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# PICNet

Provincial Infection Control Network of British Columbia

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://picnet.ca/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [News](https://picnet.ca/news/)
- [PICNet Newsletter - May 2026](https://picnet.ca/picnet-newsletter-may-2026/) - Updated Point-of-Care Risk Assessment (PCRA) and Viral Respiratory Illness (VRI) Resources Various infection prevention and control (IPC) resources have been updated based on review and input from health authority IPC programs, to align with the Policy Communiqué: Infection Prevention and Control Measures for Preventing Viral Respiratory Illness. The following are available on the PICNet website.
- [April 22 Earth Day Celebration](https://picnet.ca/picnet-celebrates-april-22-earth-day/) - IPAC Planetary Health Interest Group celebrates mini‑success stories.
- [May 5th is World Hand Hygiene Day: Your Action Saves More Lives](https://picnet.ca/may-5th-is-world-hand-hygiene-day-your-action-saves-more-lives/) - On May 5th, PICNet recognizes World Hand Hygiene Day, a global campaign led by the World Health Organization. This campaign, now in its 18th year, reminds health-care workers that proper hand hygiene — performed at the right moments and in the right way— continues to be one of the most effective and cost‑efficient ways to prevent
- [PICNet Newsletter - January 2026](https://picnet.ca/picnet-newsletter-january-2026/) - New High Threat Pathogens Modules Are In Motion… PICNet is making exciting progress on the new high threat pathogens (HTPs) online education modules. The modules will help equip health care workers and facilities in responding safely and confidently to HTPs in British Columbia (BC). This month, PICNet member Diandra Mark, partnered with the BC Biocontainment
- [Ministry of Health - Policy Communique 2014-02 - CPO Surveillance Protocol and Outbreak Management Post](https://picnet.ca/ministry-of-health-policy-communique-2014-02-cpo-surveillance-protocol-and-outbreak-management-post/) - Carbapenemase Producing Organism Surveillance Protocol and Outbreak Management. CPE is an emerging threat to global health which requires a coordinated approach to prevention and control among public health, infection control, clinical and laboratory professionals. Source: https://www.canada.ca/ Updated: May 10, 2024
- [PICNet Newsletters - May 2023](https://picnet.ca/picnet-newsletter-may-2023/) - PICNet Website Refresh We are excited to share our refreshed and modernized PICNet website. We welcome you to visit https://www.picnet.ca/. We hope that you enjoy the new look and feel and trust it will be more user-friendly for our community of practice. Thank you to all our survey participants who provided valuable feedback to help inform
- [PICNet Newsletter - July 2023](https://picnet.ca/picnet-newsletter-july-2023/) - Transitioning BCCDC COVID-19 IPC resources to general IPC materials, available @picnet.ca PICNet and the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with health-authority partners, are using a phased approach to revise COVID-19-specific provincial infection prevention and control (IPC) guidance and resources to viral respiratory illness (VRI) and general IPC materials. This transition aligns with the following announcements
- [PICNet Newsletter - October 2023](https://picnet.ca/picnet-newsletter-october-2023/) - Infection Prevention and Control Resources for Upcoming Respiratory Illness Season PICNet and the BC Ministry of Health have co-led the development of viral respiratory illness (VRI) resources through the Provincial COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control/Workplace Health and Safety Working group, in collaboration with health authority representatives and other partners. These resources cover a range of
- [PICNet Newsletter - March 2024](https://picnet.ca/picnet-newsletter-march-2023/) - Exciting Opportunity: Join Our Team as a Senior Practice Leader! Are you a visionary, a trailblazer, and a master of your craft? We’re thrilled to announce that we’re recruiting for a full-time permanent Senior Practice Leader to join our dynamic team! If you or someone you know is interested, check the PICNet website for the
- [PICNET NEWSLETTER - NOVEMBER 2024](https://picnet.ca/picnet-newsletter-november-2024/) - November 18-24 is World Antimicrobial Awareness Week Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing public health concern that requires our collective action. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified AMR as one of the top global public health threats facing humanity. World Antimicrobial Awareness Week is a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness about AMR and
- [PICNET NEWSLETTER - JANUARY 2025](https://picnet.ca/picnet-newsletter-january-2025/) - Stay Informed and Connected! Don't skip a beat — Share the opportunity with your colleagues to join the Provincial Infection Control Network (PICNet) Community of Practice to stay updated with the latest provincial infection prevention and control (IPC) e-newsletters about new Provincial guidelines surveillance reports and knowledge translation tools. Plus information about provincial IPC projects
- [PICNET NEWSLETTER – JUNE 2025](https://picnet.ca/picnet-newsletter-june-2025/) - Wow, look at PICNet’s refreshed newsletter! The information is more concise and relevant for viewers.
- [PICNET NEWSLETTER - OCTOBER 2025](https://picnet.ca/picnet-newsletter-october-2025/) - Celebrating National IPAC Week Celebrate National IPAC week: October 20-24. Check out PICNet’s messaging and list of resources and activities to help you promote and celebrate this week. PICNet's 20th Anniversary PICNet is celebrating its 20th anniversary this fall! Please watch for more details coming in November. Check out our info
- [Congratulations to PICNet on their 20th year: Thoughts from the provincial network](https://picnet.ca/congratulations-to-picnet-on-their-20th-year/) - Extended provincial network members, and current and former leaders provide their thoughts on two decades of infection prevention and control in BC
- [Celebrating 20 Years of PICNet: Reflections from Dr. Titus Wong](https://picnet.ca/celebrating-20-years-of-picnet-reflections-from-dr-titus-wong/) - The Provincial Infection Control Network of BC (PICNet) is celebrating its 20-year anniversary this year. Dr. Titus Wong, Provincial Medical Director, reflects on the effectiveness of an interconnected provincial network in unprecedented times.
- [National Infection Prevention and Control Week: October 20-24, 2025](https://picnet.ca/national-infection-prevention-and-control-week-october-20-24-2025/) - During the week beginning on Monday, October 20, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) professionals and health care teams across the province will celebrate National IPC week This year’s theme from IPAC Canada, “Bridging Gaps, Building Bridges” reflects our commitment to safety and quality care across sites through effective IPC practices. The theme encourages us to celebrate
- [PICNet staff members attend national conference in Winnipeg](https://picnet.ca/picnet-staff-members-attend-national-conference-in-winnipeg/) - Read about PICNet staff members attending the IPAC Canada National Conference in Winnipeg here.
- [Announcement: Farewell to Samar Hejazi, PhD – Lead, Research and Knowledge Translation, PICNet](https://picnet.ca/announcement-farewell-to-samar-hejazi-phd-lead-research-and-knowledge-translation-picnet/) - We bid farewell to our colleague Samar Hejazi on June 19th, and while we are sad to see her go, we are also excited for her to assume the role of Research and Implementation Scientist with Fraser Health. Samar joined PICNet in August 2023 and brought valuable knowledge and insight regarding research project/protocol development, critical
- [Announcement: Farewell to Raunika Lertnamvogwan, Research Assistant, PICNet](https://picnet.ca/announcement-farewell-to-raunika-lertnamvogwan-research-assistant-picnet/) - It is with mixed emotions that we announce Raunika’s departure from PICNet and PHSA on June 5, to begin the fast-track Respiratory Therapy program at Thompson Rivers University in British Columbia. Raunika joined PICNet as a Research Assistant in January 2024 and quickly became an integral member of our team. Among her many contributions, Raunika
- [Join Us for our Virtual Lunch and Learn Sessions!](https://picnet.ca/join-us-for-our-virtual-lunch-and-learn-sessions/) - Dive into the latest updates on CSA Standards while enjoying your lunch! PICNet is delighted to partner with CHAIR Canada to bring you a series of three engaging sessions. The virtual sessions will discuss engineered infection prevention and various CSA standards and will feature guest presenters from CHAIR Canada. A certificate of attendance will be
- [Infection Prevention and Control Alert: Increase in Measles Activity](https://picnet.ca/infection-prevention-and-control-alert-increase-in-measles-activity/) - Date: February 19, 2025 The recent rise in measles cases is a serious public health concern. There has been a significant increase in global measles activity. In Canada, there have been several cases reported in Ontario and Quebec this year. Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease that can lead to severe health complications,
- [NEW PICNET TEAM MEMBER: DIANDRA MARK](https://picnet.ca/new-picnet-team-member-diandra-mark/) - We are pleased to announce that Diandra Mark joined PICNet on December 2nd as the Knowledge Translation Leader (formerly known as the Education and Practice Coordinator role). Diandra is a Registered Nurse and holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, Certification in Infection Control (CIC), and is a Master of Science in Public Health
- [SEASONS GREETINGS 2024](https://picnet.ca/seasons-greetings-2024/) - As we reflect on this past year, PICNet is thankful for the continued commitment and collaboration of our partners. Your hard work and contributions make a difference to providing safe care and enhancing infection prevention and control practices across all health care settings.
- [TRANSITIONING COVID-19 IPC RESOURCES](https://picnet.ca/transitioning-covid-19-ipc-resources/) - Transitioning COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control Guidance and Resources PICNet and the Ministry of Health have co-led the development of viral respiratory illness (VRI) resources through the Provincial COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Ccntrol/Workplace Health and Safety Working Group, in collaboration with health authority representatives and other partners. These resources cover a range of viral respiratory
- [FAREWELL TO STEPHANIE, PICNET’S EDUCATION AND PRACTICE COORDINATOR](https://picnet.ca/farewell-to-stephanie-picnets-education-and-practice-coordinator/) - It is with mixed emotions that we share the news that Stephanie Burniston, Education and Practice Coordinator with PICNet, departed PHSA on November 8th, 2024. We are extremely sad to see her go; however, we're also elated to continue our partnership with Stephanie in her new position as Director, Population and Public Health Division at
- [National Infection Control Week 2024](https://picnet.ca/national-infection-control-week-2024/) - The following information is being shared early to facilitate awareness and planning for National Infection Control Week, observed in Canada this year on October 14th to 18th 2024. The week serves as a reminder of the critical importance of infection prevention and control (IPC) in safeguarding people in health-care settings. Thank you to our partners.
- [INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL (IPC) ADVISORY & MPOX GUIDANCE](https://picnet.ca/infection-prevention-and-control-ipc-advisory-mpox-guidance/) - Date: August 20, 2024 In response to the World Health Organization (WHO) declaration of mpox as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) on August 14th, PICNet directs you to provincial IPC guidance for mpox in health-care settings, available on PICNet’s mpox webpage. The mpox guidance is intended for health-care workers in health-care settings, programs and services, including acute
- [Announcement – Senior Practice Leader: Noorsallah Esmail](https://picnet.ca/announcement-senior-practice-leader-noorsallah-esmail/) - We are elated to share the news that Noorsallah Esmail has accepted the role of Senior Practice Leader with the Provincial Infection Control Network of BC (PICNet). Noorsallah transitioned to her new role May 10th, reporting to Tara Donovan, Network Director. In her new position, Noorsallah is leading the Education and Practice team to address
- [News Archives May-Sept 2014](https://picnet.ca/news-archives/) - Looking for previous news postings? You can find PICNet's news archives from May 2014 to September 2014 here. Earlier news postings have not been archived.
- [Ebola Clinical Care Guidelines](https://picnet.ca/ebola-clinical-care-guidelines/) - The Public Health Agency of Canada has published Interim Clinical Care Guildelines for the Ebola virus. The interim guidelines were created in collaboration with the Canadian Critical Care Society, The Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians, and the Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Canada (AMMI). There are also links to more information on Ebola
- [Influenza Fact Sheets](https://picnet.ca/influenza-fact-sheets/) - A quadrivalent influenza vaccine fact sheet has been developed for health care providers. The live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) Q&A has also been updated. Both resources are posted on BCCDC’s health professionals section and will be posted shortly on ImmunizeBC’s website.
