Transmission Interrupted

NETEC
  • 4.6 (10)
  • Education

Transmission Interrupted is brought to you by NETEC, the National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center. NETEC'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. Join NETEC for discussions on a wide range of important health care topics through the lens of special pathogens, including health care worker safety, personal protective equipment, and information on infectious diseases. Transmission Interrupted is presented in cooperation with the CDC and funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR). For more information, visit NETEC on the web at www.netec.org.

  1. Jul 15

    Inside Lab Safety: Navigating Special Pathogen Testing

    What happens behind the sealed doors of a biocontainment laboratory when a patient with a suspected special pathogen—like Ebola or Lassa fever—arrives at a hospital? In this episode of Transmission Interrupted, host Jill Morgan is joined by Vicki Herrera, biocontainment laboratory training and education leader at UNMC, and Colleen Kraft, medical and laboratory director of Emory’s Biocontainment Unit. Together, they break down the critical question: what are “basic labs,” and how can frontline healthcare facilities prepare to deliver essential diagnostics safely during a special pathogen event? Listen in as Jill, Vicki, and Colleen demystify the realities of emergency lab testing, exploring the tension between the rapid results clinicians want and the vital safety measures laboratorians must uphold. They discuss point-of-care devices, the nuances of risk assessments, and the keys to interdepartmental communication that ensure both effective patient care and laboratory safety. Whether you’re a bedside nurse, an ED provider, or a laboratorian, this candid, practical conversation will help you understand how healthcare teams can work together to deliver safe and swift care—even in the face of emerging infectious threats. Questions or comments for NETEC? Contact us at info@netec.org. Visit Transmission Interrupted on the web at netec.org/podcast. GuestsVicki Herrera, MS Research Coordinator University of Nebraska Medical Center Vicki Hererra is a Research Coordinator at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in the field of infectious diseases and bioaerosols. She has supported the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit for the past 16 years and currently supports both NETEC and the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit Laboratory by providing education and training to laboratory staff. She is also a co-lead of NETEC's Laboratory Working Group. Colleen S. Kraft, MD, MSc Professor, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Professor, Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Emory University School of Medicine Colleen S. Kraft, MD, MSc, is a Professor in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine as well as a Professor in the Department of Medicine Division of Infectious Diseases at Emory University School of Medicine. Dr. Kraft was the Associate Chief Medical Officer of Emory Hospital from 2020-2023 and is currently the Associate Chief Research Informatics Officer for the Woodruff Health Sciences Center. Dr. Kraft served as the President-Elect, President and Past President of the American Society for Microbiology from 2021-2024. Dr. Kraft was one of the infectious disease physicians at Emory Hospital in 2014 to receive and care for patients who had contracted Ebola virus disease and Lassa fever in West Africa. Dr. Kraft is a clinical consultant for the Emory Healthcare Human Factors Lab, and a director in the Healthcare Test Kitchen Lab, both of which were in response to the desire for high reliability after the care of patients with highly contagious infectious diseases. HostJill Morgan, RNEmory 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) ResourcesNETEC - Lab ResourcesNETEC - Resource LibraryNETEC - Transmission Interrupted Podcast About NETECA Partnership for PreparednessThe 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 ServicesAssess and Advance Your Readiness for Special Pathogens with Free, Expert Consulting. NETEC offers free virtual and on-site 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 Consulting Services.

