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.
Measles Cases Hit 25-Year High: Is Your Team Prepared?
Measles is highly contagious and can spread before symptoms even appear. That’s why early recognition and rapid action are critical. As of July 22, 2025, 1,319 confirmed measles cases have been reported by 40 jurisdictions, including Virginia. This is the highest number since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000.
The Measles Micro-Learning from CDC’s Project Firstline is a quick, targeted training designed to help healthcare workers understand how measles spreads and how to stop it.
What to Expect: The short module reviews measles transmission, why it spreads so easily, and key steps to protect patients and coworkers. Clear visuals and real-world examples help staff connect the dots quickly.
How to Use It: Share it in a huddle, add it to an in-service, or assign it individually. It’s short, easy to fit into busy schedules, and makes an excellent refresher.
Why It Works: It’s direct, visual, and action-focused, with a facilitator guide to ensure consistent messaging.
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!