- [Enterovirus D68 - Situation Update](https://picnet.ca/enterovirus-d68-situation-update/) - Please note: You can find the latest information on EV-D68 on the BC Centre for Disease Control website._____ The US CDC has recently reported an increase in hospitalizations among children with severe respiratory illness associated with enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) infection. Not unexpectedly, confirmed cases of EV-D68 have also been detected in Canada, including recent sporadic detections in
- [PICNet Website Changes](https://picnet.ca/picnet-website-changes/) - Welcome to the new PICNet website! The site has moved to a new platform, but the content is still the same; just a few pages have been reorganized. You'll see we have a new Guidelines and Toolkits section, but everything else is in the same place as before. You may, however, need to update any
- [Enterovirus D68 update from BCCDC](https://picnet.ca/d68-oct01/) - Please note: You can find the latest information on EV-D68 on the BC Centre for Disease Control website. BCCDC's bulletin of September 16th commented on neurologic (paralytic) features associated with two of their initial laboratory-confirmed cases of enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) in British Columbia. Neurologic symptoms were not at that time considered a prominent feature of EV-D68,
- [Emerging Respiratory Viruses](https://picnet.ca/emerging-respiratory-viruses/) - From BCCDC: While the world’s attention is understandably focused on the Ebola outbreak affecting several countries of West Africa, we would also like to remind and update you about several emerging respiratory viruses (ERV) with ongoing global monitoring since our last bulletin of June 17, 2014, including: 1. MERS-CoV. Activity has declined substantially relative to
- [Ebola information for healthcare professionals in BC](https://picnet.ca/2014-oct-13-ebola/) - health-care professionals in BC Health care professionals are advised to be vigilant for illness compatible with EVD in travellers returning from outbreak-affected areas. Basic screening questions include 1) travel to an EVD outbreak-affected area and 2) fever. Consider immediate isolation pending diagnostic testing and results. Strict infection control practices (routine and contact precautions) should be implemented for any suspected case. Ebola virus is
- [Ebola information from PHSA](https://picnet.ca/ebola-information-phsa/) - If you work for another health authority, please refer to their procedures. It has been six months since the outbreak of Ebola was declared in Western Africa. To date, there have been no confirmed cases of Ebola in Canada, and the risk to the Canadian general public is very low. Health care workers in Canada,
- [Enterovirus D68 Update](https://picnet.ca/enterovirus-d68-update/) - The BC Centre for Disease Control has has confirmed that a young man with a prior history of severe asthma has died with laboratory-confirmed enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) infection . It is uncertain whether EV-D68 caused or contributed to this death. This is the first known death associated with EV-D68 in Canada. You can read more
- [Mishap Mansion and Canadian Patient Safety Week](https://picnet.ca/mishap-mansion-for-canadian-patient-safety-week/) - What Patient Safety Mishaps Will You Spot in Mishap Mansion? BC’s health authorities and the BC Patient Safety and Quality Council (BCPSQC) are using Canadian Patient Safety Week (Oct 27-31) and Halloween as opportunities to talk about a scary subject: patient safety mishaps. You’re invited to visit the Mishap Mansion. Once there, you can enter
- [Ebola information for health professionals](https://picnet.ca/ebola-information-oct-27/) - Current information for health professionals on Ebola virus disease (EVD) can be found on the BCCDC website, which includes a link to the Ebola Clinical Care Guidelines developed by the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians, Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease Canada, Canadian Critical Care Society. PICNet is currently working with a provincial committee
- [Emerging respiratory-borne viruses update from BCCDC](https://picnet.ca/20141106/) - Below is an update from BCCDC on emerging respiratory-borne viruses (ERV), including details related to: Increase in MERS-CoV cases in September and October 2014 primarily in Saudi Arabia and linked to camel contact. Subsequent amplification through human-to-human spread within the nosocomial setting is reminiscent of SARS. Also in October, a travel-related MERS-CoV case has been
- [Flu vaccination](https://picnet.ca/flu-vaccination/) - There were several articles in the media this week about this year's flu vaccine not being as effective. However, according to Danuta Skowronski of BC Centre for Disease Control, there is still cross-protection even when there isn't a perfect match. Per BC's provincial influenza policy, health-care workers must still either get their flu vaccination or wear a
- [PHAC Advice on Infection Prevention and Control Measures for Ebola Virus Disease in Healthcare Settings](https://picnet.ca/phac-advice-on-infection-prevention-and-control-measures-for-ebola-virus-disease-in-healthcare-settings/) - The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has published a new document to provide background and advice on what the minimum level of infection control measures should be based on a review of available scientific evidence. You can read the full document on the PHAC website. PHSA's Ebola resources are all available on the POD.
- [Antibiotic discovery](https://picnet.ca/antibiotic-discovery/) - The first new antibiotic to be discovered in nearly 30 years has been called a ‘game changer’ in the fight against the growing resistance to drugs. You can read about this discovery in today's news, and read the article abstract on Nature.com.
- [Emerging Respiratory Virus Update](https://picnet.ca/emerging-respiratory-virus-update/) - From the BC Centre for Disease Control, February 27, 2015: There are a number of recent trends in the field of emerging respiratory viruses (ERV), including: 1. Upswing in MERS-CoV reports from the Middle East, primarily Saudi Arabia, since December 2014. a. In the context of the dramatic surge in MERS-CoV that occurred during the
- [Job posting with Northern Health](https://picnet.ca/job-posting-with-northern-health/) - Northern Health has a new vacancy for a Regional Manager, Communicable Disease - Prince George (Full Time). The Regional Manager, Communicable Disease Programs is accountable for the leadership, development, planning, and strategic implementation and evaluation related to the promotion, prevention and control of Communicable Diseases and Immunization programs for NH. This role is also responsible
- [Emerging Respiratory Pathogens update](https://picnet.ca/emerging-respiratory-pathogens-update/) - From BCCDC: As we enter the summer months and our human influenza surveillance indicators decline to inter-seasonal levels, we would like to update you on recent global trends related to emerging respiratory pathogens, including novel influenza A viruses and MERS-CoV. HIGHLIGHTS Human Infections with Avian Influenza Avian Influenza A(H5N1). Egypt continues to experience a large-scale
- [MERS-CoV update from BCCDC](https://picnet.ca/mers-cov-update-from-bccdc/) - From BCCDC: Dear Colleagues, Although it has been just over one week since our last bulletin, we would like to highlight a recent MERS-CoV cluster in South Korea that underscores several key aspects of emerging pathogen response, including travel history, prompt and rigorous infection control, and contact follow-up. Last week, South Korea notified the WHO
- [Accreditation Canada - Reprocessing of Reusable Medical Devices - Request for Input](https://picnet.ca/reprocessing-request/) - The following information being distributed on behalf of Accreditation Canada. Dear Colleagues: As part of our regular cycle of revisions to ensure currency, Accreditation Canada has revised the following set of standards: Reprocessing of Reusable Medical Devices Standards Please visit our website, or click here to access an overview of the changes, review the standards, and
- [McMaster researchers develop new infection test](https://picnet.ca/mcmaster-test/) - Researchers from Hamilton's McMaster University have created a new test that can identify diseases like hepatitis C and C. difficile much earlier than ever before. Dr. Yingfu Li, a biochemistry and biomedical sciences professor, said the test allows doctors to get results in a matter of hours as opposed to days. It can also detect infections in
- [Fecal transplant research for ulcerative colitis](https://picnet.ca/fecal-transplant-research-for-ulcerative-colitis/) - Researchers are questioning whether the stool transplants could work for bowel diseases other than C. difficile, such as ulcerative colitis. However, the first trials looking at whether ulcerative colitis could be treated with an infusion of a healthy person's stool produced confusing results... Read the full article on the Hamilton Spectator website.
- [Opinion article: Lyme disease is real but no epidemic](https://picnet.ca/opinion-article-lyme-disease-is-real-but-no-epidemic/) - From the Montreal Gazette: "Acute Lyme disease, of course, is very real. It is an infection caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi and gets spread to humans via bites from ticks of the Ixodes species. Adult ticks prefer to feed on white-tailed deer, but if an unassuming human happens by, they will happily latch on
- [Ebola: Infection prevention and control recovery plans in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone](https://picnet.ca/ebola-int-meeting/) - An inter-country meeting is taking place July 20-22 in Liberia on the topic of Ebola: Infection prevention and control recovery plans and implementation. Monrovia is hosting a meeting of infection prevention and control (IPC) experts from the 3 Ebola-affected countries. The overall aim of the meeting is to share experiences on IPC practices, and water and
- [Breakthrough announced in MRSA testing](https://picnet.ca/mrsa-testing/) - Micro Imaging Technology, Inc.announced that, through its collaboration with Northern Michigan University (NMU), it has developed a testing protocol that allows for detection of pathogen species from liquid cultures. Dr. Josh S. Sharp, Ph.D., assistant professor at the NMU Department of Biology in Marquette, Michigan, is researching clinical applications of the MIT 1000 System, particularly
- [CDC article on Coordinated Approach to Reduce AROs in Healthcare Facilities](https://picnet.ca/mmwr_aug4/) - The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have published an article on the Estimated Effects of a Coordinated Approach for Action to Reduce Antibiotic-Resistant Infections in Health Care Facilities. The findings estimate that with effective nationwide action now, more than half a million antibiotic-resistant health care–associated infections could be prevented over 5 years. Read the full
- [MERS-CoV Update: new outbreak in Saudi Arabia](https://picnet.ca/mers-cov-aug27/) - New cases Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) have been reported in Saudi Arabia. Four more deaths were announced, bringing the number of deaths in the past week to 17. The World Health Organization (WHO) says many of the recent cases are associated with an outbreak at a hospital in Riyadh. Several other countries have
- [PICNet welcomes Linda Hoang](https://picnet.ca/picnet-welcomes-linda-hoang/) - Dr. Linda Hoang has joined PICNet as Medical Co-Lead, following the retirement of Dr. Judy Isaac-Renton. This medical leadership position is a shared position with Dr. Elizabeth Bryce to lead and deliver the strategic goals of PICNet. Linda is the Program Head of the Public Health Advanced Bacteriology & Mycology for the BC Public Health
- [BCCDC puts call out for more doctors and nurses to help monitor for flu](https://picnet.ca/bccdc-puts-call-out-for-more-doctors-and-nurses-to-help-monitor-for-flu/) - Vancouver – Experts at the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) are already gearing up to monitor flu-like illness for the coming season and they’re looking for more community doctors and nurses to help. Influenza viruses constantly change, and each season the flu shot has to be updated to match the new strains that are
- [Emerging Respiratory Virus Update](https://picnet.ca/emerging-respiratory-virus-update-2/) - From BCCDC: With the annual Hajj approaching (September 21-26) and as we enter the regular autumn respiratory virus surveillance period, below is an update on recent trends in emerging respiratory viruses globally, including MERS-CoV and novel avian influenza A viruses. For our most recent seasonal influenza bulletin for BC (report no. 22, also posted on-line
- [BC Influenza Surveillance Bulletin: Sporadic Influenza Activity throughout Summer in BC](https://picnet.ca/bc-influenza-surveillance-bulletin-sporadic-influenza-activity-throughout-summer-in-bc/) - BC Influenza Surveillance Bulletin: Weeks 18-36 (May 3 - Sept 12, 2015) Back-to-School Update: Sporadic Influenza Activity throughout Summer in BC In weeks 18-36 (May 3 to September 12, 2015), community-based surveillance indicators for influenza remained at inter-seasonal levels throughout the province. However, sporadic cases of influenza A(H3N2) and influenza B continued to be detected,
- [PICNet Co-Directors Lead Pilot Study](https://picnet.ca/picnet-co-directors-lead-pilot-study/) - NEWS RELEASE from Genome BC Are self-disinfecting surfaces the “Midas” touch for reducing hospital infections? Pilot study examines environmental and genomic solution for healthcare associated infections Health care-associated infections (HAIs) are a major burden on patients and health-care systems worldwide. Despite strict hygiene practices and other preventative measures in hospitals there are an estimated 220,000 cases
- [B.C. research uncovers links to asthma; Fecal samples taken from hundreds of infants reveal missing bugs](https://picnet.ca/b-c-research-uncovers-links-to-asthma-fecal-samples-taken-from-hundreds-of-infants-reveal-missing-bugs/) - Vancouver-based researchers have identified four strains of bacteria that they believe babies need in their digestive tract to prevent asthma, opening up the possibility of a preventive treatment. The work published Wednesday in Science Translational Medicine fleshes out recent studies pointing toward the importance of a wide variety of bacteria in the human gut -
- [Avian Influenza A(H7N9) Virus Infection in 2 Travelers Returning from China to Canada, January 2015](https://picnet.ca/avian-influenza-ah7n9-virus-infection-in-2-travelers-returning-from-china-to-canada-january-2015/) - In January 2015, the first two human infections due to avian influenza A(H7N9) were detected in North America, reported among two travelers returning from China to British Columbia, Canada. The patients presented with typical influenza-like illness. They were detected in the outpatient setting through a series of somewhat fortuitous events – notably the collection of
- [Nobel Prizes in Medicine](https://picnet.ca/nobel-prizes-in-medicine/) - Three scientists from Ireland, Japan and China won the Nobel Prize in medicine on Monday for discovering drugs against malaria and other parasitic diseases that affect hundreds of millions of people every year. The Nobel judges in Stockholm awarded the prestigious prize to Irish-born William Campbell, Satoshi Omura of Japan and Tu Youyou — the first-ever
- [IPAC Survey for PHSA employees](https://picnet.ca/ipac-survey/) - PHSA’s Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) team would like to hear what you think of the services they provide. Their survey is open to all employees of the agencies they serve: BC Women’s Hospital BC Children’s Hospital and Sunny Hill BC Cancer Agency (all centers) BC Centre for Disease Control BC Mental Health and Addictions
- [Paper pubished on Canadian surveillance of EV-D68](https://picnet.ca/ev-d68-eurosurveillance/) - Today the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) in collaboration with each of the local health authorities in BC and partners in Alberta, Quebec and nationally at the Public Health Agency of Canada published a paper in the peer-reviewed journal EuroSurveillance describing epidemic features of enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) in Canada during the fall of 2014.
- [Technology award: cellphone sanitizer for hospitals](https://picnet.ca/technology-award-cellphone-sanitizer-for-hospitals/) - A group of Queen’s University graduates won a major innovation prize for a device designed to decontaminate personal electronic devices. The CleanSlate company, which was named one of 11 winners of the 43North entrepreneur and startup awards, won more than $650,000 (US$500,000). The CleanSlate technology uses ultraviolet light to clean the surfaces of cellphones, tablets
- [NY Microbiome Exhibition](https://picnet.ca/ny-microbiome-exhibition/) - Taking a Christmas vacation to New York? Be sure to take your kids to see The Secret World Inside You, an exhibition of the human microbiome at the American Museum of Natural History. You can read the full story about the exhibition on the New York Times website.
