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Outbreaks: Protecting Americans from Infectious Diseases 2014

“It is alarming that many of the most basic infection disease controls failed when tested. After more than a decade of focus on preparing for public health emergencies in the wake of the September 11 and anthrax tragedies, there have been troubling errors, lapses and scrambles to recreate practices and policies that were supposed to have been long considered and well established. The country spent more than a decade working to ensure federal, state and hospital readiness so that policies and practices would be in place when an outbreak occurs. Every state has received support to establish fundamental infection control practices. Necessary capabilities include protocols for establishing isolation beds in hospitals and safely disposing of hazardous waste; developing quarantine and monitoring policies based on sound science and different disease contingencies; and effectively communicating with the public during an evolving outbreak without creating unnecessary fear. Significant advances have been made, but many serious gaps remain, particularly as resources have eroded over time. Infectious disease control requires constant vigilance. This requires having systems in place and conducting continuous training and practice exercises. The Ebola outbreak is a reminder that we cannot afford to let our guard down or grow complacent when it comes to infectious disease threats. Unless public health preparedness is consistent and maintained, it can quickly devolve into a flawed and reactionary endeavor that leaves Americans unnecessarily at risk. The best offense to fighting infectious diseases is a strong and steady defense. The post-2001 investments have led to significant progress in many areas of health emergency preparedness, but they did not lead to a serious modernization of the nation’s approach to infectious disease control. The current system must be brought up to-date to better match modern global disease threats, technological advances and a clear, consistent set of baseline capabilities.”

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