    Inside Lab Safety: Navigating Special Pathogen Testing

  2. Jul 1

    From Egg To Epidemic: Controlling the New World Screwworm

    New World screwworm may sound like something from a horror movie, but it’s a real and potentially devastating threat to livestock, wildlife, pets, and even humans. In this episode of Transmission Interrupted, host Jill Morgan explores what healthcare professionals, veterinarians, public health officials, and agricultural partners need to know about recognizing and responding to this destructive parasite. Hazardous waste expert Ashley Perry explains why proper handling and disposal of waste containing screwworm larvae or eggs is essential to protecting both public health and the environment. She shares practical guidance on safely containing, preserving, and disposing of specimens while navigating regulatory requirements. In the second half of the episode, Shawn Gibbs, dean of the Texas A&M School of Public Health, discusses the broader public health and agricultural implications of screwworm infestations. From the historic U.S.-Mexico sterile fly eradication program to the ongoing challenges facing ranchers, veterinarians, and emergency responders, the conversation highlights the importance of surveillance, state extension services, and a One Health approach to preventing future outbreaks. Whether you’re caring for patients, protecting livestock, or supporting public health preparedness, this episode delivers practical guidance for recognizing, reporting, and responding to New World screwworm with confidence. Guests Ashley Perry Director, Hazardous Waste Services Daniels Health Ashley Perry is the Director of Hazardous Waste Services at Daniels Health, where she leads a team focused on developing and implementing strategic initiatives around hazardous waste management and environmental compliance. She is an experienced regulatory and sustainability professional with over 12 years of work in compliance, hazardous waste, and environmental health and safety. Ashley has worked in various industries including waste treatment and agriculture, with much of her experience focused on healthcare and how to make complex compliance topics easier to understand. Ashley holds a B.A. in Environmental Policy from Cleveland State University as well as an M.S. in Sustainability from the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay. Shawn G. Gibbs, PhD, MBA, CIH Dean, School of Public Health Professor, Environmental and Occupational Health Texas A&M University Shawn Gibbs, PhD, MBA, CIH, is Dean of the Texas A&M University School of Public Health. Shawn has over a hundred articles in industrial hygiene and environmental exposure assessment, focusing on disrupting transmission of highly infectious diseases. He was a Member of USEPA Board of Scientific Counselors for Homeland Security and the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Medical Task Force on COVID-19. His research has helped to determine national policies, procedure, and best practices for response to Ebola virus disease, COVID-19, and other highly infectious diseases. Shawn has held roles in organizations, such as National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center, NIEHS funded worker training programs, Director of Research for the CDC/DHHS funded Nebraska Biocontainment Unit, and others. He is a national leader in the research, training, and policy related to national and international responses to highly infectious disease outbreaks. 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 New World screwwormEPA - Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Laws and RegulationsTexas A&M - New World ScrewwormUSDA - Animal and Plant Health Inspection ServiceNETEC - Transmission Interrupted PodcastNETEC Resource Library 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 consulting services.

    From Egg To Epidemic: Controlling the New World Screwworm

  3. Jun 17

    Bugs, Bites, and Bathrooms: Summer Safety Tips for Families

    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.

    Bugs, Bites, and Bathrooms: Summer Safety Tips for Families

  4. Jun 3

    Travel, Triage and Transmission: U.S. Healthcare and the 2026 World Cup

    In this timely episode of Transmission Interrupted, host Jill Morgan sits down with Dr. Alex Isakov, Medical Director of the Emory Grady EMS Biosafety Transport Program, to explore the unique healthcare challenges presented by the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With eleven U.S. cities preparing to welcome visitors from 48 countries, the conversation digs into how the influx of international travelers brings both excitement and a complex spectrum of public health considerations. Dr. Isakov sheds light on the heightened vigilance required of frontline healthcare personnel, emphasizing the increased likelihood of encountering diseases not routinely seen in the United States, from vector-borne illnesses like malaria and dengue to the risks of global outbreaks such as measles or norovirus. The discussion also broadens beyond infectious diseases, touching on the operational demands that mass gatherings impose on health systems, including the management of injuries, heat illness, and crowd-related incidents. Dr. Isakov and Jill offer practical advice for both travelers and providers, highlighting the importance of vaccination, hand hygiene, and staying informed about evolving health risks. They stress the need for preparedness not just within host cities but nationwide, as World Cup attendees are expected to venture far beyond stadiums, making readiness a shared responsibility. As the countdown to kickoff continues, this episode offers essential insights for anyone charged with safeguarding public health during one of the world’s largest sporting events. Guest Alex Isakov, MD, MPH Alex Isakov is the founding executive director of the Office of Critical Event Preparedness and Response (CEPAR) and a professor of emergency medicine at Emory University. He directs CEPAR’s initiatives to enhance disaster resilience at Emory and in the broader community. He is also the director of Emory’s Section of Prehospital and Disaster Medicine and leads Emory EMS. Alex serves as a co-lead for NETEC’s EMS Workgroup. 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 - Countdown to Kickoff: 2026 World Cup HCID PreparednessNETEC - Global Visitors, Local Preparedness: Dr. Laura Evans on World Cup Health StrategiesNETEC - Summer Travel Q&A: Expert Tips for Staying Safe and HealthyNETEC - World Cup 2026 Resource Library ExhibitNETEC - Transmission Interrupted 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. 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.