- [Canada Communicable Disease Report: Enteric outbreak surveillance in British Columbia](https://picnet.ca/canada-communicable-disease-report-enteric-outbreak-surveillance-in-british-columbia/) - A paper on Enteric outbreak surveillance in British Columbia, 2009-2013 has been published in the latest CCDR; the co-authors are from the BC Centre for Disease Control; School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia; Vancouver Coastal Health Authority; Fraser Health Authority; Interior Health Authority; Vancouver Island Health Authority; and Northern Health Authority.
- [Some antibiotics may worsen MRSA](https://picnet.ca/mrsa-nov2015/) - A new study published in Cell Host & Microbe found that treating MRSA with certain first-line antibiotics can make MRSA infections worse. The research team at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in California found that in laboratory mice, treatment with antibiotics called beta-lactams - which are similar to methicillin - caused the MRSA bacteria to build inflammatory cell walls that damage tissues.
- [Meningitis A vaccine in Africa](https://picnet.ca/meningitis-a-vaccine-in-africa/) - The MenAfriVa, introduced into Africa in 2010, has been a huge success: the caseload of Meningitis A has plummeted to zero in 16 countries that organized mass vaccination campaigns. However, health experts now worry that this one-off success will not, at least in some countries, be followed by the introduction of MenAfriVac into routine schedules of infant vaccination. A study just
- [Antibiotic resistance: gene that enables resistance to spread between bacteria](https://picnet.ca/antibiotic-resistance-gene-that-enables-resistance-to-spread-between-bacteria/) - The last line of antibiotic defence against some serious infections is under threat, say experts who have identified a gene that enables resistance to spread between bacteria in China. The gene, called mcr-1, allows a range of common bacteria, including E coli, to become resistant to the last fully functional class of antibiotics, the polymyxins.
- [Canada Communicable Disease Report: focus on antibiotic resistance](https://picnet.ca/canada-communicable-disease-report-focus-on-antibiotic-resistance/) - In the latest issue of CCDR, read about how normal flora can now be manufactured to treat Clostridium difficile and potentially other conditions, learn how optimal vaccine use can minimize the need for antibiotics, and see how the Canadian Institutes of Health Research has been funding research on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) innovation. In the ID News section
- [Link between Zika Fever and birth defects in Brazil](https://picnet.ca/link-between-zika-fever-and-birth-defects-in-brazil/) - The Brazilian health ministry has confirmed a link between a mosquito-borne virus from Africa, Zika Fever, and a high incidence of birth defects. The fever, it said, is behind a spike in cases of micro-encephalitis - an inflammation of the brain contracted in the first months of pregnancy. It has recorded two adult deaths and
- [Genetically modified mosquito can resist malaria infection](https://picnet.ca/genetically-modified-mosquito-can-resist-malaria-infection/) - US scientists say they have bred a genetically modified (GM) mosquito that can resist malaria infection. The scientists put a new "resistance" gene into the mosquito's own DNA, using a gene editing method called Crispr. And when the GM mosquitoes mated - their offspring inherited the same resistance, PNAS journal reports. In theory, if these
- [Lyme disease risk analysis](https://picnet.ca/lyme-disease-risk-analysis/) - Researchers with the B.C. Centre for Disease Control have just completed the province’s first systemic analysis of the threat of Lyme disease carried by certain types of ticks. Dr. Muhammad Morshed, program head of zoonotic diseases and emerging pathogens at the B.C. CDC, said 150 traps were placed at 12 different locations around the province
- [Case control study for MERS-CoV risk factors](https://picnet.ca/case-control-study-for-mers-cov-risk-factors/) - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have published a study on Risk Factors for Primary Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Illness in Humans, Saudi Arabia, 2014. Read the full article in CDC Emerging Infectious Diseases, Volume 22, Number 1—January 2016., Produced by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), this highly-magnified, digitally-colorized scanning
- [BCCDC Reportable Disease Dashboard](https://picnet.ca/bccdc-reportable-disease-dashboard/) - The BC Centre for Disease Control's public health analytics team has created an interactive tool that provides summary statistics on a variety of reportable diseases and conditions in British Columbia. ​​You can now search by disease, health region, and date range to see the geographic distribution, age and sex breakdowns, and the counts and
- [OXA-48 strain of CPO in the news](https://picnet.ca/oxa-48-strain-of-cpo-in-the-news/) - Several stories have been circulating in the U.S. press around a strain of CPO that the media has dubbed "The Phantom Menace". The stories refer to this report published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on December 4, 2015. The main summary points of the report are: The plasmid containing OXA-48-like
- [Healthcare Year In Review by the Globe and Mail](https://picnet.ca/globe-and-mail-healthcare-year-in-review/) - 11 IDEAS THAT SHOOK THE WORLD OF HEALTH IN 2015 It takes major news to tilt conventional wisdom off its axis - and this year had its share of blockbusters: Supreme Court of Canada rules on physician-assisted suicide Dairy and red meat take heat Genes are tweaked Overhaul sought for Home-care The brain’s blood-brain barrier
- [Possible TB exposure in U.S. hospital](https://picnet.ca/possible-tb-exposure-in-u-s-hospital/) - Over 1,000 people, including 350 infants, may have been exposed to tuberculosis in the maternity wing of a hospital in California after an active case of the disease was diagnosed in a nurse, hospital officials said on Sunday. The Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in San Jose, Calif., said it was notified in mid-November that
- [Quebec offers HPV vaccine to boys](https://picnet.ca/quebec-offers-hpv-vaccine-to-boys/) - The [Quebec] provincial government is changing a seven-year-old policy and will begin offering HPV vaccines without charge to young men. Starting in January 2016, men aged 26 and under who have sexual relations with other men will be eligible to get the vaccine against the human papilloma virus. Next school year, in September 2016, boys
- [Avian Influenza Bulletin - ‘tis the Season Reminder](https://picnet.ca/avian-influenza-bulletin-tis-the-season-reminder/) - From BCCDC: We are sending this pre-holiday bulletin as a reminder that the first three importations from China to North America of human infections with avian influenza (H5N1 and H7N9) were reported by Canada in early January 2014 (n=1) and 2015 (n=2), following the Christmas holiday period. This includes a young adult from Alberta who
- [Bandage that signals infection](https://picnet.ca/bandage-that-signals-infection/) - Researchers in the United Kingdom recently unveiled a prototype “intelligent” dressing that turns fluorescent green to signal the onset of an infection. The color-changing bandage contains a gel-like material infused with tiny capsules that release nontoxic fluorescent dye in response to contact with populations of bacteria that commonly cause wound infections. Led by Toby Jenkins,
- [CRISPR named ‘Breakthrough of the Year’ by Science magazine](https://picnet.ca/crispr-named-breakthrough-of-the-year-by-science-magazine/) - A gene-editing technology called CRISPR-Cas9 was voted by the editors of the American journal Science as the most important research breakthrough of 2015. A day earlier, Nature named the Chinese researcher Junjiu Huang one of the 10 people who mattered in 2015 for being the first to use the CRISPR system to edit the DNA of (non-viable) human
- [Study links IBS to Vitamin D deficiency](https://picnet.ca/study-links-ibs-to-vitamin-d-deficiency/) - A study published in the British Medical Journal has shown a link between Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and lack of vitamin D. There is no single known cause and no single known cure for IBS, although food and stress have been identified as aggravating factors. In the study by the University of Sheffield's Molecular Gastroenterology
- [MCR-1 gene in Canada](https://picnet.ca/mcr-1-gene-in-canada/) - The discovery that the MCR-1 gene — which makes E. coli and some other species of bacteria resistant to colistin — has been in Canada for at least five years has scientists wondering when it first emerged and how to stop its spread. The existence of the plasmid-mediated colistin resistance, or MCR-1, gene was first
- [New AMMI Antiviral Guidance for Influenza Outbreaks](https://picnet.ca/new-ammi-antiviral-guidance-for-influenza-outbreaks/) - In December 2015, the Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease Canada (AMMI) published an updated guidance document for the use of antivirals in the management of care facility influenza outbreaks for the 2015-16 season. Given the potential for low vaccine effectiveness of this season’s influenza vaccine, the AMMI guidance document states that, at the
- [Reminder: the 4 moments for hand hygiene](https://picnet.ca/4moments/) - Do your staff know the four moments for hand hygiene? .This may be easier to remember as "Clean your hands before and after contact with the patient or patient environment." Two important points: 1. Although the provincial hand hygiene compliance rate is an impressive 88% after patient/environment contact, the before rate is only 78% - which is
- [Rats carry MRSA and C.difficile](https://picnet.ca/rats-carry-mrsa-and-c-difficile/) - With Vancouver and the Lower Mainland plagued with a scourge of rats, new research from UBC suggests there may be grave consequences if the rodents' risk to human health continues to be underestimated. The UBC team studied the feces of rats caught at an Abbotsford poultry farm, and discovered that not only was every specimen carrying
- [Expanded Evidence for Frozen FMT for C. difficile Infection](https://picnet.ca/expanded-evidence-for-frozen-fmt-for-c-difficile-infection/) - A new study, published in the current edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), presents expanded evidence for frozen fecal microbiota transplantation for Clostridium difficile infection. You can access the article here, or through your library account.
- [Summary of Assessment of Public Health Risk to Canada Associated with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)](https://picnet.ca/summary-of-assessment-of-public-health-risk-to-canada-associated-with-middle-east-respiratory-syndrome-coronavirus-mers-cov/) - From the Public Health Agency of Canada, updated January 15, 2016 The risk assessment is reviewed on a regular basis and updated as required. Risk Assessment The public health risk posed by MERS-CoV to Canada is considered low based on available information at this time. The risk may change as new information arises. MERS-CoV is considered a
- [Emerging Respiratory Virus Update: Avian flu, novel influenza, and MERS-CoV](https://picnet.ca/ervupdatejan20/) - From BCCDC: MAIN MESSAGES Human infections with avian influenza of various novel subtypes (H7N9, H5N6, H9N2, H5N1) have been reported from China recently, notably H7N9 for which a fourth wave of human cases is currently underway. As previously emphasized, avian influenza viruses, like humanized strains, show winter seasonality. Prior human infections with avian influenza H7N9
- [Mutations create challenges for typing Influenza A viruses](https://picnet.ca/mutations-create-challenges-for-typing-influenza-a-viruses/) - From BCCDC: Today the Canadian Sentinel Practitioner Surveillance Network (SPSN) published a paper in Eurosurveillance, entitled “Mutations acquired during cell culture isolation may affect antigenic characterization of influenza A(H3N2) clade 3C.2a viruses”. The paper is available in full here (open access). We thought you would be interested in the findings, although like influenza itself, they
- [Zika virus continues to spread](https://picnet.ca/zika-virus-continues-to-spread/) - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which reported this week that a dozen cases of Zika virus have been confirmed in the United States, is expanding its advisory that pregnant women should avoid travel to countries currently seeing high rates of infection. The agency's initial list contained 14 countries, but the CDC on Friday added eight more
- [Probiotics: Roadblocks to Research](https://picnet.ca/probiotics/) - From The Boston Globe: Probiotics are everywhere these days, in pills and powders marketed as super supplements. Probiotics are said to improve digestive and immune health. They’re touted as potential treatments for conditions ranging from inflammatory bowel disease to eczema to tooth decay. Scientific evidence, however, does not necessarily support those claims. Studies in rodents
- [Rare BC clay kills antibiotic-resistant bacteria](https://picnet.ca/rare-bc-clay-kills-antibiotic-resistant-bacteria/) - Researchers at the University of B.C. have discovered that a rare clay used as medicine by aboriginals in northern B.C. contains antibacterial properties that could be used to treat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The grey-green clay, known as Kisolite, has been used for centuries by the Heiltsuk First Nations to treat a range of ailments, including ulcerative
- [Zika virus options: GMO mosquitos, pesticides, and bacterium Wolbachia](https://picnet.ca/zika-virus-options-gmo-mosquitos-pesticides-and-bacterium-wolbachia/) - This in-depth article in Forbes.com explains various options for combatting Zika virus, and also debunks the recent media myth that GMO mosquitos have in any way contributed to the Zika outbreak.
- [New species of tick-borne bacteria causes Lyme disease](https://picnet.ca/new-species-of-tick-borne-bacteria-causes-lyme-disease/) - Researchers at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., have discovered a new species of tick-borne bacteria that causes Lyme disease. The new species, provisionally named Borrelia mayonii, after the clinic, has been found only in the upper Midwest but may be present elsewhere. Six patients with the infection were identified by the researchers. The patients had
- [New research finds how 'superbugs' build their defences](https://picnet.ca/new-research-finds-how-superbugs-build-their-defences/) - Scientists at the University of East Anglia are getting closer to solving the problem of antibiotic resistance. New research published today in the journal Nature reveals the mechanism by which drug-resistant bacterial cells maintain a defensive barrier. The findings pave the way for a new wave of drugs that kill superbugs by bringing down their
- [Hand hygiene: the "before" moment](https://picnet.ca/handhygiene_beforemoment/) - In January, we promoted the 4 Moments for Hand Hygiene – a simple and effective way to ensure safe, quality care and prevent infections in health care settings. This month, we’re focusing in on the first moment: before initial patient / patient environment contact. In a nutshell, here’s what you need to remember: When? Clean
- [Janet Bristier: Powtoons Reprocessing Presentation](https://picnet.ca/powtoons-reprocessing/) - Using cartoon videos to improve communications with staff about reprocessing medical devices From the PICNet 2016 Educational Conference You can view details of the conference here.
