High-priority Pathogens: Epidemiology, Potential Spread, and Infection Control Response

Session Description: In recent years the landscape of infectious diseases has been rapidly evolving, presenting new challenges for Infection Preventionists (IPs). Emerging infectious diseases are occurring with greater frequency and severity than at any other time in history. Driven by factors like climate change, encroachment on animal territories, population growth, and global connectivity, a pathogen can traverse the globe in a mere day. Understanding emerging risks while balancing the day-to-day needs of the already burdened healthcare team has never been more difficult.

This session builds on last year’s session titled “Emerging Pathogen Threats: Strategies for Infection Prevention & Control” aims to provide an updated list of both well-known and lesser-known high-priority pathogens, along with their potential for spread into and within the United States. We will provide an overview of the pathogens, their disease spectrum, and epidemiology, so that attendees are able to quickly identify potential infections and implement appropriate control measures. Case studies will be leveraged to highlight strategies for response and control to mitigate impact, primarily in acute care settings. Compliance with regulatory requirements, as well as the new Joint Commission standards, will be addressed.
The over-arching goal of this session is to equip IPs with the essential knowledge and resources necessary to address emerging infectious disease threats and enhance infection control practices. An interactive educational approach based on the needs of adult learners will be used along with activities woven throughout the session such as polls, voting, group discussion, etc. Various tools like pathogen education sheets will also be provided for attendees.