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.

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. 

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.  

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. 

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).

• NETEC Resource Library: repository.netecweb.org
• Transmission Interrupted: netec.org/podcast
• NETEC YouTube: youtube.com/TheNETEC
• NETEC: netec.org

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.

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 dives deep into the world of personal protective equipment (PPE) for EMS professionals. Jill is joined by Chad Bowman, Nurse Manager for the Johns Hopkins Lifeline Critical Care Transport Team, and Elizabeth "Liz" Lenz, Captain with Denver Health Paramedic Division. Together, they tackle the unique challenges EMS teams face in keeping themselves safe from infectious diseases while working in unpredictable environments.

From recognizing when PPE is needed on a call and picking the right ensemble, to training, burnout, and the impact of environmental conditions—Jill, Chad, and Liz share real-world stories and valuable insights. They explore topics like adapting PPE to unpredictable situations, fostering a culture of safety and preparedness, and what operationally sound means for EMS agencies of all sizes. Plus, they offer practical advice for building PPE proficiency and keeping frontline workers protected.

You’ll hear about the importance of communication, the role of ongoing training (even on a budget), and why no two EMS agencies are the same when it comes to getting PPE right. Whether you’re in EMS, hospital-based care, or just passionate about healthcare worker safety, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and relatable stories.

Key topics include:

• EMS-specific PPE challenges & solutions
• When and how PPE decisions are made in the field
• Adapting to tough environments: weather, resources, and teamwork
• Overcoming PPE fatigue and burnout post-pandemic
• Strategies for effective training and resource utilization
• Building a system-wide culture of safety—from the 911 call to hospital handoff

Tune in for an engaging, insightful conversation that will leave you thinking differently about what it means to stay safe on the frontlines.

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).

Chad has dedicated 20 years to emergency services, bringing a wealth of experience in emergency medical services (EMS), critical care, trauma, resuscitation, and transport nursing. He also has nine years of involvement in preparedness and response activities for biocontainment care and the transport of patients with suspected or confirmed high-consequence infectious diseases (HCID). 

Currently, Chad serves as the Nurse Manager for the Johns Hopkins Lifeline Critical Care Transport Team and the Director of Transport Operations at the Johns Hopkins Special Pathogen Center. He oversees the daily clinical operations of the Lifeline team and manages HCID transport operations. Additionally, Chad contributes his expertise as a Subject Matter Expert on the NETEC EMS Biosafety Workgroup. 

I am an experienced EMS leader and paramedic with over a decade of service at the Denver Health Paramedic Division, currently serving as Captain. I specialize in emergency response operations, team leadership, high-risk infectious disease transport, and large-scale special event medical planning. Throughout my career, I’ve consistently taken on roles requiring critical decision-making, personnel management, and strategic coordination within complex healthcare systems.

With dual degrees in Kinesiology and Psychology and a Certificate in Paramedicine, I bring a strong foundation in both the science and human dynamics of emergency care. I'm a Nationally Registered Paramedic and certified by the State of Colorado and American Heart Association in ACLS, PALS, and BLS.

In addition to EMS, I have a background in executive support, event planning, and nonprofit development—having served the Colorado Department of Education and the CU Foundation in roles focused on logistics, stakeholder engagement, and operations management.

My strengths include effective communication, adaptability, and a passion for continuous improvement. Whether managing high-pressure 911 calls or coordinating public health responses, I remain driven by a deep commitment to patient care and public service.

• EMS Infectious Disease Playbook: https://asprtracie.hhs.gov/technical-resources/resource/4442/ems-infectious-disease-playbook
• NETEC Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Featured Resources: https://netec.org/education-training/emergency-medical-services-ems-featured-resources/
• Need assistance? Ask NETEC: https://netec.org/consulting-services/ask-our-experts/
• NETEC Resource Library: https://repository.netecweb.org
• Transmission Interrupted: https://netec.org/podcast/

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.

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 [email protected].

Visit Transmission Interrupted on the web at netec.org/podcast.

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).

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.

• Disaster Available Supplies in Hospitals (DASH) Tool: https://asprtracie.hhs.gov/dash-tool
• NETEC VHF Checklist: https://netec.org/vhfchecklist
• Request 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.org
• Transmission Interrupted: https://netec.org/podcast/

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.

