Monitoring USG action on readiness and response
Published by the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security
Editors: Diane Meyer, RN, MPH; Lane Warmbrod, MS, MPH & Amanda Kobokovich, MPH
June 11, 2019
Public Health & Healthcare Preparedness
BLOG
BARDA-supported Zika Virus Test Receives FDA Clearance; Ready for Clinical Laboratory Use. The first commercially available Zika virus diagnostic, a product BARDA supported through its advanced research and development program, received authorization for marketing from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on May 23. The test provides results from a blood sample in about four hours. (ASPR, 6/6/2019)
PRESS RELEASE
Breakthrough in Predicting Dengue Fever Outbreaks. Researchers have devised a method to forecast outbreaks of dengue – a sometimes fatal mosquito-borne disease – as much as four months in advance. (NSF, 6/6/2019)

PRESS RELEASE
As Measles Cases Surpass 1,000, Secretary Azar Reinforces Commitment to Vaccination. On June 5, 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the number of measles cases nationwide so far in 2019 was 1,001. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar released the following statement. (HHS, 6/5/2019)
PRESS RELEASE
FDA Approves New Treatment for Hospital-acquired and Ventilator-associated Bacterial Pneumonia. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved a new indication for the previously FDA-approved drug, Zerbaxa (ceftolozane and tazobactam) for the treatment of hospital-acquired bacterial pneumonia and ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia (HABP/VABP) in patients 18 years and older. (FDA, 6/3/2019)
Homeland Security & Disaster Preparedness
NEWS
FirstNet Proves Successful in Rural Virginian Search and Rescue Exercise. The capabilities of first responder network FirstNet were proven in a recent exercise in a remote part of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, where the network was relied on for emergency communications during a search and rescue exercise. (Homeland Preparedness News, 6/6/2019)
NEWS
House Passes $19.1 Billion Disaster Bill Despite Earlier GOP Efforts To Stall It. With Trump's signature, the legislation would help speed relief funds to communities hit by tornadoes, wildfires, volcanoes, drought, flooding and other disasters. It also includes money for Puerto Rico, which is still rebuilding after 2017 hurricanes devastated significant portions of the island. (NPR, 6/3/2019)
Science & Technology Policy
NEWS
Bill Requiring Annual Report on Domestic Terrorism Introduced in House. The Domestic Terrorism Documentation and Analysis of Threats in America (DATA) Act would require Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Justice Department, and the Department of Homeland Security, to produce an annual report on domestic terrorism. Specifically, the report would include data on domestic terrorist incidents, assessments, investigations, indictments, prosecutions, and convictions. (Homeland Preparedness News, 6/7/2019)
NEWS
Pandemic and All-hazards Preparedness, Response Bill Heads to Trump Following House Approval. S. 1379, sponsored by U.S. Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) on May 8, will strengthen the nation’s health security strategy, improve preparedness and response, bolster the country’s emergency response workforce, prioritize a threat-based approach, and increase communication in medical countermeasure advanced research and development, among numerous other provisions contained in the sweeping legislation. (Homeland Preparedness News, 6/4/2019)
This Week's Hearings
Assessing FEMA’s Readiness for Future Disasters. US House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security. 6/12/2019, 10:00 am. Cannon House Office Building, Room 310. More
Weathering the Storm: Improving Hurricane Resiliency Through Research. US House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space and Technology, Subcommittee on Science. 6/17/2019, 10:00 am. Texas's 7th Congressional District, Location TBD. More
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