- [Google Joins Effort to Stop Zika Virus Spread](https://picnet.ca/google-zika/) - From TechNewsWorld: Google last week announced it would contribute US$1 million to the UN Children's Fund to support the global fight against the mosquito-borne Zika virus. A team of Google engineers has volunteered to work with UNICEF to analyze data in an effort to figure out the viral infection's path. It also will match employee
- [Antibiotic prescriptions by dentists have increased](https://picnet.ca/antibiotic-prescriptions-by-dentists-have-increased/) - Dentists in B.C. are increasingly prescribing more and stronger types antibiotics - sparking concerns that the pattern could increase superbugs and the risks of diseases spreading. Dr. Fawziah Marra, with the University of B.C., examined 17 years worth of antibiotic prescriptions in collaboration with the B.C. Centre for Disease Control. Her findings revealed that dentists
- [Updated GI Outbreak Guidelines: Invitation to Review](https://picnet.ca/gi_guidelines_review/) - In November 2015, we invited you to provide feedback on the current GI Outbreak Management Guidelines, as they were due for review. Based on your feedback and on information from recent literature, PICNet's Guidelines Steering Committee has completed the draft of the updated guidelines. We invite you to review the draft document and provide feedback again.
- [University of Saskatchewan researchers develop new way of combating antibiotic resistance](https://picnet.ca/university-of-saskatchewan/) - A University of Saskatchewan research team has discovered a way to prevent bacteria from developing resistance to antibiotics, potentially helping to blunt the edge of a looming threat to public health around the world. The University of Saskatchewan research team, led by biochemist Ron Geyer, looked at the “SOS response,” which happens when bacteria are
- [BC's Animal Health Centre: detecting avian influenza](https://picnet.ca/bc-animal-health-centre/) - In British Columbia, when something mysterious has killed or sickened an animal – whether a fish, bird or mammal – the scientists at the Animal Health Centre in Abbotsford are the ones who often get the call. The centre, which employs 35 people, houses the provincial veterinary diagnostic laboratory and has high-level accreditation found only
- [FDA approves experimental test to screen blood donations for Zika virus](https://picnet.ca/zikabloodtest/) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced Wednesday that it would allow the use of an experimental test to screen blood donations for contamination with the Zika virus. The move means that Puerto Rico, which had halted local blood donations and had imported nearly 6,000 units of red blood from the continental United States,
- [IPAC-BC Education Day: Save the Date!](https://picnet.ca/ipac-bc-save-the-date/) - IPAC-BC will be hosting an Infection Prevention and Control Education Day on Friday November 4, 2016. Be sure to mark it in your calendar! The event will be open to everyone (not just IPAC members). Details on the program and registration fees will be announced later this year. The event will be held in the
- [Canadian-designed mosquito trap could help fight Zika virus](https://picnet.ca/canadian-designed-mosquito-trap-could-help-fight-zika-virus/) - A Canadian-led research team has taken a form of trash that promotes the spread of mosquitoes and turned it into a potential weapon against the disease-carrying insects. The scientists have repurposed used tires — which can fill with rain water and provide an ideal breeding chamber for female mosquitoes — by fashioning chunks of the
- [BCCDC Flu Policy Survey - enter to win!](https://picnet.ca/bccdc-flu-policy-survey-enter-to-win/) - health-care worker Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Study related to the BC Influenza Prevention Policy The province introduced a new policy in 2012 that requires health-care workers to get vaccinated against influenza or wear a mask in patient care areas during influenza season. The BC Centre for Disease Control is doing an evaluation study on the
- [Canadian company gets US approval for pediatric CDI drug](https://picnet.ca/canadian-company-gets-us-approval-for-pediatric-cdi-drug/) - Appili Therapeutics Inc. of Halifax announced Tuesday it has received a key U.S. regulatory designation for a drug that treats Clostridium difficile infection in children. The company said in a statement the Food and Drug Administration has granted orphan drug designation to its drug candidate ATI-1501. This medicine removes the bitter taste from a long-standing
- [Elizabethkingia outbreak in US](https://picnet.ca/elizabethkingia-outbreak-in-us/) - Some 65 years ago, American microbiologist Elizabeth King peered into a microscope and discovered the “glistening, gray-white” organism that would eventually bear her name. In the ensuing decades, the bacterium — renamed Elizabethkingia in 2005 — would fall into relative obscurity, causing only sporadic cases and the rare hospital outbreak. But late last year, something
- [Zika news updates: Study strengthens suspected link between Zika and paralysis; Rapid test developed](https://picnet.ca/zika-news-updates-study-strengthens-suspected-link-between-zika-and-paralysis-rapid-test-developed/) - Two new updates today on Zika virus: Portable Zika test Researchers have created a portable test that can show whether someone has been infected with the Zika virus, even in remote areas far from a hospital or lab. In a study published Friday in the journal Cell, a group of scientists led by the Wyss
- [How Stenotrophomonas maltophila led to a biotech discovery](https://picnet.ca/how-stenotrophomonas-maltophila-led-to-a-biotech-discovery/) - Quantum dots are tiny crystals that may offer sharper and brighter images for cellphones and TVs, for less money. Bryan Berger, a co-author of a study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences last week, stumbled across an alternative for creating the little dots through an unintended sequence of events. It began when
- [Glove Use: What’s wrong with this picture?](https://picnet.ca/glove-use-week1/) - Correct glove use is an important part of hand hygiene. Every year, millions of pairs of gloves are used within BC’s health-care facilities… but are they all being used correctly? PHSA employees and medical staff are invited to enter the “What’s wrong with this picture?” competition and tell us what not to do when it
- [What's wrong with this picture? - Week 2](https://picnet.ca/glove-use-week2/) - Following our glove use post of last week, here are this week’s photos: .Tell us what’s wrong with these pictures, and enter to win a prize. Leave your comments below! (If you can’t see the Leave A Reply section, click on More, bottom right.) Need a review on correct glove use? Click here...
- [What’s wrong with this picture? – Week 3](https://picnet.ca/glove-use-week3/) - Our Glove Use Challenge continues.... here are this week’s photos! You can click on the photos to enlarge them. .Tell us what’s wrong with these pictures, and enter to win a prize. Leave your comments below! (If you can’t see the Leave A Reply section, click on More, bottom right.) Need a review on correct glove use? Click here... You
- [What's wrong with this picture? - Final challenge!](https://picnet.ca/glove-use-week4/) - Our Glove Use Challenge continues.... here is the final set of photos! You can click on the photos to enlarge them. .Tell us what’s wrong with these pictures, and enter to win a prize. Leave your comments below! (Contest closes June 22 at 10am) Need a refresher on correct glove use? Click here... You can also view the Week 1, Week 2,
- [Zoonotic transmission: predictive mapping](https://picnet.ca/zoonotic-transmission-predictive-mapping/) - Barbara Han, a disease ecologist at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, N.Y., has been working on mapping zoonoses. Drawing on hundreds of studies of emerging zoonotic diseases that come from mammals, she has tracked what classes of creature harbor the most known human pathogens, and where those reservoirs are most likely to
- [Studies show that antibiotics and C-sections affect babies' microbiomes](https://picnet.ca/baby-microbiome/) - From GenomeWeb.com: In an attempt to look at how an infant's microbiome develops and changes, two groups of researchers sequenced the microbiomes of more than 80 infants at various time points over their first two years of life, identifying changes between the bacterial makeup that occurred as a result of delivery, antibiotic exposures, and other
- [What’s wrong with this picture? – Answers and winners!](https://picnet.ca/whats-wrong-with-this-picture-answers-and-winners/) - Thanks to everyone who participated in our Glove Use Challenge. The answers to “What’s wrong with this picture?”, for the four photos below, are as follows: Gloves should not be worn for anything except: Direct patient care when it is anticipated that the hands will be in contact with mucous membranes, non-intact skin, or bodily
- [Updated GI Outbreak Guidelines](https://picnet.ca/updated-gi-outbreak-guidelines/) - PICNet's Gastrointestinal Infection Outbreak Guidelines for Healthcare Facilities have been updated. The changes and additions are summarized below: Evidence has been weighted according to new Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) Rating Scale for Strength and Quality of Evidence (inserted as Appendix). A summary of recommendations with evidence weighting was added. Small wording revisions throughout
- [Cigarette smoke promotes growth of Staph aureus](https://picnet.ca/cigarette-smoke/) - A study led by Dr. David A. Scott of the University of Louisville School of Dentistry found that cigarette smoke helps bacteria colonize and build resilience. The specific types of bacteria that were found to grow more from smoke were Staphylococcus aureus (which causes skin infections), Streptococcus mutans (which contributes to oral diseases), Klebsiella pneumonia,
- [Opinion articles: preparedness for the next 'pandemic'](https://picnet.ca/preparedness-for-the-next-pandemic/) - Please note: Articles shared on the PICNet website do not necessarily represent the views of PICNet; we are posting these for your interest, and to present viewpoints that may bear consideration in provincial discussions. Two recent opinion articles of interest regarding pandemic preparedness: Jim Yong Kim: A plan to deal with the next pandemicThe Washington PostJim
- [New hire at VGH: C. difficile-hunting dog](https://picnet.ca/c-difficile-hunting-dog/) - On July 5, after a year of intensive training culminating in exams he passed, English springer spaniel Angus will be introduced at Vancouver General Hospital as Canada’s first, and the world’s only current C. difficile hunter. He succeeds the world’s first C. diff sniffer, a beagle in the Netherlands named Cliff, who has retired. Angus
- [Emerging global HAI-AMR issue: Candida auris](https://picnet.ca/candida-auris/) - PHAC communication PHAC has recently learned of a public health alert from US CDC in relation to the global emergence of invasive infections caused by the multidrug-resistant yeast organism, Candida auris. While C. auris is not common, it can cause invasive infections associated with high mortality and has also been known to cause outbreaks in health-care
- [Antimicrobial drugs for livestock: proposed new rules](https://picnet.ca/antimicrobial-drugs-for-livestock-proposed-new-rules/) - The federal government is proposing new rules for veterinary drugs used in livestock as it works to reduce human health risks associated with resistance to antibiotics and other antimicrobials. Health Canada says the decreasing effectiveness of antimicrobials is having a significant impact on the government’s ability to protect Canadians from infectious diseases. “The overuse and
- [Candida auris Q&A](https://picnet.ca/candida-auris-qa/) - PICNet has prepared the following Q&A to assist you with questions from staff or patients. You can also download this information as a PDF. View our subsequent news post for infection control and laboratory testing information. What is Candida auris? Is it a new type of infection? Candida auris is a type of Candida yeast. Candida yeasts normally live
- [Emerging multidrug-resistant Candida auris: information on infection control practices](https://picnet.ca/candida-auris-ipc-info/) - The following information was sent to PICNet's Community of Practice on July 14, 2016; you can also download the following information as a PDF. PICNet has also prepared a Q&A that you can view in our previous news post or as a PDF. Background The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Public Health
- [Zika virus transmitted from patient to caregiver](https://picnet.ca/zika-transmitted-from-patient-to-caregiver/) - From CBC News: A Utah man who became the first person in the continental U.S. to die after being infected with the Zika virus passed it to a (family member) caregiver. The man who died in late June caught the virus while travelling abroad to an area where mosquitoes are known to spread Zika and
- [Microneedle can monitor vancomycin levels without drawing blood](https://picnet.ca/microneedle-vancomycin/) - From The Vancouver Sun: Researchers at the University of B.C. have created a “lab on a chip” that could spell the end of painful, multiple daily blood tests for patients on intravenous antibiotics. A microneedle — created by engineering PhD student Sahan Ranamukhaarachchi — is only one-tenth as wide as a syringe needle and practically painless. Using microfluidics
- [Sage Products issues voluntary worldwide recall of topical skin products due to potential microbial contamination](https://picnet.ca/sage-product-recall/) - Sage Products has issued a worldwide recall of their wipes related to possible contamination with B. cepacia. You can view the relevant information, including the product names and lot numbers, on the FDA recall web page. BC Clinical and Support Services is working with the distributor and the health authorities on mitigation strategies. In the
- [Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Cases in Spain](https://picnet.ca/crimean-congo-hemorrhagic-fever-case-in-spain/) - From the New York Times: Doctors are closely watching about 200 people in Spain after a patient at a hospital in Madrid died of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, the first time the disease has been found in Western Europe in someone who had not traveled to an endemic area. The patient apparently caught the virus after
- [Canada's Ebola vaccine in Guinea](https://picnet.ca/canadas-ebola-vaccine-in-guinea/) - Excerpted from the Ottawa Citizen: The World Health Organisation is running phase III clinical trials for Ebola virus disease vaccine in Guinea. The technique being used is "ring vaccination" which was used in the 1970s to eradicate smallpox. Co-ordinated by the World Health Organization, the vaccine trial employed the same ring vaccination strategy that was
- [FDA bans antibacterial agents from soaps](https://picnet.ca/fda-bans-antibacterial-agents-from-soaps/) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has decided to ban anti-bacterial hand and body washes. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are considered one of the biggest threats to human health today. By 2050, infections that cannot be treated with antibiotics are expected to kill more people than cancer. Antibiotics are not only used for treating bacterial infections,
- [Video shows bacteria developing antibiotic resistance](https://picnet.ca/video-of-bacteria-developing-antibiotic-resistance/) - Researchers from Harvard Medical School and the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology have created a visualization showing how quickly bacteria can develop antibiotic resistance. If you are unable to view the video below, you can view the video and read accompanying article on GlobalNews.ca.
