2024 MI Special Pathogens Response Network (SPRN) Conference
June 18, 2024
The 2024 Michigan Special Pathogens Response Network (SPRN) Conference will be held on June 18, 2024. This one-day event will include training in the morning and an afternoon exercise for hospitals and EMS agencies.
Please share the save the date with HCC partners.
Save the Date for the 2024 MI SPRN Conference

2024 MI Special Pathogens Response Network (SPRN) Conference
June 18, 2024
The 2024 Michigan Special Pathogens Response Network Conference will be held on June 18, 2024. This all day event will include training in the morning and an afternoon exercise for hospitals and EMS agencies.
Save the Date for the 2024 MI SPRN Conference


Newsletters from Corewell Health
Corewell Health, the Michigan RESPTC hospital, one of two Regional Emerging Special Pathogens Treatment Center (RESPTC) in Region V is now publishing a monthly newsletter.  Check out the first one by clicking below.  
Corewell Health Region V RESPTC Newsletter



New Anthrax Vaccine Added to Arsenal of Defense Against Bioterrorism
Anthrax poses a significant public health concern due to its potential use as a bioterrorism agent and its ability to cause severe illness in humans (for more information, read the spotlight on anthrax below). This past 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.



Hepatitis B Antibody Assay Update
As of December 19, 2023, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Bureau of Laboratories (BOL) has been offering the hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb) test using chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) technology on the Siemen’s Centaur XPT instrument.

This assay is included in a hepatitis B panel that BOL is currently offering along with the hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg).

The addition of HBcAb is following CDC’s 2023 recommendations for hepatitis B screening and testing and will provide information regarding previous or current infections with hepatitis B and immune status of patients.

Please ship specimens either on cold packs or frozen. If shipping supplies are needed, please visit BOL’s Laboratory Kit Order Tracking System (LKOTS) and request kit 8A: Lab Services (michigan.gov). 
When submitting samples using BOL's test requisition (DCH-0583), please write ‘HBcAb’ on this form to request the additional hepatitis B testing until an updated form is available.

For further information concerning this change please contact Bacterial & Viral Serology Unit Manager Kristine Smith, [email protected], or Virology Section Manager Dr. Diana Riner, [email protected].

Hepatitis B - FAQs, Statistics, Data and Guidelines (CDC)
Lab Services (michigan.gov)



APHL Releases Testing Playbook for Biological Emergencies
The Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) recently released the Testing Playbook for Biological Emergencies. This playbook provides federal, state, and local decision-makers with a clear and evidence-based guide for making rapid and effective decisions regarding the development, implementation, and scale-up of diagnostic testing at every stage in an infectious disease emergency.



Spotlight: Anthrax
Anthrax is an infectious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, a gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria. It is not contagious and cannot be passed from person to person.  Anthrax occurs naturally in soil and commonly affects domestic and wild animals around the world. While anthrax is rare in the United States, due to vaccination programs for animals, it is common in agricultural regions of:

• Central and South America
• Sub-Saharan Africa
• Central and southwestern Asia
• Southern and eastern Europe
• The Caribbean

In the North Dakota in 2023, 24 animal cases of anthrax were detected in three counties.
Additionally, anthrax is considered a likely agent in the case of a bioterrorism attack. Anthrax is one of the most likely agents to be used because:

• Anthrax spores are easily found in nature, can be produced in a lab, and can last for a long time in the environment.
• Anthrax makes a good weapon because it can be released quietly and without anyone knowing. The microscopic spores could be put into powders, sprays, food, and water. Because they are so small, you may not be able to see, smell, or taste them.
• Anthrax has been used as a weapon before.

 
More Information from North Dakota on anthrax cases within the state
CDC's Anthrax Information for Healthcare Professionals
World Health Organization Anthrax Information



2024 Michigan Communicable Disease Surveillance and Reporting Changes
The updated 2024 Reportable Diseases in Michigan list is now available. This is Michigan's official list of mandatory reportable communicable disease conditions as described by the Michigan Communicable Disease Rules [Public Act 368 of 1978, 333.5111]. The Rules require MDHHS to annually review, update, and publish the list on the Department's website.

The list is available in two formats:

• Organized by Pathogen (Color Print or Black & White Print)
• Organized by Condition (Color Print or Black & White Print

The revised 2024 Healthcare Professional's Guide to Disease Reporting in Michigan (MDHHS Brick Book) is also available.

A summary of changes can be found attached to this HAN message.  All documents can be found under “Communicable Disease Reporting in Michigan” at www.michigan.gov/cdinfo. 
For questions regarding reportable diseases, please contact the MDHHS Communicable Disease Division at 517-335-8165.

2024 Michigan Communicable Disease Surveillance and Reporting Changes


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Project Firstline: PPE Video
Preparedness Lunch and Learn Dec 23-March 24.pdf
Gear up for a quick and crucial refresher! Our latest short video is all about the superhero gear of the healthcare world—Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)!

Whether you're a seasoned pro or gearing up for the first time, PPE is your armor against germs — gloves, masks, gowns, and eyewear—all working together to keep you safe and others around you protected.

PPE isn't just gear; it's a shield against infection. It's the barrier that stops germs from getting to you and prevents your germs from venturing out.
Let's ensure that when it comes to wearing PPE, you're not just good—you're exceptional!

Personal Protective Equipment Video (English)

Personal Protective Equipment Video (Arabic)

EMS Biosafety Transport
NETEC has a new free course available with continuing education credits. "EMS Biosafety Transport for Operators" is for EMS providers and clinical personnel at risk of exposure to serious infectious diseases like COVID-19, Mpox, Ebola Virus Disease, Smallpox, SARS, MERS, and novel influenza. There are four credits available, for EMS, nurses and physicians. (Don’t wait too long, course availability ends April 12, 2024.)  Take the EMS Biosafety Transport Course


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!


PPE: Medical Mask Essentials
Learn about the fundamentals of medical masks and best practices for medical professionals to keep yourself and patients safe. This blog post covers everything from what is a medical face mask, to how it is different from other face coverings, how they are manufactured, tested and much more.
Medical Mask Essentials Blog Post

If you missed NETEC’s PPE from A to Z: Decoding Masks webinar last month, you can watch the webinar recording here.

Updated! EMS Infectious Disease Playbook: Version 2.0
The EMS Infectious Disease Playbook was recently reviewed by subject matter experts and updated to include information on Mpox and COVID-19. The playbook synthesizes multiple sources of information in a single planning document, culminating in a concise reference resource for emergency medical services agencies developing their service policies.

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