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.  

Gloves Do Not Replace Hand Hygiene-Reminder from WHO

Education Special Pathogens / HCID’s

Proper hand hygiene remains a top priority, and WHO continues to urge healthcare professionals and decision-makers to adopt it as a critical practice for saving lives, reducing costs, and minimizing environmental impact.

Lab Safety in Action: Bellevue Hospital (Region 2) NSPS Laboratory Training

Education Special Pathogens / HCID’s

NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue and NETEC held hands-on training to strengthen lab readiness for high-consequence infectious diseases (HCIDs) in the National Special Pathogen System (NSPS).

Mosquito Awareness Week: PAHO Director Urges Strengthened Surveillance and Vector Control

Education Special Pathogens / HCID’s

PAHO is calling for coordinated, cross-sector efforts across the Americas to strengthen mosquito control as diseases like dengue continue to surge.

NETEC Transmission Interrupted "Frontline Connections: Strengthening Our Resilience"

Current Outbreaks Education Special Pathogens / HCID’s Training

This episode explores what it takes to effectively prepare for and respond to high-consequence infectious diseases (HCIDs), focusing on the systems, strategies, and collaboration needed to protect patients and strengthen healthcare infrastructure against emerging threats.

Upcoming Events

WHO EPI-WIN Webinar: The New Face of Pandemic Preparedness Part 2

, 2025 - -

Part 2 of the EPI-WIN webinar, The New Face of Pandemic Preparedness, will examine key lessons from COVID-19, emerging global risks, and strategies to enhance future preparedness.

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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