    Travel, Triage and Transmission: U.S. Healthcare and the 2026 World Cup

  5. May 27

    From Rodents to Reality: The Truth About Hantavirus

    In this episode of Transmission Interrupted, host Jill Morgan sits down with Dr. Gaby Frank, internist and director of the Special Pathogens Center at Johns Hopkins, to provide clarity and insight on the current hantavirus outbreak. The conversation kicks off by demystifying essential public health terms like "isolation" and "quarantine," explaining their definitions and uses in the context of infectious diseases in the U.S. Jill and Dr. Frank then dive into the science behind hantavirus, specifically the unique Andes virus strain in Argentina and its rare but notable potential for human-to-human transmission, a distinction setting it apart from the many other hantavirus strains found throughout the Americas. Listeners will gain a clearer understanding of how hantavirus is typically contracted—primarily from aerosolized rodent droppings rather than person-to-person transmission—and the actual risks associated with exposure. The episode highlights findings from a long-term study in Chile, which revealed only 3.3% of close contacts developed the disease, with greatest risk among household and romantic partners. Jill and Dr. Frank dispel some of the fear and misinformation circulating about hantavirus, stressing that while severe cases can occur, the general public’s risk remains very low. Through expert perspective and practical advice, this episode underscores the importance of strategic preparedness and ongoing research, empowering listeners with the knowledge they need to stay safe and informed. Guest Maria (Gaby) Frank, MD, FACP, SFHM Professor of Medicine, PAR, Johns Hopkins University Director, Johns Hopkins Special Pathogens Center Dr. Frank is a hospitalist. Professor of Medicine PAR, and the Director of Johns Hopkins’ Special Pathogens Center Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD, one of the 13 Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Centers (RESPTCs). The Johns Hopkins Hospital (JHH) is a premier 1000-bed non-profit academic medical center within the larger Johns Hopkins Health System, one of the leading health care systems in the United States. The 5-hospital health system in the Baltimore-Washington area has 2513 beds (354 intensive care unit beds) and serves approximately 7 million people. JHH provides a full range of clinical services including specialty care for both adults and pediatric patients. The Johns Hopkins Hospital was ranked number one in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for 22 years of the survey's 30-year history. Before joining Johns Hopkins, Dr. Frank was the Medical Director of the biocontainment unit at Denver Health and Hospital Authority. In her role as the medical director of BCU, she served as the site Principal Investigator for the NIH-sponsored ACTT trial and is actively involved in the National Emerging Special Pathogen Training and Education Center (NETEC) and Special Pathogens Research Network (SPRN). Dr. Frank received her medical diploma from the University of Buenos Aires in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and completed a residency in Internal Medicine and another in Emergency Medicine in Argentina. She immigrated to the U.S. in 2004, where she completed another Internal Medicine Residency at the University of Colorado, joining as faculty after graduation. Her areas of interest include emergent special pathogens, and disaster preparedness and response. 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 From Mice to Medicine: Exploring Hantavirus and Protecting Healthcare TeamsNETEC Hantavirus InformationSBAR: Andes HantavirusNETEC Webinar Hantavirus Town Hall: Updates for Frontline StaffTransmission Interrupted PodcastNETEC Resource Library 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.

    From Rodents to Reality: The Truth About Hantavirus

  6. May 20

    Summer Travel Q&A: Expert Tips for Staying Safe and Healthy

    Please note: This episode was recorded before the recent hantavirus outbreak. A forthcoming NETEC podcast episode will provide expert insight into hantavirus transmission, clinical presentation, preparedness considerations, and healthcare worker safety resources. In the meantime, visit NETEC’s hantavirus resource library for current clinical guidance and educational materials: https://ow.ly/Lg3650YZ5H1 In this episode of Transmission Interrupted, host Jill Morgan tackles the essential topic of summer travel safety and health. As families and individuals plan vacations and outdoor activities, Jill answers common questions about how to protect yourself and your loved ones from illness and accidents that can disrupt holiday plans. From the importance of keeping up-to-date on vaccinations to fundamental hygiene practices like handwashing and respiratory etiquette, the episode explores how simple, proactive steps can help prevent the most common summertime pathogens and issues. Listeners will gain insights on risks associated with summer fun at the lake or beach, including rare but serious infections, as well as more common concerns like food-borne illnesses and gastrointestinal bugs. Jill Morgan also explains the dangers posed by vector-borne diseases such as dengue, yellow fever, and chikungunya, especially for those traveling to international destinations where these illnesses are more prevalent. Jill provides practical advice for using bug spray, sunscreen, and first aid kits, and highlights the importance of water and food safety, as well as awareness around heat-related illnesses. Whether planning a backyard barbecue, a cross-country road trip, or an international adventure, this episode equips travelers with tips to make summer both enjoyable and safe. 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 Travel Health NoticesCDC Travel AdviceTravel-Related Infectious Diseases: A Guide for Health Care ProfessionalsNETEC WebsiteTransmission Interrupted PodcastNETEC Resource Library 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.