- [Colistin-resistant E.Coli found in another U.S. patient](https://picnet.ca/colistin-resistance/) - On Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that a strain of E.Coli that is resistant to the antibiotic of last resort was found in a 2-year-old girl in Connecticut, causing alarm about the potential of dangerous drug resistance spreading across the United States. The girl and three other Americans have been found
- [Enterovirus cases in BC](https://picnet.ca/enterovirus-cases-in-bc/) - The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) Public Health Laboratory has detected several cases of Enterovirus D-68 (EV-D68) in children since mid-August. These are the first laboratory-confirmed cases in B.C. since 2014. “As of September 14, 2016, eight children, including six under the age of two, have had confirmed EV-D68 infections,” said Dr. Mel Krajden,
- [Infection Control Week 2016](https://picnet.ca/infection-control-week-2016/) - The theme of this year’s National Infection Control Week is Infection Control Professionals: The Core of Infection Prevention and Control. To celebrate this theme, all the BC Health Authorities are running features on their IPAC staff this month. (Although we’d like to add that we believe everyone is at the core of infection prevention!) You
- [Listeriosis Outbreak](https://picnet.ca/listeriosis-outbreak/) - Source: Vancouver Coastal Health [edited]: Public safety advisory for customers of Foody World Vancouver Coastal Health [VCH] is warning customers not to consume any produce or ready-to-eat foods made in-house at Foody World, at 3000 Sexsmith Road in Richmond, due to possible listeria contamination. So far at least 6 people have been hospitalized due to the
- [FDA Safety Communication Update: Mycobacterium chimaera infections associated with 3T Heater-Cooler Systems](https://picnet.ca/3t-heater-cooler-safety-update/) - Update Oct 24th: You can also read Health Canada's recall alert on this. The FDA has updated its June 1, 2016 Safety Communication to provide new information about Mycobacterium chimaera (M. chimaera) infections associated with the use of the LivaNova PLC (formerly Sorin Group Deutschland GmbH) Stӧckert 3T Heater-Cooler in U.S. patients who have undergone
- [PHSA Job Posting: IPAC Construction Specialist](https://picnet.ca/ipac-construction-specialist/) - The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) is recruiting for an Infection Protection and Control (IPAC) Construction Specialist. The position is Temporary Part-Time (0.50 FTE Until June 2019), and will be part of the BC Children & Women's (C&W) Redevelopment Project. The IPAC Construction Specialist has an active role in the prevention, surveillance and control of
- [This year's flu strain stronger](https://picnet.ca/this-years-flu-strain-stronger/) - From CBC.ca: The B.C. Centre for Disease Control says initial indications are this year's flu season is starting earlier than usual and the dominant strain will be stronger than last year's. Lead researcher Dr. Danuta Skowronski says, although it's impossible to forecast the flu season, an "unusually early number of outbreaks" of the influenza virus H3N2 has already been detected at long-term care facilities. Typically
- [Rhinovirus vaccine research](https://picnet.ca/rhinovirus-vaccine-research/) - Martin Moore, an associate professor at Emory University and a research scholar at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, has been working on developing a rhinovirus vaccine that has shown promising results in trials on macaques. The monkeys were able to produce antibodies against many types of rhinoviruses. Moore and his colleagues are now following up on
- [CIHI report on Measuring Patient Harm in Canadian Hospitals](https://picnet.ca/cihi-report-on-measuring-patient-harm-in-canadian-hospitals/) - 1 in 18 Canadian hospital patients experience harm from preventable errors Governments, national and provincial organizations, individual health regions and hospitals are all working along with patients to improve safety in hospitals. Tracking and reporting harmful events is vital to improvement efforts. Historically, reporting has been mostly voluntary and focused on particular risks such as
- [Antibiotics: 5 Myths Debunked](https://picnet.ca/antibiotics-5-myths-debunked/) - An interesting article from Medscape, by Brad Spellberg, MD Myth 1: Humans invented antibiotics in the 20th century Myth 2: Inappropriate antibiotic use causes the development of resistance Myth 3: To prevent resistance, patients must complete every dose of antibiotics prescribed, even after they feel better Myth 4: When antibiotic resistance emerges, it is usually
- [Enterovirus case results in paralysis](https://picnet.ca/enterovirus-case-results-in-paralysis/) - From The Province news online: Forty-one British Columbians, including an infant who has suffered arm paralysis, have contracted the Enterovirus-D68 bug this year. A spokeswoman for the B.C. Centre for Disease Control said Tuesday that although the virus — which, in extreme cases, can cause paralysis in arms and legs — has made a comeback this
- [Eight cases of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) in Washington state](https://picnet.ca/eight-cases-of-acute-flaccid-myelitis-afm-in-washington-state/) - From Global News: Eight of nine children hospitalized in Washington state for a polio-like illness have a rare syndrome that causes varying degrees of limb weakness, state health officials confirmed on Friday. The eight cases from five counties in the state were determined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to be acute flaccid
- [Lab testing confirms new Lyme-related bacteria discovered in three BC ticks](https://picnet.ca/lyme-bc/) - News Release BC Centre for Disease Control November 7, 2016 For Immediate Release Vancouver – The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) and Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) confirm three ticks collected in British Columbia since June have tested positive for a new species of bacteria closely related to Borrelia mayonii (B. mayonii). “This
- [Ebola virus mutation made the epidemic more deadly](https://picnet.ca/ebola-virus-mutation-made-the-epidemic-in-west-africa-even-more-deadly/) - The Ebola epidemic that tore through West Africa in 2014 claimed 11,310 lives, far more than any previous outbreak. A combination of factors contributed to its savagery, among them a mobile population, crumbling public health systems, official neglect, and hazardous burial practices. But new research suggests another impetus: The virus may have evolved a new
- [Explanatory article on recent reporting on 'serial' flu shots causing higher flu risk](https://picnet.ca/flurisk/) - On November 5th, CTV ran a story about new research showing that 'serial' flu shots may lead to reduced immunity. Although the article and video both state that more research is needed, some social media posts (often due to their brevity) implied that the findings were more conclusive. If you receive questions from patients or staff,
- [Infections, not antibiotics, may be tied to childhood obesity](https://picnet.ca/infections-not-antibiotics-may-be-tied-to-childhood-obesity/) - From The New York Times: Is the use of antibiotics in infancy tied to childhood obesity? Some studies suggest so, but a new analysis suggests the link may be with infections rather than antibiotics. Using records of a large health maintenance organization, researchers tracked 260,556 infants born from January 1997 through the end of March
- [World Antibiotic Awareness Week](https://picnet.ca/world-antibiotic-awareness-week/) - Nov 14-20, 2016 Below are some resources for World Antibiotic Awareness Week: World Health Organization materials Government of Canada resources Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease Canada (AMMI) Antibioticwise.ca website Do Bugs Need Drugs? website Centers for Disease Control resources There are also two antibiotic-related webinars taking place this week: NPSF webcast: Taking action to
- [Joanne Archer receives Excellence in Nursing Education award from ARNBC](https://picnet.ca/joanne-archer-receives-excellence-in-nursing-education-award-from-arnbc/) - Joanne Archer, PICNet’s Education and Practice Coordinator, is the recipient of the Excellence in Nursing Education Award for 2016 from the Association of Registered Nurses of British Columbia (ARNBC). From the ARNBC website: Joanne is currently the Education and Practice Coordinator for the Provincial Infection Control Network for BC (PICNet). She has integrated all the
- [BC reduces antibiotic use: BCCDC article in BCMJ](https://picnet.ca/bc-reduces-antibiotic-use/) - The BC Centre for Disease Control issued the following news release on November 15, 2016: BC reduces antibiotic use, but still more to be done The rate of antibiotic prescribing in British Columbia fell 15 per cent between 2005 and 2014, according to a new analysis conducted by the BC Centre for Disease Control. “We’re seeing some
- [Mapping the human epigenome](https://picnet.ca/mapping-the-human-epigenome/) - The following news release was issued by PHSA on November 17, 2016. BC scientists play major role in international effort to map the human epigenome Vancouver – BC scientists and their colleagues from across the globe have made a major leap forward in understanding how the human body’s trillions of cells develop from a single
- [Development of universal flu shot: two articles](https://picnet.ca/onetime-flu-shot/) - Canadian researchers developing one-time flu vaccine from CTVNews.ca: Researchers at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ont. are developing a flu vaccine that would be administered only once, eliminating the need for the annual shot. Dr. Matthew Miller, an assistant professor of biochemistry at McMaster, is part of the team of researchers developing the universal vaccine. The
- [Yellow fever: the 2016 outbreak that went almost unnoticed](https://picnet.ca/yellow-fever/) - The yellow fever outbreak in Africa this year came closer to being a disaster than is widely recognized, public health experts recently disclosed. The epidemic also revealed glaring weaknesses in the emergency vaccine supply pipeline. Ultimately, the yellow fever outbreak was halted only by a huge vaccination campaign that stretched supplies by diluting doses, and
- [VIHA job posting: Infection Control Practitioner](https://picnet.ca/viha-job-20161207/) - Island Health is seeking a passionate and experienced Infection Prevention & Control Practitioner in Port Alberni, BC Reporting to the Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Manager, you work with various departments within Island Health to provide surveillance and consultation related to infectious disease prevention and control in acute care, residential facilities and community settings. Based
- [Heater-Cooler Advisory: Update](https://picnet.ca/heater-cooler-advisory-update/) - Following the FDA safety communication regarding possible Mycobacterium chimaera infections associated with 3T Heater-Cooler Systems, PHSA is notifying potentially exposed patients and health care providers. The information below is also available on the PHSA website: Cardiac Services BC and BC’s cardiac centres are notifying potentially exposed patients and all health care providers of a rare
- [UV robot being trialled in Fraser Health](https://picnet.ca/violet-the-uv-robot/) - Excerpted from The Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows News: "Violet" is one of three Xenex “germ-zapping robots” that have been put to work in the Fraser Health region, trying to ensure the rooms are free of superbugs that cause infections. Cathy Wiebe, director of clinical operations at Ridge Meadows Hospital, explained that Violet is the latest
- [Tips to avoid holiday colds and flus](https://picnet.ca/holiday-health-tips/) - It’s that time of year, when people get together more — at work and school functions, parties, and holiday events — which is lots of fun, but also makes it easier for germs to get around. Here are some tips to help you avoid colds and flus (or if you are sick, to avoid
- [BC Influenza Surveillance Bulletin: Increased RSV Activity](https://picnet.ca/bc-influenza-surveillance-bulletin-20161216/) - From BCCDC: Seasonal Influenza Circulation, with Increasing RSV Activity in BC During weeks 48-49 (November 27 to December 10, 2016), seasonal influenza activity was observed in BC. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity continued to increase during this period, notably at the BC Children’s and Women’s Health Centre Laboratory where over one-third of tests were RSV
- [Season's Greetings to our Community of Practice](https://picnet.ca/happyhols/) - PICNet would like to wish you all a happy holiday season, and thank you for your contributions to PICNet over the past year. Your input and hard work are appreciated by all of us. Wishing you a happy and relaxing holiday, and all the best for the new year! Bruce Gamage Linda Hoang
- [Canadian vaccine for Ebola virus proves effective in Guinea trial](https://picnet.ca/ebola-vaccine-guinea-trial/) - Excerpted from The Globe and Mail: A Canadian-developed vaccine for the Ebola virus has proven to be extremely effective in a full-scale clinical trial, opening the possibility that future outbreaks of the disease can be successfully contained. The trial, led by the World Health Organization, was staged in Guinea, a country that was ravaged by
- [Ebola vaccine trial results](https://picnet.ca/ebola-vaccine-results/) - Excerpted from: The New York Times In a scientific triumph that will change the way the world fights a terrifying killer, an experimental Ebola vaccine tested on humans in the waning days of the West African epidemic has been shown to provide 100 percent protection against the lethal disease. The vaccine has not yet been
- [Nova Scotia company developing C.difficile antibiotic](https://picnet.ca/nova-scotia-company-developing-c-difficile-antibiotic/) - A Nova Scotia pharmaceutical development company is $3,271,000 closer to creating a tasteless antibiotic to treat one of the most troublesome hospital-spread infectious diseases. Appili Therapeutics Inc. announced Wednesday it has finished its first round of seed funding and launched their medical chemistry lab. The company has secured $1,764,000 from private investors and received $500,000
- [Keeping warm DOES help you fight off colds!](https://picnet.ca/rhinovirus-bodytemp/) - The common cold virus can reproduce itself more efficiently in the cooler temperature found inside the nose than at core body temperature, according to a new Yale-led study. This finding may confirm the popular, yet contested, notion that people are more likely to catch a cold in cool-weather conditions. Researchers have long known that the
- [Ebola virus found in lungs of health care worker](https://picnet.ca/ebola-virus-lungs/) - From the Washington Post: Ebola has proven itself a tricky foe to get rid of in the human body. In numerous cases in which it was thought to be gone and patients fully recovered, the virus has been found in the eyes, semen, amniotic fluid, placenta, breast milk and central nervous system. Now a paper published
- [Medicines that reduce heartburn may also increase the risk of gastrointestinal infections](https://picnet.ca/heartburn-gi-infections/) - From The Washington Post: Most heartburn drugs reduce the production of the stomach acids that cause the burning pain. Might this lower acidity also have less desirable effects? The studyThe researchers analyzed data on 564,969 people, most of them 20 to 80 years old, including 188,323 who had been prescribed acid-suppressing medications. These drugs included
- [Influenza A(H3N2) and RSV Activity Still High in BC](https://picnet.ca/influenza-ah3n2-and-rsv-activity-remain-elevated-in-bc/) - The BCCDC's latest Influenza Surveillance Bulletin reports that flu activity remained high in BC during the second week of 2017 (January 8 to 14, 2017), suggesting that the epidemic peak has not yet been reached this season. A(H3N2) has been the dominant subtype so far this season, but respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity also remains elevated.
