This episode of Transmission Interrupted dives deep into the fascinating world of seasonal special pathogens, exploring the reasons why certain infectious diseases emerge and surge at specific times of year. Host Jill Morgan is joined by Dr. Susan McLellan and Dr. Lindsay Busch, two experts in infectious diseases and biocontainment, for a captivating discussion on Nipah virus and Lassa fever.

From emergency rooms filled during flu season to the quirky, unexpected ways that bats and rodents drive outbreaks in far-off regions, our guests break down what makes these pathogens so unique. Learn how cultural practices, environmental changes, and climate can influence the risk of transmission, and why understanding "One Health" and anthropology is vital for outbreak control.

Perfect for clinicians, public health enthusiasts, and anyone curious about how diseases move through populations, this episode offers practical insight into recognizing risk factors, travel histories, and how global disease surveillance impacts communities everywhere.

Packed with real-world stories, unexpected facts, and expert advice for spotting and responding to these high-consequence infections, this episode is not to be missed.

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Questions or ideas for future shows? Email us at info@netec.org.

Assistant Professor, Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine;

Associate Medical Director, Emory University Serious Communicable Diseases Unit

Critical Care Liaison, Emory Serious Communicable Diseases Program

Director, Special Pathogens Excellence in Clinical Treatment, Readiness, and Education (SPECTRE)

University of Texas Medical Branch

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).

1. Lassa Fever resources at NETEC
2. Nipah resources at NETEC
3. Transmission Interrupted Podcast
4. NETEC YouTube
5. Sign up for NETEC's Email Newsletter

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