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, join host Jill Morgan and special guests Syra Madad, Darrell Ruby, and Tim Scholten for a practical, nationwide look at drills and exercises in special pathogen preparedness. The group breaks down the difference between drills and exercises, shares real-world stories from hospitals across the U.S., and offers advice on implementing effective, HSEEP-compliant training—even with limited resources. Whether you're new to emergency management or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with actionable tips on building readiness, meeting regulatory requirements, and ensuring the safety of both staff and patients. Don’t miss the inside scoop on "mystery patient drills," the importance of flexibility, and how to turn every simulation into real-world improvement.

Questions or comments for NETEC? Contact us at [email protected].

Visit Transmission Interrupted on the web at netec.org/podcast.

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).

Chief Biopreparedness Officer

NYC Health + Hospitals

Regional Coordinator

Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and Children's Hospital

RESPTC Program Manager

Corewell Health

CDC: Notes from the Field: Response to a Case of Travel-Associated Lassa Fever — Iowa, October–November 2024

FEMA: Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program

NETEC: Special Pathogen Mystery Drill Toolkit Drill, Functional & Full-Scale Template

NETEC: Special Pathogen Readiness Tracer

NETEC: Joint Commission Standards for High Consequence Infectious Disease (HCID) Infection Control Resources

NETEC Exercise Templates

NETEC Resource Library

NETEC website: NETEC.org

Transmission Interrupted: netec.org/podcast

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.

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 [email protected].

Visit Transmission Interrupted on the web at netec.org/podcast.

Director of Regulatory Affairs

Stericycle

Director of Operations, Special Pathogens Center, Biocontainment Unit  

The Johns Hopkins Hospital 

Director, Hazardous Waste Services

Daniels Health

Senior Director, Regulatory Affairs

Stericycle

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).

• Daniels Health: Ebola & Other Category A Infectious Waste
• Daniels Health: Ebola Packaging Kit Instructions (PDF)
• PHMSADOT: Planning Guidance for Handling Category A Solid Waste
• PHMSADOT: DOT Special Permit 16279
• Stericycle: Ebola Waste Preparedness
• Stericycle: Ebola Waste Management Requirements & Packaging Procedures (PDF)
• NETEC: Category A Waste and Healthcare Facility Questions to Ask Your Waste Vendor
• NETEC: Handle with Care: Special Pathogen Waste Management (Webinar)
• NETEC Resource Library: https://repository.netecweb.org

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.

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.

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 honor of May’s National Nurses Week, EMS Week, Hospital Week, and more, Transmission Interrupted celebrates the frontline professionals who stand at the crossroads of care, safety, and preparedness.

In this special episode, host Jill Morgan is joined by a panel of experts from across the country: Tristan Twohig, an emergency department nurse from Spokane, Washington; Caroline Persson, who co-leads the NETEC IPC and BCU leadership workgroups and joins from Denver Health; and Stefanie Lane, co-leader of the NETEC Regional Coordination workgroup from Mass General in Boston.

Together, they unpack the real-world challenges facing frontline healthcare providers—the moments when communication breaks down between EMS and hospital teams, the risks of missed or unclear handoffs, and the persistent gaps in infection prevention. The panel shares stories from the field, discusses the importance of the “identify, isolate, inform” model, and explores strategies for strengthening resilience and teamwork across emergency settings.

Whether you’re a healthcare worker, a leader, or simply curious about how our health systems come together in high-risk scenarios, this episode amplifies the voices of those who make healthcare resilient from the ground up.

Questions or comments for NETEC? Contact us at [email protected].

Visit Transmission Interrupted on the web at netec.org/podcast.

Biothreats Program Manager, Center for Disaster Medicine  

Massachusetts General Hospital

Stefanie Lane serves as a Biothreats Program Manager within the MGH Center for Disaster Medicine. In this role, she ensures operational readiness of the special pathogens program, spearheads the development of novel educational modalities (including XR/VR) for high-risk low frequency events, and serves as a SME/liaison between the EMS and healthcare facilities. Stefanie has an extensive background in education and has designed and facilitated a wide variety of training courses. She has eighteen years of experience as an Emergency Medical Technician, where she has served as a training coordinator and board member for ambulance services in Vermont. Stefanie completed her undergraduate degree in Biology at the University of Vermont, and holds Masters degrees in Environmental Science & Policy from Johns Hopkins University and Public Health from Harvard University. 