- [Health Canada: Fluoroquinolone safety information update](https://picnet.ca/health-canada-fluoroquinolone-safety-information-update/) - Fluoroquinolones: Fluoroquinolones are a class of prescription antibiotic, approved for use in Canada to treat many types of bacterial infections, including respiratory and urinary tract infections. They include: ciprofloxacin (Cipro), moxifloxacin (Avelox), levofloxacin, norfloxacin and ofloxacin. Current labeling includes a warning that the drugs can lead to tendon ruptures. Health Canada Review: Health Canada reviewed the potential risk
- [Annual repeat influenza vaccination effects: new research results published](https://picnet.ca/repeat-flu-vaccination/) - A team led by Danuta Skowronski (Epidemiology Lead, Influenza & Emerging Respiratory Pathogens) of the BC Centre for Disease Control, published a scientific paper last week in the Journal of Infectious Diseases (JID) that may also be of interest to you. The paper reflects the collaborative input of investigators from the Canadian Sentinel Practitioner Surveillance Network (SPSN) and the University
- [Vaccine Innovation Conference](https://picnet.ca/vaccine-innovation-conference/) - May 10, 2017Hyatt Regency Montreal Montreal, Quebec vaccineinnovationconference.ca The Vaccine Innovation Conference will be held May 10, 2017 in Montreal hosted by the Vaccine Industry Committee. This one day conference will include academic, industry and government leaders focusing on vaccine innovation in Canada. The goal of this one-day event is improved knowledge exchange and awareness of
- [BCCDC Emerging Respiratory Virus (ERV) Bulletin](https://picnet.ca/bccdc-emerging-respiratory-virus-erv-bulletin/) - The substantial increase in human cases of avian influenza A(H7N9) in China, to which BCCDC alerted you earlier this year, continues. Highlights: During this fifth wave beginning in October 2016, the number of human A(H7N9) cases reported in China has surpassed the number of cases reported in any of the four prior waves since the virus
- [Yellow fever outbreak in Brazil](https://picnet.ca/brazil-yellow-fever/) - Several news stories and epidemiological updates on the yellow fever outbreak in Brazil: Brazil orders 11.5 million yellow fever vaccines amid worst outbreak in years From Straitstimes.com: Rio de Janeiro said on Saturday (March 11) it plans to vaccinate the state's entire population against yellow fever in response to an outbreak that has killed at least 113
- [Angus the C. diff dog guest stars at PICNet conference; and will soon have a canine colleague](https://picnet.ca/angus-colleague/) - Attendees at the PICNet 2017 Educational Conference were treated to a visit by a special guest... Angus the C.diff dog! Angus's handler Teresa Auberg brought him for a C.diff-hunting demonstration at the end of Dr. Bryce's presentation. And soon Angus will have a colleague! (story below) Photos: Angus hunts... ...and finds! VGH to add
- [Stop! Clean Your Hands day: CPSI video competition](https://picnet.ca/cpsi-video-competition/) - This year, the Canadian Patient Safety Institute (CPSI) is hosting a video competition for Stop! Clean Your Hands Day (also known as World Hand Hygiene Day). CPSI is looking for creative and original video submissions featuring the important questions you ask yourself to make sure the care you provide is the safest possible. Every video
- [New Bugs & Drugs website](https://picnet.ca/new-bugs-drugs-website/) - The Bugs & Drugs® resource is now available in a website format for BC users at the following link: www.bugsanddrugs.org. The website is available to users accessing the website from an IP address that is from anywhere in British Columbia. Users can access the website from their personal or work devices as long as they
- [CIPHI Annual Education Conference 2017](https://picnet.ca/ciphi-conference/) - 83rd CIPHI Annual Education Conference - Honouring Traditions, Inspiring Innovation November 5 - 8, 2017 | Richmond, BC, Canada The Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI) - BC Branch and Vancouver Coastal Health Authority will jointly host the 83rd CIPHI Annual Education Conference on November 5 – 8, 2017 at the Sheraton Vancouver Airport
- [Comparison of VRE infection rates in Ontario hospitals](https://picnet.ca/comparison-of-vre/) - This paper was published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) on April 4, 2017 (vol.5 no.2 E273-E280) Abstract Background: Some Ontario hospitals have discontinued active screening and isolation programs for vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE). The aim of this study was to determine whether this practice change is associated with a change in the rate of
- [Three African countries chosen to test first malaria vaccine](https://picnet.ca/three-african-countries-chosen-to-test-first-malaria-vaccine/) - Three African countries have been chosen to test the world's first malaria vaccine, the World Health Organization announced Monday. Ghana, Kenya and Malawi will begin piloting the injectable vaccine next year with hundreds of thousands of young children, who have been at highest risk of death. The vaccine, which has partial effectiveness, has the potential
- [CIPHI Conference: Call for Abstracts](https://picnet.ca/ciphi-conference-call-for-abstracts/) - Do you have ideas to share about current and emerging environmental public health issues? An innovative way to safeguard public health? Submit your abstract today and connect with environmental public health professionals from all across Canada! Share your educational content on topics related to: Air Quality Built Environment Communicable Disease & Infection Control Drinking Water
- [BCPSQC Quality Awards: Nominate People and Projects That Made Health Care Better!](https://picnet.ca/bcpsqc-quality-awards-nominate-people-and-projects-that-made-health-care-better/) - Did your project improve how health care is delivered? Orr do you know somebody whose contributions to quality of care deserve recognition? Nominations are now being accepted for the BC Patient Safety & Quality Council’s 2018 Quality Awards. Categories celebrate projects within the four areas of care, as well as four inspiring people. The deadline
- [Antibiotics animated video from Health Education England](https://picnet.ca/antibiotics-animation/) - A clever video on antimicrobial resistance from Health Education England: Thanks to Reflections on Infection Prevention and Control for sharing this.
- [PICNet staff at IPAC-Canada Conference](https://picnet.ca/picnet-staff/) - All PICNet staff will be away from the office June 19-23. For any urgent infection control issues, you can contact Linda Hoang, PICNet Co-Medical Lead, at Linda.Hoang@bccdc.ca. Any media-related enquiries should be directed to the PHSA Media Pager at 778-867-7472. Bruce and Guanghong will be back in the office on June 26, and Joanne, Helen,
- [PICNet presentations at IPAC-Canada Conference](https://picnet.ca/picnet-presentations-at-ipac-canada-conference/) - Bruce, Guanghong, and Helen presented at this year's IPAC-Canada conference; you can download their slides via the links below. Bruce Gamage: Getting the (Red) Dirt Out: A Review of BC's Environmental Cleaning Guidelines Guanghong Han: The impact of vancomycin-resistant enterococi (VRE) policy and practice change in British Columbia Helen Evans (on behalf of the BC
- [Paul Webber: recipient of IPAC-Canada’s 2017 Moira Walker Award for for International Service](https://picnet.ca/infection-control-profile-paul-webber/) - Paul Webber, the creator of Webber Training and Teleclass Education Africa, is the recipient of IPAC-Canada’s 2017 Moira Walker Award for for International Service. Paul on his international work: "The organization that I helped to create 15 years ago is Webber Training Inc. The 3-fold mandate of the original Teleclass Education was then, and still
- [Multidrug-resistant Candida auris: PHAC interim guidance](https://picnet.ca/mdr-candida-auris/) - The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has recently been informed of a case of multidrug-resistant Candida auris. Whole genome sequence analysis performed by the National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) was consistent with C. auris. Further analyses to compare the isolate with global strains are pending. A case report will be published in the Canada Communicable
- [Stethoscope hygiene failures can lead to patient infections](https://picnet.ca/stethoscope-hygiene/) - Excerpted from: Outbreak News Today You can lead a doctor to disinfection, but how do you get them to clean…or wipe ….or swab a stethoscope? That’s the question raised by a new quality improvement project published in the July issue of the American Journal of Infection Control, the official journal of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control
- [Canadian scientists find new way to attack antibiotic-resistant lung infections](https://picnet.ca/canadian-scientists-antibiotic-resistant-lung-infections/) - Excerpted from CBC.ca Enzymes used to break down the walls built by microbes Canadian scientists have discovered a possible way to break through the defences of some antibiotic-resistant respiratory infections. It's hoped that the findings could someday benefit people with cystic fibrosis and other chronic lung diseases who are at greater risk of infections. The
- [BCCDC Influenza Update: Sporadic Flu Detections in BC](https://picnet.ca/bccdc-influenza-update-aug17/) - Sporadic influenza activity has been detected in BC and elsewhere in Canada this summer, with some provinces reporting summer outbreaks in long-term care facilities. Influenza A(H3N2) had been the predominant subtype during this period. In the southern hemisphere where they are in the midst of their winter seasonal epidemic, influenza activity has increased or peaked
- [Mosquitoes capable of carrying Zika virus may have colony in Ontario](https://picnet.ca/mosquitoes-ontario/) - The insects tested negative for both the Zika and West Nile virus Species can carry Dengue fever From CBC.ca: A mosquito species capable of transmitting the Zika virus and other tropical diseases may have established a colony in southwestern Ontario, a development that could mean changes for Canadian health-care providers. Two adult Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, also known
- [Researchers use antibiotics combo to kill first strain of highly resistant E. coli](https://picnet.ca/researchers-use-antibiotics-combo-to-kill-first-strain-of-highly-resistant-e-coli/) - Excerpted from Infection Control Today: The recent discovery of E. coli carrying mcr-1 and ndm-5 — genes that make the bacterium immune to last-resort antibiotics — has left clinicians without an effective means of treatment for this bacterium. But in a new study, University at Buffalo researchers have assembled a team of three antibiotics that,
- [Antibiotic-resistant genes are being spread via animal feed](https://picnet.ca/antibiotic-resistant-genes-are-being-spread-via-animal-feed/) - Excerpted from The Independent: Antibiotic-resistant genes are being spread around the world in animal feed, according to new research that adds to fears humanity could lose one of our most important medicines. A UK government-commissioned report last year estimated 10 million people a year could die worldwide by 2050 because of the rise of ‘superbugs’,
- [New study: Nursing home staff often fail to change gloves](https://picnet.ca/glove-use-nursing-homes/) - From Infection Control Today: The failure to change gloves is common among certified nursing assistants, and may be a significant cause of the spread of dangerous pathogens in nursing homes and long-term health-care settings, according to a new study published in the September issue of the American Journal of Infection Control. Certified nursing assistants
- [Antibiotic Awareness Week: Resources](https://picnet.ca/antibiotic-awareness-week/) - Antibiotics Awareness Week is Nov 13-19, 2017, and below are many resources you can use: The WHO has lots of great resources including posters, animated gifs, videos, articles, facts sheets, a quiz, and more... be sure to check out their great web page! PHSA has several antibiotic-related videos on YouTube: The National Collaborating Centre
- [Antibiotic-related News Stories and Journal Articles](https://picnet.ca/antibiotic-related-news-stories-and-journal-articles/) - In the past month, there has been lots of news related to antibiotics, antimicrobial resistance, and the hunt for new developments to replace antibiotics. Here is a selection of news stories and journal articles you may find interesting: What is a "phage wrangler"? The hunt for a bacteriophage to attack antibiotic-resistant Burkholderia cepacia. News "Molecular
- [Canadian Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (CARSS) 2017 Report](https://picnet.ca/canadian-antimicrobial-resistance-surveillance-system-carss-2017-report/) - The following message is from Canadian Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Systems, Centre for Communicable Diseases and Infection Control, Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Branch, Public Health Agency of Canada Dear CPHLN Members, I am pleased to provide you with a copy of the Canadian Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (CARSS) - 2017 Report. The executive summary is
- [RI Guidelines Revision: Request for Review](https://picnet.ca/ri-guidelines-revision-request-for-review/) - PICNet's Guidelines Steering Committee has been working on updating the 2011 Respiratory Infection Outbreak Guidelines for Healthcare Facilities. The draft revised guidelines are now ready for review by our Community of Practice. We ask that anyone who uses these guidelines, or thinks they will use them in the future, read the draft document and provide
- [VCH video: glove removal and hand cream application](https://picnet.ca/vch-video/) - Vancouver Coastal Health has produced a short video on glove removal and hand cream application. These techniques can help prevent dermatitis.
- [PICNet announces new Network Director](https://picnet.ca/picnet-announces-new-network-director/) - We are very pleased to announce that Tara Donovan has accepted the position as Network Director for the Provincial Infection Control Network of BC, commencing in June. Tara comes to PICNet from Fraser Health, where she has been working since 2010 as the regional IPC Epidemiologist, and more recently as the Managing Consultant for IPC.
- [Infection Control News: July 9-13, 2018](https://picnet.ca/news-2018-07-13/) - Microbial Preparations (Probiotics) for the Prevention of Clostridium difficile Infection in Adults and Children: An Individual Patient Data Meta-analysis of 6,851 Participants. Journal Michael Garron Hospital is one of few centres in Canada that offers stool transplant to treat C. difficile. Article with video Environmental decontamination 1: what is it and why is it important?
- [Infection Control News: July 2-6, 2018](https://picnet.ca/news-2018-07-06/) - Does a full hospital mean higher infection risk? - A new study finds the opposite to be true. News | Journal Finally, there’s a way to keep syphilis growing in the lab. News A century-old cure may help ward off superbugs, the ‘global climate change of health’. News First phage therapy center in the U.S.
