GNYHA is provides periodic infectious disease updates to members. Please see below for announcements about upcoming webinars on measles and special pathogens, as well as, updates on West Nile Virus and Ebola.
August 13 DOH Webinar: Measles and Repeal of Non-Medical Exemptions
The New York State Department of Health (DOH) will host a webinar on August 13 from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. on the recent measles outbreak and the new law eliminating non-medical exemptions for vaccinations and existing requirements for authorizing medical exemption. DOH will share webinar details soon. DOH staff will review the current status of New York’s measles outbreak and discuss current reporting requirements, the importance of case investigations, and the monitoring of exposed individuals and control strategies in health care facilities. The webinar is in anticipation of the start of the school year and aims to connect with providers about related activities underway to implement the new law.
August 15 Special Pathogens Preparedness Webinar
On August 15, GNYHA and NYC Health + Hospitals (H + H) will co-host a webinar to provide an update on the current special pathogen outbreaks occurring internationally, and how all hospitals can improve their readiness for potentially infected patients. NYC H + H’s Special Pathogens Team will share planning guidance it developed to support a multidisciplinary hospital team with identification, isolation, and initial care, as well as decision-making about transfer to a specialized facility for further assessment and treatment. Register here.
DOHMH Health Alert: West Nile Virus – Detection of First Positive Mosquito Pools in 2019
This health alert notifies health care providers that West Nile Virus has been detected in mosquitos found in Staten Island, Queens, and Brooklyn. The alert also reviews surveillance, reporting, and laboratory testing guidance related to West Nile Virus, as well as for Zika, Dengue, and Chikungunya.
Released July 24, 2019
World Health Organization: Ebola Outbreak in DRC Declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern
On July 17, the World Health Organization declared the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The declaration followed a meeting of the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee for Ebola in the DRC. The Committee cited recent developments in the outbreak in making its recommendation, including the first confirmed case in Goma, a city of almost two million people on the border with Rwanda, and the gateway to the rest of DRC and the world. Current information about the DRC outbreak and Ebola Virus Disease is available on the website of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Released July 17, 2019
GNYHA will continue to provide members with infectious disease updates and resources.