tessaegr – Alabama Regional Center for Infection Prevention & Control, Training and Technical Assistance (ARCIPC)

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus causing cold-like symptoms, such as cough, fever, and congestion. In Alabama, HMPV cases have been on the rise, especially during the winter and early spring. It poses a higher risk to young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. Join us at the ARC IPC as we are joined by Dr. Rachel Lee, MD, MSPH, Chief Healthcare Epidemiologist at UAB to learn more about how to protect you and your family this winter and spring!

Thank you to our co-sponsor for this podcast, the Alabama Public Health Training Network at the Alabama Department of Public Health a community-based training partner of the Region IV Public Health Training Center.

Avian Flu and Alabama, Things to Know

Join the Alabama Regional Center for Infection Prevention and Control as we discuss bird flu in Alabama. Learn more about the basics of what bird flu is, how it is transmitted, and how you can stay safe and aware.

We are joined by experts; Dr. Dee W. Jones, DVM, the State Public Health Veterinarian with the Alabama Department of Public Health, Dr. Tony Frazier, DVM, State Veterinarian with the Alabama Department of Agriculture& Industries, and Dr. Wes Stubblefield, MD, MPH, FAAP, Medical Officer with the Alabama Department of Public Health.

Check out more resources on Avian Flu or Bird Flu Here (Please click the headings):

Avian Flu – ADPH

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) – CDC

Mosquito Borne Diseases in Alabama

Explore the buzzing world of mosquito-borne diseases in Alabama with our latest podcast episode! We will delve into the fascinating and crucial topic of how these tiny creatures can carry and transmit diseases that affect both humans and animals in the heart of the Deep South; from West Nile Virus to Eastern Equine Encephalitis, we’ll uncover the risks, prevention strategies and more. Join the ARC IPC and Dr. Jonathan Rayner for a discussion around mosquito-borne diseases in Alabama and how you can prevent being affected by mosquitos this summer. Thank you to our co-sponsor for this podcast, the Alabama Public Health Training Network at the Alabama Department of Public Health a community-based training partner of the Region IV Public Health Training Center.

Measles

Measles in 2024: An Urgent Call to Action

With a significant number of reported measles cases in the United States and globally, this recent outbreak has sparked concern among both parents and healthcare professionals. In this podcast, we will be discussing the driving forces behind this outbreak, its impact on children’s health, and the preventive measures essential for keeping our communities healthy and safe. Dr. David Kimberlin, Professor and Co-Director of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, is joining me today on the podcast to shed light on this important public health concern. Thank you to our co-sponsor for this podcast, the Alabama Public Health Training Network at the Alabama Department of Public Health a community-based training partner of the Region IV Public Health Training Center.

COVID, RSV, and Flu, Oh My! Preparing for the Upcoming Respiratory Virus Season(October 25, 2023, 2PMCT/3PMET)

It’s that time of the year again – respiratory virus season! In this webinar presented by the Alabama Regional Center for Infection Prevention and Control and the UAB Nursing Home and Long-Term Care Strike Team, Dr. Molly Fleece, Assistant Professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases at UAB, will review current data and projections on COVID, RSV, and influenza circulation for this upcoming fall and winter, discuss recommendations to reduce transmission of respiratory viruses, including PPE and vaccinations, and describe management strategies for containing outbreaks of respiratory viruses within nursing homes, long-term care, and healthcare facilities. This webinar is also cosponsored by the Deep South Center for Occupational Health and Safety and the Alabama Public Health Training Network at the Alabama Department of Public Health.

Dr. Molly Fleece, MD

Dr. Molly Fleece is an Assistant Professor in the UAB Division of Infectious Diseases and an Associate Healthcare Epidemiologist for the UAB HealthSystem. Dr. Fleece completed her medical degree at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine. She then completed her Internal Medicine Residency & Infectious Diseases Fellowship training at the University of Virginia. She is a clinician educator with interests in general infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, hospital-acquired infections and infection prevention.

This webinar is presented by the Alabama Regional Center for Infection Prevention and Control Training and Technical Assistance and cosponsored by the Region IV Public Health Training Center and Deep South Center for Occupational Health and Safety.

*The Deep South Center for OH&S is an approved provider of continuing education units for nurses by the AL Board of Nursing (Provider ABNP0420 Expiration Date 12/22/2025) and has awarded this program 1.2 CEUs.

Evaluation LINK

Norovirus Basics

Join the Alabama Regional Center for Infection Prevention and Control as we discuss the basics of norovirus with Dr. Marilyn Bulloch from Auburn University’s Harrison College of Pharmacy. We will cover symptoms, if it’s contagious, where people usually encounter this virus, and more.

