VIPTA is a statewide infection prevention and control education collaborative, led by the Virginia Healthcare-Associated Infections Advisory Group. Through partnership, VIPTA curates IPC resources for Virginia’s healthcare, congregate care, and public health settings.
Shining a Light on Representation in Healthcare Training
Mpox is a contagious rash illness caused by the mpox virus. In November 2024, the first case of clade I mpox was confirmed in the United States. The Virginia Department of Health’s mpox fact sheet features medical images of diverse skin tones to enhance healthcare professionals’ ability to recognize mpox symptoms in all patients.
In a 2022 study, Buonsenso et al. found that 74% of surveyed healthcare professionals reported using training materials featuring predominantly white skin, and only 5% felt confident diagnosing skin conditions across all skin tones. Inclusive training materials like this not only build diagnostic confidence but also advance equitable care for diverse communities.
Want to Learn More? Access the VDH mpox fact sheet for practical guidance on prevention, symptoms, and treatment. Visit VDH’s mpox webpage to learn more.
Target Audience: Foundational IPC Education Level
APIC Virginia Conference
On October 5th and 6th, infection preventionists and public health partners from around the state came together in Richmond, VA for two days of education, networking, and learning about new products from industry partners.
The Virginia chapter of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC Virginia) had their highest attendance ever, with over 100 attendees for the conference on Friday, and approximately 60 pre-conference attendees on Thursday!
Preconference attendees learned the ins and outs of basic microbiology, how specimen collection can impact culture results, how to read susceptibility results and antibiograms, and how they can contribute to antimicrobial stewardship programs by focusing on enhancing their partnership with the laboratory.
Conference attendees brushed up on water management, dialysis, construction, nasal decolonization as a means to prevent infection, and heard about interesting Group A Strep and scabies outbreaks. A social event on Thursday provided great food and drink, and opportunities to network and socialize.
APIC Virginia looks forward to seeing you at next year’s educational conference!
