Infection Outbreak Articles & Analysis
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Midwest Hospitals on the Lookout for MDR-AB
In November of last year, a new study was published in the American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC). It indicated the common presence of Acinetobacter baumannii (MDR-AB), a dangerous multi-drug resistant bacterium, in numerous patient rooms in healthcare settings. Researchers found that MDR-AB was present in the indoor environment of 48% of the rooms of patients infected or colonized by the ...
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Creative Diagnostics Launches Monkeypox Virus Antibodies and Antigens to Support MPXV Research
Creative Diagnostics, a global leader in offering raw materials, antibodies, and reagents for the bio-technology industry, announced the launch of several Monkeypox Virus Antibodies and Antigens that have been validated to work in various types of immunoassays and can be used as tools for the detection of Monkeypox viruses. Monkeypox virus (MPV or MPXV) is a double-stranded DNA virus that causes ...
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IAQ and Infection Control Professionals Play a Critical Role in Preventing HAIs
The Telegraph reported last week about the risk of infection to hospital patients due to exposure to pillows that may be contaminated with a host of microbial pathogens. The article discusses a new study conducted by The Barts and The London NHS Trust that found 30 different types of possible infections in pillows taken from hospital wards. Potential exposure to C. diff and MRSA were just a few ...
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FDA Knew Devices Spread Fatal `Superbug`
U.S. health regulators have known since at least 2009 that the medical devices at the center of the "superbug" outbreak at UCLA can transmit lethal infections but have not recommended any new safety requirements, a lapse that threatens patient safety, experts in hospital-acquired infections said. The latest outbreak involving the reusable devices called duodenoscopes, which are inserted down the ...
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Mid-Atlantic Infection Control Professionals Help Healthcare Facilities Battle VRE
As healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) receive increased attention by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the national media, healthcare facilities are under increased pressure to prevent their spread. Many of the national media reports have focused on Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Clostridium difficile (C. diff), but many other pathogens ...
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Thermo Fisher Scientific Response to COVID-19 Expands to Include New Serology Test
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE: TMO), the world leader in serving science, announced it will expand its response to the COVID-19 pandemic by developing a total antibodies test in collaboration with WuXi Diagnostics and Mayo Clinic. The new test is the result of ongoing collaboration between all three organizations, including clinical evaluation and support from Mayo Clinic. Thermo Fisher ...
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CDC Report: Burkholderia multivorans Infections Linked to Hospital Ice Machines
A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report published on October 3, 2024, linked Burkholderia multivorans infections to ice machines in multiple healthcare facilities in the western United States. This post summarizes key findings, implications, and recommended practices for healthcare providers to ensure patient ...
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Mid-Atlantic Infection Control Specialists Help Prevent Norovirus Outbreaks
Outbreaks of norovirus have occurred in restaurants, cruise ships, nursing homes, hospitals, schools, banquet halls, summer camps and family dinners. These outbreaks occur across the nation and the Mid-Atlantic region is no exception. Earlier this year, a hospital in Pennsylvania witnessed an outbreak that appeared to occur both from within with existing patients and from people being ...
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MRSA Outbreak Strikes at High School
Thirteen students have tested positive for the antibiotic resistant infection, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) at Belen High School in New Mexico. All thirteen of the students have received antibiotics and are expected to recover. A female cheerleader, the first one at Belen High to be diagnosed with MRSA, had the most severe case that required an abscess to be ...
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C. diff Infections are a Real Concern in Chicago & across Illinois
The environmental and infection control experts at EC2 provide prevention services, inspections and solutions for healthcare facilities battling C. diff threats. Just last week it was reported that an outbreak of C. difficile (C. diff) at a Canadian hospital has already infected 63 patients. The outbreak has caused at least one confirmed death and possibly six others. This latest ...
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Legionella Experts in Puerto Rico Support Water Management and Infection Control Programs on Cruise Ships
One of the largest cruise line operators recently issued a letter to passengers that had sailed on one of their ships after learning that two prior passengers had a Legionella diagnosis. The letter was reportedly sent out of an ‘abundance of caution’ as the two individuals were not diagnosed onboard. During the time of the two illnesses, the ship in question was based in Florida with ...
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Infection Control Resources to Identify Klebsiella and Other Pathogens in Healthcare Settings throughout Puerto Rico
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes Klebsiella as a type of gram-negative bacteria that can cause different types of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). These include pneumonia, bloodstream infections, wound or surgical site infections, and meningitis. The agency warns Klebsiella bacteria have increasingly developed antimicrobial resistance, most recently to the ...
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Preventing another Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak in New York
Just last year, the worst outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in New York's history claimed a number of lives and infected over 100 people. The outbreak was associated with contaminated cooling towers and resulted in new statewide regulations. Cooling towers use water to regulate heat exchange throughout the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC). During the cooling process, ...
By VOETS, LLC
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Are Student Athletes in Puerto Rico at Risk of MRSA Infections?
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, commonly referred to as MRSA, is a type of staph bacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics called beta-lactams. These antibiotics include methicillin and other common antibiotics such as oxacillin, penicillin and amoxicillin. Infections due to MRSA are often spread by having contact with someone’s skin infection as can easily occur ...
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CIHs Qualified to Assist with Ebola Outbreak
This year, the largest Ebola epidemic in history occurred in multiple countries across West Africa. In September, a person who traveled from Africa to the United States was diagnosed with the condition in Texas. The virus then spread to several healthcare workers who provided the patient with medical care. Others who offered medical care in West Africa have also become infected and have been ...
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Aspergillus Infection Risks in Hospitals, Homes and Buildings
Aspergillosis is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by a fungal pathogen known as Aspergillus. It is a common type of mold found outdoors and in indoor environments. It can be found at excessive concentrations indoors when buildings suffer water damage or elevated humidity levels. Fortunately, most healthy people breathe Aspergillus spores without infection concerns. However, some ...
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Protecting Patients, Workers and Building Occupants from Staphylococcus aureus and Other Pathogens in Puerto Rico
Staphylococcus aureus is a type of bacteria that has long been recognized as a cause of disease. Frequently referred to as staph, it is commonly found on the skin and hair, as well as in the nose and throat of people and animals. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) even reports that about 30% of people carry Staphylococcus aureus in their nose. Most of the time, staph does not ...
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