and assigned to each inquiry based on the unique needs of your organization. Have a question? Ask a NETEC expert. For more information visit: netec.org/consulting-services. About This Episode This episode of Transmission Interrupted, a NETEC podcast, was recorded April 10th, 2025. Produced and edited by Benjamin Mattson. Additional support provided by Britton Clark, Veronica Lavarro, Jason Noble, and Lisa Stone. Special thanks to our guests and the subject matter experts at NETEC for their insight and guidance. This podcast is supported by the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response. For more information, tools, and training on special pathogen preparedness, visit netec.org. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Thank you for tuning in to Transmission Interrupted.

In this episode, host Jill Morgan explores essential steps for a safe vacation, highlighting the risks of unexpected illnesses while traveling. She’s joined by Dr. Henry Wu, associate professor of infectious diseases at Emory University and director of the Emory TravelWell Center, and Dr. Laura Dickson, assistant professor in UTMB’s Department of Microbiology and Immunology. Together, they discuss key health precautions—from vaccinations to mosquito repellents—to help you stay healthy and make the most of your next travel adventure. Whether you’re heading to a tropical destination or just want to stay informed about travel health, this episode provides expert advice and practical tips to ensure you return home with great memories—not an unwanted illness. Tune in now for Spring Break Fever: Travel Health Tips for a Safe Trip on Transmission Interrupted. Questions or comments for NETEC? Contact us at info@netec.org. Visit Transmission Interrupted on the web at netec.org/podcast. Guests Laura Dickson, PhD Assistant Professor, Dept. of Microbiology and Immunology UTMB Henry Wu, MD, DTM&H Associate Professor, Division of Infectious Diseases, Dept. of Medicine Emory School of Medicine Host Jill Morgan, RN Emory Healthcare, Atlanta, GA Jill Morgan is a registered nurse and a subject matter expert in personal protective equipment (PPE) for NETEC. For 35 years, Jill has been an emergency department and critical care nurse, and now splits her time between education for NETEC and clinical research, most of it centering around infection prevention and personal protective equipment. She is a member of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), ASTM International, and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). Resources CDC About Mosquito Bites:https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/about/about-mosquito-bites.htmlCDC Traveler's Health Website:https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travelEmory TravelWell Center:https://www.emoryhealthcare.org/centers-programs/travelwell/U.S. State Department Travel Advisories:https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/Travel-Related Infectious Diseases: A Guide for Health Care Professionals:https://netec.org/2023/08/08/travel-related-infectious-diseases-a-guide-for-health-care-professionals/NETEC Resource Library:https://repository.netecweb.org About NETEC A Partnership for Preparedness The National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center’s mission is to set the gold standard for special pathogen preparedness and response across health systems in the U.S. with the goals of driving best practices, closing knowledge gaps, and developing innovative resources. Our vision is a sustainable infrastructure and culture of readiness for managing suspected and confirmed special pathogen incidents across the United States public health and health care delivery systems. For more information visit NETEC on the web at www.netec.org. NETEC Consultation Services Assess and Advance Your Readiness for Special Pathogens with Free, Expert Consulting. NETEC offers free virtual and onsite readiness consulting to help health care facilities and EMS agencies prepare for special pathogen events. Our targeted support services are delivered by experts selected and assigned to each inquiry based on the unique needs of your organization. Have a question? Ask a NETEC expert. For more information visit: netec.org/consulting-services.

Navigating CCHF: Risks, Prevention, and Health Care Precautions In this episode of Transmission Interrupted, host Jill Morgan, explores the complex world of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) alongside two esteemed guests: Dr. Dennis Bente, Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at The University of Texas Medical Branch, and Dr. Saima Ali, Head of the Department of Emergency Medicine at the Indus Hospital and Health Network. Together they discuss the origins, transmission, and geographical spread of CCHF, discussing its substantial impact on rural health systems and the essential role of early diagnostic testing. With a focus on the challenges faced by health care workers and the crucial need for preventative measures and rapid response, this episode is a compelling look at how interconnected our global health landscape has become. Tune in to learn about the latest developments in vaccines, the significance of personal protective equipment, and the need for heightened awareness and preparedness in combating this often-overlooked yet serious pathogen. Questions or comments for NETEC? Contact us at info@netec.org. Visit Transmission Interrupted on the web at netec.org/podcast. Guests Saima Ali, FCPS, MHPE Head of the Department of Emergency Medicine (Adult section) Indus Hospital and Health Network (IHHN) Dr. Saima Ali, FCPS, MHPE, is the head of the Department of Emergency Medicine (Adult Section) at the Indus Hospital and Health Network in Pakistan. She is a clinician educator and has an interest in EM curriculum development, and contextual educational research, and is an advocate of patients’ rights, safety, and maintaining the highest standards of quality healthcare in Emergency Medicine, rooted in social accountability. Dennis Bente, DVM, PhD Professor, Department of Microbiology & Immunology The University of Texas Medical Branch Dr. Dennis Bente, DVM, PhD, is a professor in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology at UTMB Health. Bente is a globally-trained virologist, research scientist, and educator working to understand better the effects of tick-borne viruses on human and animal health. He co-hosts the podcast "The Infectious Science Podcast," which takes complex infectious disease topics and turns them into accessible and enjoyable listening for a broad audience. Host Jill Morgan, RN Emory Healthcare, Atlanta, GA Jill Morgan is a registered nurse and a subject matter expert in personal protective equipment (PPE) for NETEC. For 35 years, Jill has been an emergency department and critical care nurse, and now splits her time between education for NETEC and clinical research, most of it centering around infection prevention and personal protective equipment. She is a member of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), ASTM International, and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). Resources NETEC FAQ: Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF):https://repository.netecweb.org/items/show/1693NETEC SBAR: Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF):https://repository.netecweb.org/items/show/1865NETEC Health Care Facility Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (VHF) Preparedness Checklist:https://repository.netecweb.org/items/show/1724NETEC Laboratory Resources: Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF):https://repository.netecweb.org/items/show/1698NETEC Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHFs) PPE Matrix:https://repository.netecweb.org/items/show/1693CDC Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever resources:https://www.cdc.gov/crimean-congo-hemorrhagic/about/index.htmlNETEC Resource Library:https://repository.netecweb.org About NETEC A Partnership for Preparedness The National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center’s mission is to set the gold standard for special pathogen preparedness and response across health systems in the U.S. with the goals of driving best practices, closing knowledge gaps, and developing innovative resources. Our vision is a sustainable infrastructure and culture of readiness for managing suspected and confirmed special pathogen incidents across the United States public health and health care delivery systems. For more information visit NETEC on the web at www.netec.org. NETEC Consultation Services Assess and Advance Your Readiness for Special Pathogens with Free, Expert Consulting. NETEC offers free virtual and onsite readiness consulting to help health care facilities and EMS agencies prepare for special pathogen events. Our targeted support services are delivered by experts selected and assigned to each inquiry based on the unique needs of your organization. Have a question? Ask a NETEC expert. For more information visit: netec.org/consulting-services.