Category: outbreak

When Evacuation is a Must – Protect Yourself from Norovirus

A woman with her hand on her stomach.

Natural disasters are unpredictable. Often, we don’t know when or where they will happen or if we will have to leave our homes because of them. Evacuations for hurricanes and wildfires can force people into emergency shelters, where close quarters, shared spaces, and high-touch surfaces can make it easy for norovirus to spread. Norovirus outbreaks Read More >

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Probabilities, Not Promises: How Computer Models are Used in Emergency Preparedness & Response

Computer models are not crystal balls. They are the result of a set of variables going through mathematical algorithms. What comes out is a simulation of what might happen if present truths are accurate predictors of future trends. Models show probabilities; they don’t make promises. Models have many applications. Epidemiologists use them to predict disease Read More >

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Kitchen Conversations: How to Talk with Young Children About COVID-19

Teenager conversation with parents

This pandemic has been a challenge for everyone. The COVID-19 outbreak has changed our daily lives in ways we never could have imagined. As a result, many of us are wearing multiple hats, including that of a homeschool teacher. Children learn from adults outside of scheduled school time, too. Kids are observant. They soak in Read More >

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3 Reasons Why Handwashing Should Matter to You

Unseen woman washing her hands with soap in a sink.

Most of us are familiar with the parental-like voice in the back of our minds that helps guide our decision-making—asking us questions like, “Have you called your grandmother lately?” For many that voice serves as a gentle, yet constant reminder to wash our hands. Handwashing with soap and water is one of the most important Read More >

Posted on by David M. Berendes, PhD, MSPH, Epidemiologist15 CommentsTags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

When Preparation Meets Opportunity: Cameroon Gets a Jump on Outbreak Response

Buea-Regional-Hospital-at-the-foot-of-Mt-Cameroon

When Dr. Aristide Abah stepped off the plane that brought him from Atlanta back to his home in Cameroon, there was no time to waste. An outbreak of H5N1 flu threatened the country, and it was up to Dr. Abah to lead the response. Fortunately, he was prepared. Read More >

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Giving Students First Hand Experience

Emory students holding up sheets of paper

By Annum Shaikh We often hear about CDC professionals who are preparing the nation and responding to various public health emergencies. But what about the students who are contributing to these initiatives? Close to the CDC campus in Atlanta resides a group that provides students with practical experience in public health emergency preparedness and the Read More >

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