This podcast is presented by the Alabama Regional Center for Infection Prevention and Control Training and Technical Assistance. Thank you to our co-sponsor for this podcast, the Alabama Public Health Training Network at the Alabama Department of Public Health a community-based training partner of the Region IV Public Health Training Center.

Dr. Marilyn Bulloch, PharmD, BCPS, FCCM, SPP
Associate Clinical Professor,

Department of Pharmacy Practice,

Director, Strategic Operations,

Auburn University Harrison College of Pharmacy

For Some, It’s Far From Over: The Long-Term Symptoms of COVID-19 (May 3, 2023, 12pm CST/ 1PM EST)

Dr. Stella Aslibekyan, PhD

Senior Scientist, Genetic Epidemiology, 23andMe and Adjunct Professor, Epidemiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham

On May 11, 2023, the Department of Health and Human Services plans to officially end the COVID-19 public health emergency. Yet by some estimates, at least 10% of the acute COVID-19 cases result in symptoms persisting over months or even years — a condition often referred to as ‘long COVID’ that limits daily lives of millions of people worldwide. According to the CDC (www.cdc.gov/nchs/covid19/pulse/long-covid.htm), 16.7% of all adults in Alabama have experienced long COVID, with additional vulnerability conferred by pre-existing conditions. In this program, we will explore the history and epidemiology of ‘long COVID’ and begin to understand its etiology and manifestations. In this webinar, Dr. Stella Aslibekyan, Senior Scientist, Genetic Epidemiology, 23andMe and Adjunct Professor, Epidemiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham and University of Kentucky, will summarize the current scientific debate about long COVID, discuss lived experiences of those with long COVID and more.

This webinar is presented by the Alabama Regional Center for Infection Prevention and Control Training and Technical Assistance. Thank you to our co-sponsor for this podcast, the Alabama Public Health Training Network at the Alabama Department of Public Health a community-based training partner of the Region IV Public Health Training Center.

*CEU credits for this program will be provided by the Deep South Center for Occupational Health and Safety There is no fee to receive CEU credit. Additional information about applying for credit will be provided during the program.

Evaluation Link

Mpox and the Monkey Pox Virus: Viral Naming and Genetic Influences

Dr. Elliot Lefkowitz joins us for a podcast to talk about Mpox, the Monkey Pox Virus, and how genetic mutations affects not only the effectiveness of viruses but how they are named and how scientists reach these conclusions.

Elliot Lefkowitz, PhD
Professor, Microbiology, UAB, Executive Committee Member, International Committee on the Taxonomy of Viruses

Candida Auris: What is it? Can we stop it? (March 10, 2023, 12pm CST/ 1PM EST)

Rachael Lee, MD, MSPH

Associate Professor, Infectious Diseases, UAB

The Alabama Regional Center for Infection Prevention and Control Training and Technical Assistance presents Candida auris: What is it? Can we stop it? Candida auris is an emerging, serious, drug-resistant fungal infection that is spreading worldwide. In this webinar, Ms. Mary Duncan (pictured right), Senior Director of Infection Prevention at the University of Alabama-Birmingham Health System, and Dr. Rachael Lee (pictured left), Associate Professor in the UAB Division of Infectious Diseases and UAB Health Epidemiologist, will discuss how Candida auris was identified, how it is spread, and why we should be concerned. Dr. Lee and Ms. Duncan will also identify what healthcare facilities can do to identify patients who may be infected/colonized with this fungus and prevent it from spreading within their facility.

The Deep South Center for OH&S is an approved provider of continuing education units for nurses by the AL Board of Nursing (Provider ABNP0420 Expiration Date 12/22/2025) and has awarded this program 1.0 CEUs.

Mary Duncan, MSN, RN, CIC

Senior Director of Infection Prevention, University of Alabama-Birmingham Health System

Evaluation Link

The Future of COVID-19 Vaccinations

The FDA’s expert panel on vaccines met last week (Thursday, January 26, 2023) to discuss the future use of the bivalent COVID shot, signaling the start of the FDA’s pivot to a longer-term immunization strategy. This is an important first step in a process that could result in millions of Americans receiving an annual Covid booster, similar to the flu vaccine. Any such changes will require more discussion and decisions, but the FDA appears to be shifting from responding to the pandemic’s acute phase to a longer-term norm. Dr. Suzanne Judd, Director of the Lister Hill Center for Health Policy and a Professor in the School of Public Health at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, joined the podcast to discuss these topics and the future of COVID-19 vaccinations.