- [Infection Control News: June 18-22, 2018](https://picnet.ca/news-2018-06-22/) - Allowing needleless connectors to dry after cleaning with antiseptic is essential. Drying time instructions on antiseptic pads/wipes relate to skin use, not inanimate objects. Study found drying time varied from 5 sec to more than 6 min. Study. Novel compound as effective as FDA-approved antibiotics for treating deadly infections. News Food Recall. Reason for Recall:
- [Infection Control News: June 25-29, 2018](https://picnet.ca/news-2018-06-29/) - A new tool called FluVision allows researchers to witness influenza infection in a living animal in action, helping them better understand what happens when a virus infects the lungs and the body responds. News First mosquitoes carrying West Nile arrive in Winnipeg. News. Large C. auris outbreak in UK ICU linked to thermometers. News. NIH-Sponsored
- [Infection Control News: June 11-15, 2018](https://picnet.ca/news-2018-06-15/) - Kitchen towels are full of bacteria — but can they make us sick? The biggest takeaway of this study is how often we should be washing things like kitchen towels. News All kids should get vaccinated for hepatitis B at birth, experts say. News. Lungs from hepatitis C-infected donors can be safely transplanted. News. Reports
- [Infection Control News: July 16-20, 2018](https://picnet.ca/news-2018-07-20/) - FDA updates warnings for fluoroquinolone antibiotics on risks of mental health and low blood sugar adverse reactions. FDA News Release FDA approves first treatment for smallpox virus. News with video Bacterial ‘armour' could provide a target for new antibiotic drugs. News “Crowdsourcing” friendly bacteria helps S.aureus cause infection. News Why men might recover from flu
- [Infection Control News: July 23-27, 2018](https://picnet.ca/news-2018-07-27/) - The man who invented modern infection control: He’s hailed as the “father of infection control” and the “savior of mothers,” but the truth about Ignaz Semmelweis is more complicated than that. Article Global Survey of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Air. Journal Fidaxomicin "better" option than vancomycin in many C. difficile cases. News. Acrylic nails harbor
- [Infection Control News: July 30-Aug 3, 2018](https://picnet.ca/news-2018-08-03/) - No timeline to reopen 6 Metro Vancouver beaches closed due to E. coli levels. News Rare two-day protest over China vaccine scandal reveals public anger. News B.C. health officials issue warning to parents after China recalls vaccines. News Child becomes first Manitoban infected with West Nile Virus in 2018. News. After Ottawa, it
- [Infection Control News: Aug 6-10, 2018](https://picnet.ca/infection-control-news-aug-6-10-2018/) - In JIP: study evaluated the cost & value of multidisciplinary team to investigate C. difficile cases. Cost was evaluated to be between 42K$ - 84K$ over 2 yrs. Study concluded that those meeting bring limited value in additional learning/quality improvement. Study Congo health officials link Ebola to 33 deaths. News Inuk woman 'begging and pleading'
- [Infection Control News: Aug 13-17, 2018](https://picnet.ca/infection-control-news-aug-13-17-2018/) - The economic cost of antimicrobial resistance per antibiotic consumed: Scientists estimate the economic cost of 5 resistant bacteria to be 0.5B$ in Thailand and 2.9B$ in US. Study 10 ways to control infection in pediatric ambulatory setting. Read more Watch more New HIV diagnoses in Sask. increase for 3rd straight year. News Travellers warned after
- [Infection Control News: Aug 20-24, 2018](https://picnet.ca/infection-control-news-aug-20-24-2018/) - From Globalnews: Can you die from a dog lick? Veterinarian Dr. Ted Morris talks about a rare and potentially deadly bacterial infection that can come from a dog or cat lick. Video. Europe sees sharp rise in measles: 41,000 cases, 37 deaths. News Pregnancy planning for HIV-positive patients. For pregnant women, the chance of transmitting
- [Infection Control News: Aug 27-31, 2018](https://picnet.ca/infection-control-news-aug-27-31-2018/) - Measles reported at New Westminster outdoor pool. News Advice on how to make wellness a priority while flying. News Scabies outbreak contained at two health-care facilities. News. Read this Canadian Case Study about Scabies outbreak in CJIC. p 133-141: Study Why does Europe suddenly have measles? News Section 3 and 4 have been added to
- [September is Sepsis Awareness Month](https://picnet.ca/september-is-sepsis-awareness-month/) - You can find resources, including fact sheets, videos, graphics, booklets, and more at: Canada Canadian Patient Safety Institute Canadian Association of Critical Care Nurses Canadian Sepsis Foundation International US Centers for Disease Control Sepsis Alliance World Sepsis Day
- [Infection Control News: Sept 4-7, 2018](https://picnet.ca/infection-control-news-sept-4-7-2018/) - Having to pay for your own shingles vaccine isn't ageism, BC tribunal rules. News 8 stories you should read during Sepsis Awareness Month. News B.C. health researchers advance HIV progress with new method addressing dormant strains. News There are currently 1.2M Canadian children living in low-income housing. 25% of them did not received full
- [Infection Control News: Sept 10-14, 2018](https://picnet.ca/infection-control-news-sept-10-14-2018/) - Study finds influenza vaccine may be more effective in females than males. News ONA wins second decision on "unreasonable and illogical" Vaccinate or Mask influenza policies. News Antidepressants may cause antibiotic resistance. News Wal-mart in Surrey, BC that closed over concerns of Legionnaires’ disease reopens. Fraser Health has confirmed seven cases of Legionnaires’ disease in
- [Infection Control News: Sept 17-21, 2018](https://picnet.ca/infection-control-news-sept-17-21-2018/) - Taking probiotics to reduce the risk for common acute infections might also be linked with a reduction in antibiotic use among children and infants, according to a meta-analysis published in the European Journal of Public Health. News UMN researchers discover influenza virus doesn't replicate equally in all cells. News Experimental nasal influenza vaccine tested in
- [Infection Control News: Sept 24-28, 2018](https://picnet.ca/infection-control-news-sept-24-28-2018/) - Toronto Public Health confirmed 27 human cases of West Nile virus this summer. News. In Winnipeg, clean needle distribution continue to raise, but efforts are still needs in order to dispose of them safely. In one location, they found more than 1300 dirty needles. News. A long-awaited inquiry has opened in the UK into how
- [Infection Control News: Oct 1-5, 2018](https://picnet.ca/infection-control-news-oct-1-5-2018/) - A study in a Winnipeg hospital has found that many privacy curtains become contaminated with a drug-resistant bacteria. Here is a reportage from GlobalNews.ca. News | Journal Scientists engineer bacteria-hunting virus to kill E. coli in drinking water. News Study finds cash is a breeding ground for bacteria. News Reed Biologists Isolate Virus That Preys
- [Infection Control News: Oct 9-12, 2018](https://picnet.ca/infection-control-news-oct-9-12-2018/) - Researchers from Penn State University analyzed the bacteria in the mouths of 226 2-year-olds and found that a child's oral microbiota can be used as a tool to predict weight gain during the first two years of their life. News. From CBC.com: 5 new Ebola cases confirmed in eastern Congo. The current epidemic in Congo's
- [Infection Control News: Oct 29 - Nov 02, 2018](https://picnet.ca/infection-control-news-nov-5-9-2018/) - National shortage for hepatitis A, B, and for rabies vaccines. The shortage affects vaccines that people would purchase, so not the publicly-funded ones that we can get through health units or health-care providers. News. Health Canada said there have been a total of 33 acute flaccid myelitis or AFM cases reported so far in 2018,
- [Infection Control News: Nov 05-09, 2018](https://picnet.ca/infection-control-news-nov-12-18-2018/) - Needle phobia keeps many adults from getting the annual flu shot. Here's why that fear needs to be addressed, with different ways to fight the fear of needles. News. Why are there so many shortages of common vaccines? Either there has been a spike in demand somewhere in the world, or there has been a
- [Infection Control News: Nov 12-16, 2018](https://picnet.ca/infection-control-news-nov-12-16-2018/) - Below are IPAC-Canada's top tweets for the week of Nov 12-16. To receive these in real time, follow us on Twitter (@IPACCanada) or Facebook. Antibiotic resistance costing Canada $1 billion per year: IPAC Canada. News Insect antibiotic provides new way to eliminate bacteria. News Scouting out bacterial defences to find new ways to counter-attack antibiotic resistance. News New study sheds light
- [Infection Control News: Dec 10-14, 2018](https://picnet.ca/infection-control-news-dec-10-14-2018/) - Northern advocates say new HIV guidelines a win. News. Vancouver - A new science and data centre at Simon Fraser University (SFU) will help researchers use technology to help stop the spread of resistant diseases and much more. News. South Sudan to begin Ebola vaccinations as 'very high risk'. News. Food Recall Report. Reason for Recall: Salmonella. Product:
- [Infection Control News: Dec 17-19, 2018](https://picnet.ca/infection-control-news-dec-17-19-2018/) - Despite the existence of detailed guidelines, this study from Johns Hopkins Hospital identified 103 ways that HCW can potentially self-contaminate while doffing PPE. Study. There is a growing body of literature that show contamination in the anesthesia work area...resulting in transmission. Anesthesia-specific infection prevention and control policies in the OR are not universal. Guidance. How long do cold
- [Infection Control News: December 31, 2018 to January 4, 2019](https://picnet.ca/infection-control-news-december-31-2018-to-january-4-2019/) - American doctor being monitored in US after possible exposure to the Ebola virus in Congo. News. Quebec hospitals overflowing as province hit with widespread flu. News. In this short video, residents of a small Alberta town recall their deadly brush with 1918's Spanish flu. Video. Why you don't need to fear ticks lurking in your
- [Infection Control News: January 7-11, 2019](https://picnet.ca/infection-control-news-january-7-11-2019/) - Accelerating the elimination of viral hepatitis. The Lancet This First Nation produces clean water. So why are so many residents afraid to drink it? News Scientists develop universal Ebola treatment effective in single dose. News New virus similar to Ebola found in China. News Marburg virus, a cousin to Ebola, has been found in
- [Infection Control News: January 14-18, 2019](https://picnet.ca/infection-control-news-january-14-18-2019/) - World. Mumbai, India. Leprosy cases spikes in 2018 from prev year. As per data, 10% of the new cases were found in children, a sign of the diseases actively spreading. News. Canada sending emergency management expert to help fight Ebola in West Africa. News. USA. A research consortium has begun enrolling patients in a clinical
- [Infection Control News: January 21-25, 2019](https://picnet.ca/infection-control-news-january-14-18-2019-2/) - Genomic Analyses of Acute Flaccid Myelitis Cases among a Cluster in Arizona Provide Further Evidence of Enterovirus D68 Role. Journal Gum infection could be linked to Alzheimer’s, study says. News | Journal Genome-wide association analyses of invasive pneumococcal isolates identify a missense bacterial mutation associated with meningitis Journal Study measured bacteria in a sample of
- [Infection Control News: January 28-February 01, 2019](https://picnet.ca/infection-control-news-january-28-february-01-2019/) - Washington Declares Emergency For Measles Outbreak. News Ebola patients stranded by violence in Democratic Republic of Congo. News Flu viruses resistant to new drug Xofluza uncovered in Japan. News From Africa to America, lack of public trust makes disease outbreaks worse. News Planet You: The mysterious world of the microbiome. CBC radio
- [Infection Control News: February 04-08, 2019](https://picnet.ca/infection-control-news-february-04-08-2019/) - Long-running Ebola outbreak is now an international health emergency, say experts. News Lawmakers mull proposal to end religious exemptions for measles shots in New York State. News Ottawa's new medical officer tables stay-the-course 2019 budget. News Los Angeles is dealing with a deadly, flea-borne typhus outbreak. News Over 109,000 people died from measles in 2017
- [Infection Control News: February 11-15, 2019](https://picnet.ca/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.
- [Infection Control News: February 25-March 1, 2019](https://picnet.ca/infection-control-news-february-25-march-1-2019/) - Another two measles cases have been reported by Vancouver Coastal Health. News. How does herd immunity work? A Video from CBC. YouTube will no longer serve ads on channels that espouse anti-vaccination rhetoric. News. Bacterial pneumonia was implicated in 43% of all community-based, unexpected infectious disease deaths during a recent 2-yr study in Ont. The
- [Infection Control News: March 4-8, 2019](https://picnet.ca/infection-control-news-march-4-8-2019/) - Measles UNICEF warned of a resurgence of measles in the world, noting that ten countries, including Brazil, Ukraine and France, were responsible for about three quarters of the total increase in cases in 2018. News. Fraser Health confirms new case of measles in Metro Vancouver area, bringing total to 17. News. The N.W.T.'s chief public
- [Infection Control News: March 11-15, 2019](https://picnet.ca/infection-control-news-march-11-15-2019/) - A mother died of acquired infection (Strep A) in hospital during the postpartum period. The hospital experienced an Strep A outbreak. News. Learn more about the complicated factors that contribute to the GAS after delivery. Study. Ebola; Seroprevalence in central Africa. An international team of researchers, hoping to get a better handle on serologic prevalence of Ebola
- [Infection Control News: March 18-22, 2019](https://picnet.ca/infection-control-news-march-18-22-2019/) - Canadian experts say prolonged antibiotic treatment for Lyme disease 'harmful'. News Children's noses 'hold clues' to serious lung infections. News Drug-resistant superbugs may have found a new foe in the Irish soil. News Nearly four in 10 US HIV infections from people unaware of infection. News Being in outer space can have some odd effects on the body, including
- [Influenza H3 - US CDC Health Advisory](https://picnet.ca/influenza-h3-us-cdc-health-advisory/) - Dear Colleagues - The US CDC‎ has issued an official health advisory through their health alert notice (HAN) related to the late-season increase in H3N2 that they are also experiencing, see: https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/han00419.asp Note that vaccine effectiveness (VE) against H3N2 viruses is less than 40% on average, including among working age adults. We have highlighted
- [Infection Control News: March 25-29, 2019](https://picnet.ca/infection-control-news-march-25-29-2019/) - Zika. The US CDC downgraded its travel restriction guidelines for pregnant women. Zika transmission has dropped in 88 countries. According to the CDC, the only country pregnant women should avoid traveling to is India. News. CDC zika webpage The Interior Health Authority has confirmed a new case of measles in 100 Mile House, B.C., nearly two weeks
- [Infection Control News: April 1-5, 2019](https://picnet.ca/infection-control-news-april-1-5-2019/) - Unvaccinated: Pockets of Canada vulnerable to serious outbreaks of disease. News. Some Kelowna properties have been put under a boil water advisory due to increased water turbidity in Mill Creek, B.C. News. A recall has been added to the CFIA's Food Recall Report. Reason for Recall: Listeria. Product: Oreinos Mylopotamos brand Cretan Dry Mizythra. Recalling Firm: MFG
- [Infection Control News: April 8-12, 2019](https://picnet.ca/infection-control-news-april-8-12-2019/) - Telemedicine tied to more antibiotics for kids. Kids seen via telemedicine visits were far more likely to be prescribed antibiotics than those who went to a doctor's office or clinic, according to a new study. News. Blood culture. Higher volumes of blood results in greater organism recovery, and, some studies suggest, increase in the positivity rate. Study.
