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.
Turning Explosive Headlines into Practical Prevention
Cyclosporiasis has been making headlines lately. We can use that attention to spark interest in infection prevention. There is no current evidence that Virginia is experiencing an outbreak, but the recent “explosive” headlines are a good chance to remind healthcare staff about foundational infection prevention best practices.
What to Expect:
Virginia Monthly Morbidity Surveillance Report: See how cyclosporiasis and other reportable diseases compare with past years and seasonal trends in Virginia.
CDC Health Alert Network (HAN) – Health Advisory on Cyclosporiasis: The HAN shares updates about urgent public health events. Sign up for HAN alerts to stay up to date on the latest guidance and infection prevention recommendations.
Project Firstline’s How to Read a Disinfectant Label: Learn how to choose and use disinfectants the right way. Follow the label to make sure your cleaning and disinfection work, no matter which germ is making the headlines.
How to use it:
- Make local data meaningful. Share the Surveillance Report at your infection prevention committee meeting. Compare current disease activity with the usual baseline. Talk about what any changes could mean for your facility.
- Practice before it happens. Use CDC Health Alert Network (HAN) alerts as discussion starters. Ask, “What would we do if this happened here?” Review your plans for reporting, isolation, testing, and communication.
- Host a disinfectant scavenger hunt. Place several disinfectant products around the room. Challenge staff to use the Project Firstline “How to Read a Disinfectant Label” infographic to answer questions from each label. The first team to finish with the most correct answers wins.
Target Audience: Foundational & Intermediate IPC Education Level
Celebrating Sue Moeslein’s Dedication to Mentorship
Susan (Sue) Moeslein is not just a leader in infection prevention, she’s a mentor shaping the next generation of professionals. With over 40 years in healthcare and 17 years as an infection preventionist (IP), Sue has been a steadfast advocate for patient safety and quality of care. With a diverse background spanning various healthcare settings and roles including infection prevention and care management, Sue has brought her wealth of experience to Health Quality Innovators (HQI).
Sue is passionate about mentoring the next generation of IPs. As co-chair of the APIC-Virginia/VDH IP Mentorship Program, she has been instrumental in the program’s success. Recognizing the challenges faced by early-career IPs, Sue played a key role in developing this structured, low-burden mentorship program. By pairing experienced IPs with newcomers, the program fosters professional growth, enhances knowledge sharing, and standardizes best practices across the field. Sue’s dedication helped create a scalable model that supports both mentors and mentees while reducing the workload on seasoned professionals.
Thanks to her efforts, the mentorship program has seen high engagement, strong retention rates, and overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants. With structured learning modules, interactive discussions, and continuing education credits, mentees gain the skills and confidence needed to excel in infection prevention.
Sue’s passion for mentorship embodies the spirit of collaboration and leadership. Her work ensures that infection prevention professionals across Virginia are supported, empowered, and prepared for success.
Fun Facts About Sue
- Celebrating her 43rd wedding anniversary this year
- Has 3 grandchildren
- Registered nurse for 42 years
- In her spare time, she loves to quilt (and is very good at it)
