Emergency Management

The next Section covers Infectious Diseases Emergencies (Chapters 12-14) Contagious Disease Epidemics, Pandemic Influenza and Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases.

From your reading, research, personal experience, or knowledge, please discuss the following:

1) Choose one of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Pandemic Influenza Strategic Plan Components (Table 13-7, pages 238-239): (1) Surveillance, investigation and protective public health measures, (2) Vaccines and antiviral medications, (3) Healthcare and emergency response, (4) Communications and outreach. Discuss what went well and what needs improvement related to that component based on your experience and research of the current COVID-19 pandemic response and anticipated ongoing response activities.

2) How well do you think the U.S. is prepared for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases such as Zika, Ebola, Measles? Are there any lessons from the COVID-19 experience that is applicable to preparedness, response and/or mitigation of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases?