Infection Control News: February 11-15, 2019
In ICU rooms, ARO (especially CPE) are 4 times more prevalent in sinks located next to toilets than in sinks located farther away, according to a study published in the AJIC. Study.
Use of laxative 24h to 48h before testing for C.diff is common, particularly in surgical and ICU patient. Stool testing cannot distinguish C. diff infection from asymptomatic colonisation. There is an opportunity for quality improvement. Study
Mexican researchers may have found possible cure for Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). News
The Public Health Agency of Canada says at least 30 Canadians who had surgery at a clinic in Tijuana, Mexico are at risk of potentially deadly infection.News. Information from PHAC.
Hand hygiene compliance among EMS providers (in Australia, Denmark, Finland & Sweden) is remarkably low with a 3% compliance before patient contact & 2% before clean/aseptic procedures. Study.
The NICU at the IWK Health Centre in Halifax may have set a record. They celebrate a year and a week without having a case of central line-associated bloodstream infection. News.
When is your cold most contagious? If you get to the office and notice your throat is a bit sore, it may be time to head home. Learn more in this Global News article. News.
U.S. teens are defying parents to get vaccines. Here are the rules in Canada. News
Health experts are warning that Canada could face a measles outbreaks because of the highly contagious nature of the disease & our own low vaccination rates. Canadians have become dangerously complacent about getting their children vaccinated. News.
Measles cases in Vancouver:
Health officials have confirmed a case of measles in the Vancouver area. News.
A second case of measles has been confirmed in Vancouver. The infected person is a minor and caught the disease locally, whereas the first case was acquired abroad. News.
Health officials confirm ‘several’ cases of measles at Vancouver schools. News.
Vancouver measles scare puts spotlight on low vaccination rates at many local schools. News
One day after Vancouver health officials warned of another case of measles, an online petition is urging mandatory vaccinations for all children in public schools. News.
Summary of Ebola and MERS Co-v Outbreaks:
Ebola: 16 more confirmed Ebola cases in DRC. Bring the outbreak total to 816 cases. Report.
MERS Co-V: Saudi Arabia recorded 10 more cases. Bring 2019 totals to at least 50 cases. Report.
Yellow fever in Brazil: In December & January there was 36 cases including 8 deaths Virus could spread across the country WHO said in areas with low population immunity. News.
Lassa fever: 1st case confirmed in Guinea. WHO weekly bulletin .
There is an ongoing Lassa fever outbreak in Nigeria. Nigeria confirms 275 cases of Lassa fever & 19 of the 36 states are affected by this outbreak. Report.
A friendly competition lead to increase hand hygiene compliance significantly. Find more in this study. Study.
A recall has been added to the CFIA’s Food Recall Report. Reason for Recall: Clostridium botulinum. Products: Vivi and Tom Baby Food brand baby and toddler foods. Recalling Firm: Vivi and Tom Baby Food. Distribution: Ontario. Recall notice .
Flu vaccine. Vaccine effectiveness in US is 47% compared to the 72% effectiveness for the same vaccine in Canada. Find more here. News.