United States-Canada Outbreaks: Shared Lessons Learned for Infection Preventionists
Includes a Live Web Event on 10/21/2026 at 1:00 PM (EDT)
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1 IPU
Wednesday, October 21, 2026 @ 1 pm ET
The United States (U.S.) and Canada share the world’s longest international land border. This proximity influences cross-border travel and trade while reinforcing the importance of public health efforts in both countries to protect human and animal populations. Outbreaks in one country involving foodborne pathogens and respiratory viruses can impact the other country without respecting regional boundaries. Wildfire smoke can increase susceptibility to respiratory tract infections among exposed populations, and antimicrobial resistance remains a shared public health concern. Both countries also provide healthcare services to underserved communities, Indigenous populations, and vulnerable residents in long-term care settings. As a result, U.S. and Canadian infection preventionists (IPs) must maintain continued vigilance for emerging infectious disease threats that may cross the border.
Sharing evidence-based interventions to mitigate outbreaks with cross-border pathogens can provide valuable clinical insight and learning for IPs globally. Resources from other regions may serve as useful guides when local public health recommendations are delayed or unavailable. The lessons learned can enhance outbreak preparedness, especially when novel pathogens have been detected such as SARS-CoV-1.
This webinar will explore several notable healthcare-related cross-border outbreaks and infectious disease events, including measles, botulism, Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, smallpox, their mitigation strategies, and lessons learned. Best-practice recommendations and resources from the Public Health Agency of Canada and various Provincial Health Departments, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and various state health departments will be highlighted and discussed.
A key takeaway message is a greater awareness that Canadian outbreak management recommendations should not replace national guidance in the U.S. but serve as a complementary resource. These resources can offer additional perspectives, help bridge operational gaps, and support the delivery of safe patient care.
Learning Outcomes:
At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:
- Discuss how evidence-based resources from Canadian and U.S. public health agencies can inform effective outbreak response strategies.
- Compare infection prevention and control (IPAC) resources used in the U.S. and Canada to manage infectious disease outbreaks.
- Identify how international IPAC resources can help address knowledge gaps during outbreaks and daily operations.
Speakers:
Steven Schweon, RN, MPH, MSN, CIC, FSHEA, FAPIC
Infection Preventionist Consultant
Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania
Jennifer Happe, M.Sc.
Infection Control Professional, Alberta Health Services
Calgary, Alberta
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Jennifer Happe, M.Sc.
Infection Control Professional
Alberta Health Services
Jennifer Happe holds a Master of Science degree in Microbiology and Infectious Diseases and has worked in infection prevention and control for 15 years with Alberta Health Services. Jennifer currently works at the Alberta Children’s Hospital. Jennifer is an Advisor on the National Advisory Committee on Infection Prevention and Control (NAC IPC) for the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). She is member of several PHAC Canadian Nosocomial Infection Surveillance Program (CNISP) workgroups, and a Co-chair of the LTC group. Jennifer is a former Director on the Board of Infection Prevention and Control Canada (IPAC Canada) and Chair of the IPAC Canada Surveillance and Applied Epidemiology Interest Group. Jennifer is Chair of the Scientific Program Committee for the 2026 IPAC Canada Conference.
Steven J. Schweon, RN, MPH, MSN, CIC, FSHEA, FAPIC
Infection Preventionist
Steven J. Schweon RN, MPH, MSN, CIC, CPHQ, FSHEA, FAPIC is a seasoned, board-certified Infection Preventionist. He first became interested with infectious diseases while serving as an Army medic in South Korea, where he supervised a microbiology department that specialized in sexually transmitted diseases. He later worked on the high technology isolation ward at Ft. Detrick, Maryland, home of “The Hot Zone.” Prior to becoming an infection preventionist, he had 14 years of experience, and achieved certification, in critical care and behavioral health nursing. Steve was also a long-term care “orderly” prior to attending nursing school.
Steve has been an infection preventionist since 1995, achieving continual board infection control certification since 1997. Clinical experiences include the acute care and Long-Term Care settings.
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