Program Director, Denver Health  

Caroline Croyle Persson is the Program Director for Disaster Health at Denver Health & Hospital Authority. Her work focuses on healthcare emergency management, coordination and collaboration, and capacity building to enhance healthcare preparedness and response efforts. Ms. Persson also serves as an agency representative (AREP) for NDMS IMT. Prior to her current role, Mrs. Persson worked in infection prevention and control with a focus on influenza, emergency management, high risk pathogens, program and policy management, hand hygiene, and regulatory compliance. She has worked on various public health projects prior to arriving at Denver Health spanning malaria prevention, community health worker sustainment, emergency management, and HIV/AIDs mobile health application acceptance. Mrs. Persson has an MPH from Columbia University with a certificate in Infectious Disease Epidemiology, an MPA from the University of Colorado Denver, and is a Fellow of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology. 

Emergency Department RN

Providence Holy Family Hospital, Spokane, WA 

Tristan is a member of the Special Pathogens Unit (SPU) at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center & Children’s Hospital, the Region 10 RESPTC. He is also the chair of the ED’s Unit Based Council.

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).

• NETEC: https://netec.org
• NETEC Resource Library: https://repository.netecweb.org
• Transmission Interrupted: https://netec.org/podcast/

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.

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, 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 [email protected].

Visit Transmission Interrupted on the web at netec.org/podcast.

Assistant Professor, Dept. of Microbiology and Immunology

UTMB

Associate Professor, Division of Infectious Diseases, Dept. of Medicine

Emory School of Medicine

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).

• CDC About Mosquito Bites: https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/about/about-mosquito-bites.html
• CDC Traveler's Health Website: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel
• Emory 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

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.

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, join Jill Morgan from Emory University Hospital and Brooke Henriksen from Sacred Heart in Spokane, Washington, as they take a deeper dive into key discussions from the recent NETEC webinar, The New Joint Commission Standards, PPE, and Me.

Building on the webinar’s key takeaways, this episode focuses on the complexities of PPE requirements in light of the new Joint Commission standards. Jill and Brooke explore what these changes mean for different healthcare settings, the importance of tailored PPE training, and strategies for ensuring proper implementation and compliance.

They also share insights on developing effective PPE protocols, maintaining staff safety, and answering lingering questions from the webinar to help bridge knowledge gaps and enhance preparedness in healthcare environments.

Join us for this informative discussion aimed at keeping healthcare workers safe and effective in their roles while adhering to the Joint Commission standards.

Questions or comments for NETEC? Contact us at [email protected].

Visit Transmission Interrupted on the web at netec.org/podcast.

Training and Education Coordinator, Special Pathogens Program

Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center & Children's Hospital 

Brooke is the Training and Education Coordinator for the Special Pathogens Program in Region 10 at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and Children’s Hospital (PSHMC&CH) in Spokane, Washington. She is a co-chair for the National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center (NETEC) Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) work group. Brooke is also a member of the NETEC Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) work group and the Biocontainment Unit (BCU) work group

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).

• NETEC Webinar Series (02/14/25): The New Joint Commission Standards, PPE, and Me: https://repository.netecweb.org/exhibits/show/jointcommission/item/1910
• NETEC Webinar Series (9/24/24): PPE & TJC: Strategies for the New Joint Commission Standards: https://repository.netecweb.org/exhibits/show/jointcommission/item/1881
• NETEC Webinar Series (3/15/24): Introduction to the 2024 Joint Commission Standards for Infection Control: https://repository.netecweb.org/items/show/1809
• NETEC Joint Commission Standards Resource Exhibit: https://repository.netecweb.org/exhibits/show/jointcommission/jointcommissionresources
• NETEC Resource Library: https://repository.netecweb.org

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.

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, 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 [email protected].

Visit Transmission Interrupted on the web at netec.org/podcast.

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.

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.

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).

• NETEC FAQ: Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF): https://repository.netecweb.org/items/show/1693
• NETEC SBAR: Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF): https://repository.netecweb.org/items/show/1865
• NETEC Health Care Facility Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (VHF) Preparedness Checklist: https://repository.netecweb.org/items/show/1724
• NETEC Laboratory Resources: Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF): https://repository.netecweb.org/items/show/1698
• NETEC Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHFs) PPE Matrix: https://repository.netecweb.org/items/show/1693
• CDC Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever resources: https://www.cdc.gov/crimean-congo-hemorrhagic/about/index.html
• NETEC Resource Library: https://repository.netecweb.org

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.

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.