Tools & Resources
Ebola Outbreak | RESPTC and Partner Resources
In May 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the outbreak of Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). Ebola disease is caused by a group of viruses, known as orthoebolaviruses (formerly ebolavirus), that can cause serious illness. Symptoms may appear 2 to 21 days after exposure. Common signs and symptoms include fever, aches, and fatigue. Symptoms progress to diarrhea, vomiting, and unexplained bleeding.
Hantavirus Outbreak | RESPTC and Partner Resources
Last updated May 2026
In May 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported an outbreak of Andes virus (a specific species of hantavirus found mostly in Argentina and Chile with, on average, 120 cases per year) aboard a Dutch-flagged cruise ship, the MV Hondius. Infection is primarily acquired through direct contact with the urine, feces, or saliva of infected rodents. While uncommon, human-to-human transmission has been documented in previous outbreaks involving the Andes virus. Andes virus causes Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome (HCPS). Following an incubation period of 1-8 weeks (median 2 weeks), a prodrome phase is characterized by fever, myalgias, back pain, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea.
H5N1 Outbreak | RESPTC and Partner Resources
Human cases of avian influenza A (H5N1) virus infection have been reported in the United States. Providers should consider the possibility of H5N1 in patients who had contact with potentially infected sick or dead animals in the past week and show the following symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, fatigue, eye redness (or conjunctivitis), and/or shortness of breath.
Mpox Outbreak | RESPTC and Partner Resources
Since January 2023, there have been a total of 12,569 suspected Mpox cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with a case fatality rate of 4.6%. This current outbreak in the DRC has been classified as Clade I, formerly known as the Congo Basin or Central African clade. This clade is known to be more severe with higher transmission rates, increased virulence, and greater potential for complications. NETEC and the Region 2 RESPTC offer a variety of resources and services to support facilities with this response.
To help HHS Region 2’s health care entities and workforce prepare for and respond to special pathogens, the HHS Region 2 RESPTC can organize site visits, Frontline courses, and/or webinars. To find localized resources outside of Region 2, contact the NSPS Level 1 RESPTC in your region.
Webinar Recordings
Bellevue Project ECHO VCoP Session 8: Environmental threats - Heat Emergency and Air Quality
View RecordingBellevue Project ECHO VCoP Emergency Session: Hantavirus
View RecordingBellevue Project ECHO VCoP Session 9: Bioterrorism
View RecordingBellevue Project ECHO VCoP Session 11: Travel-Associated Infections and Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
View RecordingBellevue Project ECHO VCoP Session: Ebola Outbreak - Situation Update and Regional Preparation
View RecordingRegion 2 RESPTC Project ECHO VCoP Session: Putting the Puzzle Pieces Together - An Interdisciplinary Review for HCID Prep
View RecordingRegion 2 RESPTC Project ECHO VCoP Session: Wildfire Awareness and Preparation
View RecordingBellevue Project ECHO VCoP Session 7: Mass Casualty - Vehicular Attack and Active Shooter
View RecordingBellevue Project ECHO VCoP Session 6: FIFA Topic – Mass Casualty: Overview and Medical Surge/Load Balancing
View RecordingBellevue Project ECHO VCoP Session 5: Intro to FIFA World Cup and America 250 Events
View RecordingBellevue Project ECHO VCoP Session 4: NSPS Onboarding
View RecordingH5N1 Secret Shopper Drill Webinar
View RecordingProject ECHO: Special Pathogen Exercises & Drills
View RecordingIdentify/Isolate/Inform Webinar
View RecordingNational Special Pathogen System Laboratory Training
View RecordingRegion 2 Partner Community | Avian Influenza Webinar
View RecordingJune Partner Community Meeting (Slide Deck)
View RecordingRegion 2 Joint Commission Standards Webinar (Slide Deck)
View RecordingNational Special Pathogen (NSPS) Region 2 Partner Community (Slide Deck)
View RecordingResponding to New and Emerging Outbreaks: Lessons Learned from the 2022 Mpox Outbreak
View RecordingChecklists, Job Action Sheets, Exercise Templates, and Additional Resources
Patient Transport Exercise Templates
How to Use This Resource Exercise Plan Evaluation Guide Template After Action Report and Improvement Plan TemplateJob Action Sheets
Infection Preventionist Job Action SheetNational Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center (NETEC)
As one of the original components of the NSPS, the National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center’s (NETEC) 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 promising practices, closing knowledge gaps, and developing innovative resources.
NETEC comprises faculty and staff from the University of Nebraska Medical Center/Nebraska Medicine, Emory University, and NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue. All work diligently to share their knowledge with health care, EMS, and public health personnel through consultations, education, and research.
NETEC led the NSPS Strategy development and implementation to shape the future of special pathogen care coordination in the United States. Now, NETEC serves as the Coordinating Body providing enabling services to NSPS.
Education, Courses & Training
NETEC offers courses and training on preparedness promising practices for nurses, physicians, emergency responders, and other health care professionals.
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Consultations & Support Services
NETEC can help health care facilities and EMS agencies prepare for special pathogen events with free virtual and onsite readiness consulting and assessments.
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Research Policies & Procedures
NETEC’s network provides researchers with training and resources to understand clinical syndromes and study effective treatments and management strategies.
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