Webinar | Pathogen X: The Next Public Health Concern

First appearing on the World Health Organization (WHO)’s Current Priority Disease List in 2018, Pathogen X represents the knowledge that the next public health concern or global pandemic could be caused by a pathogen that is currently unknown. As we explore the history, future implications, and significance of Pathogen X, it is imperative that we analyze the similarities of Pathogen X, the next public health concern, to COVID-19, the current public health concern. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the challenges of combating an unknown pathogen and managing a public health crisis. It also raises concern for how we can successfully prepare for the next potential global pandemic.

Learning objectives

At the end of this webinar, attendees will be able to:  

• Describe the history of Pathogen X and its importance as a World Health Organization (WHO) Priority Disease
• Discuss the public health shortcomings of the current COVID-19 pandemic
• Develop strategies to prepare for the next public health concern

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Katherine Anderson, MPH, CIC

Infection Preventionist, ECRI
Katherine Anderson began her career in Infection Prevention in 2017. Katherine managed infection prevention programs for two rehabilitation hospitals in Houston, Texas before her career moved her to Salt Lake City, Utah in late 2019 where she worked as the Infection Prevention and Employee Health Manager for a rapidly growing acute care facility in northern Utah County. Prior to joining ECRI, Katherine worked for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) as an Infection Prevention Subject Matter Expert for schools and childcare settings across the state. Katherine holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and History, Master of Public Health in Epidemiology, and is currently in school for her Master of Business Administration in Technology Management. She has been certified in Infection Control since 2019.