Spreading the word on new infectious diseases

Lorne Tyrrell explains how to prevent the rise and spread of new diseases at the U of A's Festival of Health.

Kirsten Bauer - 30 May 2017

Could a new virus threaten the human population and spread swiftly across the globe, leaving death, destruction and full blown panic? It is a frightening scenario, perfect for a thrilling movie...but could it happen in real life?

Outbreaks of infectious diseases such as Ebola, the Zika virus and SARS do happen and new infectious diseases emerge every year. Did you know our researchers at the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry are working tirelessly on the frontlines to help identify, diagnose, prevent, treat and possibly cure infectious diseases?

Lorne Tyrrell, former dean of the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, has devoted his life to curing infectious disease. His work on viral hepatitis has led to medical breakthroughs and earned him a place in the Order of Canada and the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame. According to Tyrrell, the key to controlling infectious disease lies in discovery research and public awareness.

"Lorne Tyrrell is a superstar in the field of virology," said Richard Fedorak, dean of the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry. "Throughout his long career he has explored the boundaries of medical science. His work with viral hepatitis alone has immeasurably helped tens of thousands of people around the world."

Tyrrell's passion for research and innovation is driving towards a safer and healthier world for Albertans. "The excitement of research is that it takes some time," he said, "but once you get to the forefront of where knowledge is in your field, you realize that you're discovering new knowledge that no one else has ever seen, and that is thrilling."

Tyrrell will speak about the future of infectious disease prevention and what you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones at the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry's Festival of Health on Saturday, June 3.

Learn more about this topic at the Festival of Health

Register here for your free ticket

ECHA 2-490 1 -5 p.m.

Edmonton Clinic Health Academy,

North Campus, University of Alberta


Today's most critical health topics
delivered in rapid doses
by U of A's leading health experts
1-2 p.m.

Hands-on Health
Interactive displays
2 - 3 p.m. & 3:45 - 4:45 p.m.

Ask the Doctors
What have you always wanted to know but never dared to ask?
3 - 3:45 p.m.

More information available at uab.ca/healthfest.