In this episode of Transmission Interrupted, host Jill Morgan sits down with Dr. Gaby Frank, internist and director of the Special Pathogens Center at Johns Hopkins, to provide clarity and insight on the current hantavirus outbreak. The conversation kicks off by demystifying essential public health terms like "isolation" and "quarantine," explaining their definitions and uses in the context of infectious diseases in the U.S. Jill and Dr. Frank then dive into the science behind hantavirus, specifically the unique Andes virus strain in Argentina and its rare but notable potential for human-to-human transmission, a distinction setting it apart from the many other hantavirus strains found throughout the Americas.
Listeners will gain a clearer understanding of how hantavirus is typically contracted—primarily from aerosolized rodent droppings rather than person-to-person transmission—and the actual risks associated with exposure. The episode highlights findings from a long-term study in Chile, which revealed only 3.3% of close contacts developed the disease, with greatest risk among household and romantic partners. Jill and Dr. Frank dispel some of the fear and misinformation circulating about hantavirus, stressing that while severe cases can occur, the general public’s risk remains very low. Through expert perspective and practical advice, this episode underscores the importance of strategic preparedness and ongoing research, empowering listeners with the knowledge they need to stay safe and informed.
Guest
Maria (Gaby) Frank, MD, FACP, SFHM
Professor of Medicine, PAR, Johns Hopkins University
Director, Johns Hopkins Special Pathogens Center
Dr. Frank is a hospitalist. Professor of Medicine PAR, and the Director of Johns Hopkins’ Special Pathogens Center Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD, one of the 13 Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Centers (RESPTCs). The Johns Hopkins Hospital (JHH) is a premier 1000-bed non-profit academic medical center within the larger Johns Hopkins Health System, one of the leading health care systems in the United States. The 5-hospital health system in the Baltimore-Washington area has 2513 beds (354 intensive care unit beds) and serves approximately 7 million people. JHH provides a full range of clinical services including specialty care for both adults and pediatric patients. The Johns Hopkins Hospital was ranked number one in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for 22 years of the survey's 30-year history. Before joining Johns Hopkins, Dr. Frank was the Medical Director of the biocontainment unit at Denver Health and Hospital Authority. In her role as the medical director of BCU, she served as the site Principal Investigator for the NIH-sponsored ACTT trial and is actively involved in the National Emerging Special Pathogen Training and Education Center (NETEC) and Special Pathogens Research Network (SPRN). Dr. Frank received her medical diploma from the University of Buenos Aires in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and completed a residency in Internal Medicine and another in Emergency Medicine in Argentina. She immigrated to the U.S. in 2004, where she completed another Internal Medicine Residency at the University of Colorado, joining as faculty after graduation. Her areas of interest include emergent special pathogens, and disaster preparedness and response.
Host
Jill Morgan, RN
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).
Resources
About NETEC
A Partnership for Preparedness
The National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center’s mission is to set the gold standard for special pathogen preparedness and response across health systems in the U.S. with the goals of driving best practices, closing knowledge gaps, and developing innovative resources.
Our vision is a sustainable infrastructure and culture of readiness for managing suspected and confirmed special pathogen incidents across the United States public health and health care delivery systems.
For more information visit NETEC on the web at www.netec.org.
NETEC Consultation Services
Assess and Advance Your Readiness for Special Pathogens with Free, Expert Consulting.
NETEC offers free virtual and onsite readiness consulting to help health care facilities and EMS agencies prepare for special pathogen events. Our targeted support services are delivered by experts selected and assigned to each inquiry based on the unique needs of your organization. Have a question? Ask a NETEC expert.
For more information visit: netec.org/consulting-services.
