Date and Time
June 2, 2026 (Tuesday) (English Only)
at 2:00 – 3:00 Central Time (1:00 – 2:00 Mountain Time)
Introduction
This webinar will provide Canadian public health stakeholders with an evidence-informed overview of Hantavirus infections and the current Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda, recently declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). While Hantavirus outbreaks remain localized and are not currently classified as a WHO PHEIC, recent global discussions have highlighted the importance of strengthening surveillance and preparedness for zoonotic diseases.
The presenters will explore epidemiology, transmission pathways, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, infection prevention and control (IPC) measures, and public health implications of both diseases. The session will also review supportive care strategies, investigational and approved treatment options, outbreak containment measures, travel-related considerations, and risk communication strategies relevant to Canadian healthcare and public health systems.
This webinar is designed for public health professionals, infection prevention and control practitioners, epidemiologists, healthcare leaders, emergency preparedness personnel, policymakers, researchers, pharmacists, nurses, physicians, and community health stakeholders.
Learning Objectives
- To describe the epidemiology, transmission, and clinical features of Hantavirus infections and Ebola virus disease.
- Differentiate between the transmission risks, reservoirs, and outbreak patterns associated with Hantavirus and Ebola.
- To identify key infection prevention and control (IPC) measures required to reduce healthcare-associated and community transmission.
- Discuss available supportive care, investigational therapies, approved treatments, and vaccine considerations for Ebola virus disease, including limitations related to the Bundibugyo strain and for Hantavirus.
Moderators
Margaret Haworth-Brockman, Senior Program Manager, National Collaborating Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCCID)
Speakers
Dr. Lynora Saxinger
Dr. Lynora Saxinger CTropMed, MD, FRCPC, is a University of Alberta-based Infectious Diseases specialist whose clinical practice includes HIV, Hepatitis C, and Travel and Tropical Medicine. Since the start of the pandemic, she acted as co-lead of the now-decommissioned Alberta COVID-19 Scientific Advisory Group and has been a pandemic content expert commentator and advisor to major media outlets, with public science communication outreach through social media (as @AntibioticDoc on Twitter). She has an evolving academic interest in science communication, social media impact, and knowledge translation for public education around COVID-19.
Dr. Jason Kindrachuk
Dr. Jason Kindrachuk is a Canada Research Chair (CRC) and an associate professor, Max Rady College of Medicine, Medical Microbiology and infectious diseases University of Manitoba. Dr. Kindrachuk’ s research focuses on the circulation, transmission and pathogenesis of emerging viruses that pose the greatest threat to global human and animal health. These include ebolaviruses, coronaviruses and influenza viruses. Past and present findings from his investigations will help inform therapeutic treatment and development strategies, outbreak prediction and preparedness efforts. He is also actively involved in emerging virus surveillance efforts through the Consortium for Intercepting Emerging Diseases in Africa (CIEDA).