SPECTRE Regional Newsletter

This week's news!

Stay updated with the latest news, events, and resources on special pathogen preparedness and response in HHS Region VI. Our newsletter covers infection control standards, training events, public health initiatives, and outbreak updates.  

NETEC Webinar "Handle with Care": Key Takeaways on Special Pathogen Waste Management

Education Special Pathogens / HCID’s Training

The NETEC webinar "Handle with Care: Special Pathogen Waste Management" highlighted the importance of regulatory compliance, planning, and coordination in managing special pathogen waste. It also emphasized best practices such as minimizing waste, proper packaging, staff training, and maintaining clear protocols to ensure safe disposal and protect public health.

GOARN Marks 25 Years of Advancing Global Health Emergency Preparedness and Response

Education Special Pathogens / HCID’s

Over the past 25 years, GOARN, coordinated by WHO, has supported over 175 health emergencies in 114 countries, deploying expert teams and strengthening local response systems to become a cornerstone of global health preparedness.

"Strengthening Preparedness Through Partnership" SPECTRE Hosts NETEC-Led Training

Education In-Person Events Special Pathogens / HCID’s Training

The Special Pathogens Excellence in Clinical Treatment, Readiness, Research, and Education (SPECTRE) program proudly partnered with the National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center (NETEC) to host a specialized training for healthcare professionals across HHS Region 6.

Upcoming Events

HHS/ASPR Project ECHO Clinical Readiness Rounds Session "Key Clinical Readiness Skills for Everyone in the Health Care Workforce"

, 2025 - -

Key Clinical Readiness Skills for Everyone in the Health Care Workforce emphasizes the importance of building essential skills like communication, teamwork, and adaptability to ensure effective responses in healthcare settings. Join the upcoming session to learn how to strengthen these critical skills and improve your team's readiness for any situation.

WHO EPI-WIN Webinar: Update on Chikungunya Virus Disease Outbreak: Focus on the Indian Ocean

, 2025 - -

The webinar will address the growing chikungunya outbreak in the Indian Ocean region, with rising cases in la Réunion, Mauritius, and Mayotte. It will cover current epidemiological trends, national response efforts, and recent developments in vaccine research to support coordinated action against chikungunya and other mosquito-borne viruses.

TEPHI GRAND ROUND SEMINAR SERIES "Human Prion Diseases"

, 2025 - -

Join the upcoming TEPHI Grand Rounds webinar with Dr. Brian Appleby to explore prion diseases and the vital role of ongoing U.S. surveillance efforts.

Measles 101 Town Hall

Stay informed and protect your community! Watch this important town hall from the Houston Health Department on recent measles cases, symptoms, and prevention. Dr. Susan McLellan, MD, MPH, Director of SPECTRE at UTMB, joins as a presenter to share expert insights on measles preparedness and response. 

Expert Q&A

Got a question about special pathogens, infection control, or emergency management? Submit it to our experts! Your question could be featured, along with our response, in an upcoming newsletter. This is your chance to get personalized insights from our team.

Expert Q&A

Share your ideas!

We want to hear from you! If you have any special pathogens, news stories or topics you think we should cover, please let us know. 

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