WHAT:
As students head back to school, health experts are watching for infectious diseases that can spread quickly in classrooms. Declining vaccination rates raise the risk for preventable illnesses like measles and whooping cough, while flu, strep, COVID-19, RSV, and other circulating viruses could create a “perfect storm” for outbreaks.
Pathologists from the College of American Pathologists (CAP) will share what they’re seeing in the lab, the top threats to watch this school year, and practical prevention measures schools and families can take to reduce risk.
WHEN:
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
10:00 – 11:00 a.m. CT (11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET)
WHO:
Bobbi Pritt, MD, MSc, FCAP; Chair, CAP Council on Scientific Affairs, Professor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Chair of Clinical Microbiology, Mayo Clinic
C. Leilani Valdes, MD, MBA, FCAP; Pathologist at Regional Pathology Associates
David A. Schwartz, MD, MS Hyg, FCAP; Member, College of American Pathologists;
Deputy Editor in Chief for the Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
WHY:
As the 2025–26 school year begins, multiple infectious diseases are already circulating in some communities. This mix of illnesses could lead to increased classroom disruptions and increased student absences. CAP experts will discuss:
Childhood vaccination rates for key diseases and why even small gaps matter
Early-season trends in respiratory viruses such as flu, COVID-19, and RSV
The role of pathology and lab medicine in detecting outbreaks and supporting public health responses
How community health, hygiene practices, and environmental factors affect infection risk in school settings
Practical steps schools, healthcare providers, and families can take to reduce illness and keep children healthy
HOW TO JOIN:
Email Media@cap.org for a registration link.