    Summer Travel Q&A: Expert Tips for Staying Safe and Healthy

  7. May 6

    Global Visitors, Local Preparedness: Dr. Laura Evans on World Cup Health Strategies

    In this episode of Transmission Interrupted, host Jill Morgan of Emory University Hospital sits down with Dr. Laura Evans to discuss how U.S. healthcare systems are preparing for the unique public health challenges surrounding the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. From heat-related illness and overcrowded emergency departments to infectious disease risks such as measles, influenza, COVID-19, novel influenza viruses, and endemic threats like Lassa fever, the conversation explores why preparedness for mass gatherings extends far beyond a single disease focus. Dr. Evans emphasizes the importance of situational awareness tools, including CDC resources and Boston University’s Beacon platform, while reminding listeners that screening alone is never perfect. The episode highlights the continued importance of core infection prevention practices such as source control, masking when appropriate, hand hygiene, and obtaining detailed travel and exposure histories. Together, Jill Morgan and Dr. Laura Evans reinforce the principle of “identify, isolate, and inform,” discuss the value of understanding local and regional escalation pathways, and examine how World Cup planning can strengthen everyday healthcare preparedness nationwide. Questions or comments for NETEC? Contact us at info@netec.org. Visit Transmission Interrupted on the web. Guest Laura Evans, MD, MSc Executive Director of the National Special Pathogen System (NSPS) Dr. Evans is a Professor of Medicine at the University of Washington and the former Medical Director of Critical Care at the University of Washington Medical Center. Her clinical and scholarly interests focus on preparedness for HCIDs and sepsis. Before joining the University of Washington faculty, she was the Medical Director of Critical Care at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, where she helped found the Special Pathogens Program. From 2014 to 2019, Dr. Evans served as the inaugural Co-Principal Investigator of NETEC at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue. 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 BeaconNETEC Resource LibraryTransmission Interrupted PodcastNSPSNETEC 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.

    Global Visitors, Local Preparedness: Dr. Laura Evans on World Cup Health Strategies

  8. Apr 15

    Inside the NSPS: Dr. Laura Evans’ Vision for the National Special Pathogen System

    In this episode of Transmission Interrupted, host Jill Morgan interviews Dr. Laura Evans, the new executive director of the National Special Pathogen System (NSPS), about her path from critical care leadership at Bellevue to national special pathogen preparedness. Dr. Evans recounts how the 2009 H1N1 pandemic and the 2014 Ebola outbreak shaped her focus on protecting healthcare workers while delivering high-quality care, and she describes Bellevue’s teamwork-driven responses, including Hurricane Sandy’s power crisis and evacuation supported by a fuel “bucket brigade.” She outlines NSPS’s goal of a tiered, trauma-like network built to be nimble and adaptable, discusses challenges such as sustaining hospital engagement, expanding Level 3 and 4 participation, and strengthening patient transport capacity, and frames upcoming mass gatherings like the World Cup as opportunities to advance preparedness nationwide. Questions or comments for NETEC? Contact us at info@netec.org. Visit Transmission Interrupted on the web at netec.org/podcast. Guest Laura Evans, MD, MSc Executive Director of the National Special Pathogen System (NSPS) Dr. Evans is a Professor of Medicine at the University of Washington and the former Medical Director of Critical Care at the University of Washington Medical Center. Her clinical and scholarly interests focus on preparedness for HCIDs and sepsis. Before joining the University of Washington faculty, she was the Medical Director of Critical Care at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, where she helped found the Special Pathogens Program. From 2014 to 2019, Dr. Evans served as the inaugural Co-Principal Investigator of NETEC at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue. 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 The National Special Pathogen System About the NSPS NETEC Transmission Interrupted 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.

    Inside the NSPS: Dr. Laura Evans’ Vision for the National Special Pathogen System
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Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Transmission Interrupted is brought to you by NETEC, the National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center. NETEC'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. Join NETEC for discussions on a wide range of important health care topics through the lens of special pathogens, including health care worker safety, personal protective equipment, and information on infectious diseases. Transmission Interrupted is presented in cooperation with the CDC and funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR). For more information, visit NETEC on the web at www.netec.org.

Information

  • Creator
    NETEC
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    41
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 NETEC
  • Show Website
    Transmission Interrupted

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