NETEC: New Anthrax Vaccine Added to Arsenal of Defense Against Bioterrorism
​Anthrax continues to pose a significant public health concern due to its potential use as a bioterrorism agent and its ability to cause severe illness in humans. However, this summer a new anthrax vaccine was added to the U.S. arsenal of defense against bioterrorism. On July 20, 2023, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Cyfendus for use in adults aged 18 to 65 years exposed to anthrax. ​​​​​​​Learn more and view resources from NETEC about anthrax preparedness.


Project Firstline: Micro-Learn Training Available
Project Firstline continues to build on the infection control Micro-Learn Training series with the release of the newest topic on cough and congestion. Just in time for the upcoming respiratory virus season, healthcare leaders and training facilitators can incorporate the new Cough and Congestion Micro-Learn into their team meetings or huddles. This micro-learn topic reinforces common infection risks associated with cough and congestion, so healthcare workers can take practical steps to stop the spread of germs and protect patients and themselves from viral respiratory infections, like flu, RSV, and COVID-19.

As a reminder, each micro-learn package includes a user guide, discussion guide, and ready-to-use job aid, making it easy for healthcare leaders to fit infection control training into their busy schedules.

Download and share currently available trainings on what to do when you see blood, rash, and cough and congestion from Project Firstline. Stay tuned for new topics coming soon!


What to Do When You See Diarrhea
As C. diff Awareness Month comes to a close, Project Firstline encourages all healthcare workers to review the latest information and resources on C. diff, including our new infection control micro-learn on what to do when you see diarrhea. Because C. diff is a germ that can cause diarrhea and spreads easily in health care, it's crucial that all healthcare workers are familiar with the infection risks of diarrhea and what actions they can take to help stop the spread of germs through stool.  
The micro-learn make it easy to share these important reminders with your team. The training includes a user guide, discussion guide, and hands-on job aid, so facilitators have all materials at the ready when leading a training.
​
You can access the Diarrhea Micro-Learn, along with a growing list of other Infection Control Micro-Learn trainings at Project Firstline.
​
Spotlight: Nipah Virus
Nipah virus (NiV) infectious can cause mild to severe disease and can result in death 40-70% of infections. NiV is a member of the Henipavirus genus, and, like other Henipaviruses, is zoonotic, with the animal reservoir being fruit bats. It is endemic in parts of Asia and a localized outbreak is seen almost annually in India, Bangladesh or other parts of Asia. This disease is communicable, spreading from person-to-person; it is considered possible for NiV to because a global pandemic.  

In September 2023 a total of six cases of NiV were confirmed in India, including two deaths, as reported by the State Government of Kerala. Since September 15, 2023, no new cases have been detected. This is the sixth outbreak of NiV in India since 2001. To date, no Henipavirus infections have been reported among travelers since its first detection in 1999.
​
Clinical Presentation: Influenza-like illness with dizziness, headache, fever and myalgias. The disease can progress to severe encephalitis with confusion, abnormal reflexes, seizures, and coma; respiratory symptoms also might be present. Relapsing or late-onset encephalitis can occur months or years after acute illness.
Additional resources:

• CDC – General Information and Travelers Information
• NETEC – What Frontline Healthcare Workers Need to Know
• UNMC – India: Nipah Virus Infection Update
• World Health Organization – Disease Outbreak News – Nipah Virus Infection - India

November 8, 2023
Join the American Academy of Pediatrics on Wednesday, November 8 from 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. ET for a timely webinar, “Nirsevimab Supply and Prioritization Updates”, which is part of the AAP Respiratory Virus Webinar Series. Hear from CDC representatives and other experts about the current shortage of nirsevimab, what to anticipate in terms of supply for the 2023-2024 RSV season, and highlights from the recently released CDC Health Advisory Pediatricians, family physicians, practice managers, pediatric support staff, and others are encouraged to join. Pre-registration is required. 
Please share this opportunity with HCC members.

Register for the Nirsevimab Supply Webinar

Respiratory Season Webinar Series for Previous Webinar Recordings

Did you know? Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) is a germ that causes severe diarrhea, which can be life-threatening. C. diff can affect anyone and is usually associated with recent antibiotic use. CDC estimates that C. diff causes almost half a million infections in the United States each year. 

Healthcare professionals—download, share, and order: 
The latest C. diff guidance and prevention resources 
The latest C. diff educational resources, including how to optimize antibiotic therapy to minimize the risk of C. diff infection [PDF - 1 Page] 
FREE print materials (search “C. diff” under “Programs”, then click “Apply”)
Answers to frequently asked questions about C. diff
Christian Lillis’s blog about C.diff and the potential risks and harms of antibiotic overuse
Visit CDC’s C. diff website to learn more.