SPECTRE Regional Newsletter

This week's news!

Stay updated with the latest news, events, and resources on special pathogen preparedness and response in HHS Region VI. Our newsletter covers infection control standards, training events, public health initiatives, and outbreak updates.

PAHO Supports the International Response to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome Cases Linked to a Cruise Ship in the Atlantic

May 18, 2026 • 8:00 a.m.

Current Outbreaks Special Pathogens / HCID’s

Learn more about the hantavirus outbreak investigation and how health officials are working to contain the risk.

CIDRAP-New Ebola Outbreak hits Democratic Republic of Congo

May 18, 2026 • 8:00 a.m.

Current Outbreaks Special Pathogens / HCID’s

Read more about the ongoing Ebola response efforts and regional public health coordination in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

NETEC News & Blog-Healthcare Preparedness for the World Cup: Risks, Readiness, and Response

May 18, 2026 • 8:00 a.m.

Current Outbreaks Special Pathogens / HCID’s

Read more about how healthcare systems are preparing for the public health challenges of increased global travel during the World Cup.

Upcoming Events

TDEM 2026 Texas Emergency Management Conference

May 25-29, 2026 Fort Worth Convention Center - Fort Worth, TX

Connect with emergency management professionals from across the state to exchange ideas and advance response capabilities sign up now to be part of the experience.

NETEC Webinar Series-Countdown to Kickoff 2026 World Cup HCID Preparedness

May 27, 2026 - 11am-12pm

Register now to join the session and strengthen your team’s readiness for infectious disease threats during large-scale events.

TEPHI Grand Rounds-How the Texas Department of State Health Services is Preparing for the World Cup

May 27, 2026 - 3pm-4pm

Register now to join this Grand Rounds session and learn how Texas is preparing its public health systems for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Emory SCDP ECHO Sessions-Thinking Ahead of the World Cup: Hantavirus (Old and New World, ANDV)

May 28, 2026 - 10am-11am

Register now to join this session and explore how global travel and mass gatherings can shape infectious disease risks and response strategies.

New Mexico Department of Health Partners in Preparedness Collaboration in the New Normal of Uncertainty

June 7-10, 2026 Isleta Resort and Conference Center - 11000 Broadway Blvd SE #7469, Albuquerque, NM 87105 U.S.

Don’t miss out, register now for the upcoming Partners in Preparedness conference to learn how to strengthen partnerships and build resilient emergency preparedness networks!

APIC 2026

June 14-17, 2026

Register now to join global infection prevention professionals in advancing healthcare through research, strategies, and collaborative learning.

SETRAC 17th Annual Preparedness Coalition Symposium

October 13-16, 2026 Galveston Island Convention Center at The San Luis Resort - 5222 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77551 U.S.

Measles 101 Town Hall

Stay informed and protect your community! Watch this important town hall from the Houston Health Department on recent measles cases, symptoms, and prevention. Dr. Susan McLellan, MD, MPH, Director of SPECTRE at UTMB, joins as a presenter to share expert insights on measles preparedness and response.

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Expert Q&A

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Expert Q&A

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