- [Infection Control News: April 22-26, 2019](https://picnet.ca/infection-control-news-april-22-26-2019/) - Vaccine-hesitant parents should view HPV shot as preventing cancer not just STI, say experts. News. "U = U" means Undetectable = Untransmittable. Public health officials are promoting a campaign designed to change the way people think about HIV. News. The WHO says Malawi has become the 1st country to begin immunizing children against malaria, using the only
- [Infection Control News: April 29 - May 3, 2019](https://picnet.ca/infection-control-news-april-29-may-3-2019/) - U.S. measles outbreak raises questions about immunity in adults. News Antibiotic stewardship: the UN, international agencies, and experts today released a groundbreaking report demanding immediate, coordinated and ambitious action to avert a potentially disastrous drug-resistance crisis. News H3N2 viruses mutate during vaccine production but new tech could fix it. News U of Sask. could help
- [Infection Control News: May 13 - 17, 2019](https://picnet.ca/infection-control-news-may-13-17-2019/) - California’s tightened rules pay off against measles. News Ebola could spread if ‘violent attacks’ continue in Congo, WHO warns. News C. difficile sniffing springer spaniel is making hospitals safer. News Alaska officials fear tuberculosis spread at religious event. News WORLD. Rift valley fever (RVF) outbreak on Mayotte. A RVF outbreak in the French overseas territory
- [Infection Control News: June 3-7, 2019](https://picnet.ca/infection-control-news-june-3-7-2019/) - How measles outbreak spurred renewed interest in national vaccine registry. News The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has killed 1,300 people since last August, making it the second deadliest human outbreak of the virus in history. News Dr. Don Sheppard, co-director of MI4, the McGill Interdisciplinary Initiative in Infection and Immunity,
- [Kids Boost Immunity: a free online learning resource for Canadian students](https://picnet.ca/8710-2/) - Kids Boost Immunity provides free science, social studies and health lessons developed by teachers to inspire digital-age students in support of UNICEF Canada. Curated lessons with interactive quizzes that mirror your province's science, health and social studies curriculum – all for free. For every quiz that students complete, Kids Boost Immunity donates a
- [Novel Coronavirus (nCoV-2019) outbreak in Wuhan, China](https://picnet.ca/novel-coronavirus-ncov-2019-outbreak-in-wuhan-china/) - Please disseminate widely Please note: this situation is evolving rapidly and information is subject to change. New details will be posted when available. Date of Release: January 14, 2020 An outbreak of atypical pneumonia in Wuhan, China has been closely monitored by the World Health Organization since late December 2019. The causative
- [Novel Coronavirus (nCoV-2019) outbreak](https://picnet.ca/novel-coronavirus-ncov-2019-outbreak/) - Please note: this situation is evolving rapidly and information is subject to change. Up-to-date information, including case counts, information for health-care workers, and laboratory guidance is maintained on the BCCDC website. See PICNet update regarding novel coronavirus (nCoV) - January 24, 2020 PICNet newsletter to community of practice - January 14, 2020:
- [Novel coronavirus (COVID-19)](https://picnet.ca/novel-coronavirus-covid-19/) - For information about COVID-19, please go to the BCCDC website. Information for the public (Latest case counts, getting tested, resources for community settings, etc). Information for health-care providers (Laboratory testing, clinical care, infection control, signage & posters, etc). Guidance for long-term care and assisted living facilities.
- [Novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19)](https://picnet.ca/novel-coronavirus-disease-covid-19/) - PICNet has played an integral role in British Columbia’s response to COVID-19. As the co-lead with the Ministry of Health and Workplace Health & Safety, PICNet has collaborated with the health authorities to develop provincial-level Infection Prevention and Control COVID-19 guidelines and resources for healthcare in the province. For information about COVID-19, please
- [IPAC News for the week of June 21 to June 25, 2021](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-june-21-to-june-25-2021/) - The impact of testing and infection prevention and control strategies on within-hospital transmission dynamics of COVID-19 in English hospitals. Journal Rapid Testing and Interventions to Control Legionella Proliferation following a Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak Associated with Cooling Towers. Journal Canada lifting restrictions for fully vaccinated travellers starting July 5. News Scotiabank Arena becoming COVID-19 vaccine
- [IPAC news for the week of Aug 9-13, 2021](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-aug-9-13-2021/) - A Quantitative Framework for Defining the End of an Infectious Disease Outbreak: Application to Ebola Virus Disease. Journal An Outbreak of RSV Infections in the Neonatology Clinic of the University Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Sofia, 2019 – a Case Series. Journal N.B. Public Health investigates outbreak of legionnaires' disease in Moncton. News Israeli survey finds
- [IPAC news for the week of Aug 23-27, 2021](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-aug-23-27-2021/) - Danish Hospital Outbreak of SARS-CoV-2. Combining WGS with epidemiological links offers surprising new information. Journal Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever outbreak in Turkey amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic; a debacle for the health-care system of Turkey. Journal As hospitalization rates soar, FDA grants full approval to Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine. News Toronto Blue Jays to mandate
- [IPAC News for the week of October 18 - 22, 2021](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-october-18-22-2021/) - Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in COVID-19 Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Journal Evaluation of Flu Vaccination Coverage among health-care workers during a 3 Years’ Study Period and Attitude towards Influenza and Potential COVID-19 Vaccination in the Context of the Pandemic. Journal Colin Powell: Former US secretary of state dies of COVID-19 complications. News Two doctors barred from
- [IPAC News for the week of April 18 – 22, 2022](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-april-18-22-2022/) - Unprecedented outbreak of respiratory syncytial virus in Taiwan associated with ON1 variant emergence between 2010 and 2020. Journal Identification and assessment of antimicrobial resistance bacteria in a hemodialysis water treatment system. Journal Ontario COVID numbers: Almost 1,500 people in hospital, 206 in intensive care. News Moderna aims for fall release of COVID-19 Omicron vaccine. News
- [IPAC News for the week of June 13 - 17, 2022](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-june-13-17-2022/) - Influence of social media on parents’ attitudes towards vaccine administration. Journal Evaluation of the Persistence and Characterization of Listeria monocytogenes in Foodservice Operations. Journal Beijing races to test millions following COVID-19 outbreak linked to bar. News Trudeau isolating after testing positive for COVID-19 again. News Canada urged to support COVID-19 vaccine patent waiver. News Vaccine
- [World Antimicrobial Awareness Week Nov 18 – 24 2023](https://picnet.ca/world-antimicrobial-awareness-week-nov-18-24-2023/) - Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a leading global health threat, yet the harm it is causing is not well recognized. #GoBlueForAMR is a Canada-wide colour campaign, created to grow the visibility of AMR and share knowledge on how to address this growing threat. You can help by: Sharing the included key messages about AMR and the #GoBlueforAMR campaign
- [PICNet Thank You to Dr. Linda Hoang, Provincial Medical Co-Director](https://picnet.ca/picnet-thank-you-to-dr-linda-hoang-provincial-medical-co-director/) - From: Maureen O’Donnell, Tara Donovan, Titus Wong After nearly a decade with PICNet, Dr. Linda Hoang is leaving her official medical leadership role in the program. While saddened by her departure, we are also excited for Linda as she takes on her new provincial leadership role at the BC Centre for Disease Control as the
- [Acute hepatitis of unknown etiology among children, pathogenic avian influenza](https://picnet.ca/latest-updates-on-emerging-pathogens-and-communicable-diseases-monkeypox-acute-hepatitis-of-unknown-etiology-among-children/) - PICNet continues to work with key partners and stakeholders in providing infection prevention and control guidance in health care settings. Updated and consolidated information on emerging pathogens and communicable diseases are available on clicking on the links below: Acute hepatitis of unknown etiology and adenovirus among children Pathogenic avian influenza
- [PICNet’s Team Announcements](https://picnet.ca/picnets-team-announcements/) - On behalf of PICNet leadership, Tara Donovan, Dr. Linda Hoang, Dr. Titus Wong, Kendra McPherson and Dr. Maureen O’Donnell, we have a number of team member changes to share with you. Returns We welcome back Jenn Diep, Project Manager, and Tara Donovan, Network Director, who have both returned from maternity leave. Welcomes Mahta
- [IPAC News for the week of January 22 – 26, 2024](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-january-22-26-2024/) - Impact of pregnancy vaccine uptake and socio-demographic determinants on subsequent childhood Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccine uptake: A UK birth cohort study. Journal Efficacy of octenidine- and chlorhexidine-based wash-mitts against Candida albicans and Candida auris – a comparative study. Journal Sask. Health Authority warns of measles risk after case confirmed in Saskatoon. News
- [IPAC News for the week of January 15 – 19, 2024](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-january-15-19-2024/) - Laboratory diagnosis of measles infection using molecular and serology during 2019–2020 outbreak in Brazil. Journal An evaluation of the five rights antibiotic safety before and during COVID-19 at an NHS Foundation Trust in the United Kingdom. Journal Spring vaccine dose suggested to protect seniors in Canada from severe COVID. News Nearly 100
- [IPAC News for the week of January 8 – 12, 2024](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-january-8-12-2024/) - Is Vaccination Approaching a Dangerous Tipping Point? Journal Associations of motility and auto-aggregation with biofilm-formation capacity levels in Clostridioides difficile. Journal Philadelphia confirms at least 4 measles cases, warns about addition exposures at day care and hospitals. News JN.1 is Canada’s new dominant COVID-19 subvariant. Here’s what to know. News Recalled
- [IPAC News for the week of January 2 – 5, 2024](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-january-2-5-2024/) - Estimating the savings of a national project to prevent health care-associated infections in intensive care units. Journal The Added Value of Bronchoalveolar Lavage for Pulmonary Tuberculosis Diagnosis in High-Risk Hospitalized Patients with Negative Sputum Samples. Journal 'How could this happen?' A look at the E. coli outbreak in Calgary daycares. News No
- [IPAC News for the week of December 18 – 22, 2023](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-december-18-22-2023/) - Who should be screened for carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales and when? A systematic review. Journal Coping with COVID in corrections: a qualitative study among the recently incarcerated on infection control and the acceptability of wastewater-based surveillance. Journal Epidemiology of Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections Present on Hospital Admission: A Multicenter Study. Journal Six Canadians killed
- [IPAC News for the week of December 11 – 15, 2023](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-december-11-15-2023/) - Increase of invasive pneumococcal disease in children temporally associated with RSV outbreak in Quebec: a time-series analysis. Journal Genomics for antimicrobial resistance surveillance to support infection prevention and control in health-care facilities. Journal Three dead in outbreak of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, CDC warns. News Wastewater tests showing high levels of COVID
- [IPAC News for the week of December 4 – 8, 2023](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-december-4-8-2023/) - Equitable and effective vaccine access considering vaccine hesitancy and capacity constraints. Journal COVID-19 vaccines and the pandemic: lessons learnt for other neglected diseases and future threats. Journal 'Mixed pathogen' outbreak declared at Calgary hospital: memo. News Ohio "white lung" pneumonia cases not linked to China outbreak or novel pathogen, experts say. News
- [IPAC News for the week of November 27 – December 1, 2023](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-november-27-december-1-2023/) - Exploring the impact of mental health conditions on vaccine uptake in high-income countries: a systematic review. Journal An intensive care unit outbreak with multi-drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa – spotlight on sinks. Journal COVID-19 outbreak aboard Canadian warship forces cancellation of Great Lakes tour. News 1 person dead, 63 confirmed cases in salmonella outbreak
- [IPAC News for the week of November 20 – 24, 2023](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-november-20-24-2023/) - A Ten-Year Retrospective Survey of Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns among Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica Serovar Typhi Isolates in Ontario, Canada. Journal A cross-sectional study of hospital antimicrobial stewardship programmes in the COVID-19 era. Journal Evidence review and recommendations for the implementation of genomics for antimicrobial resistance surveillance: reports from an international expert group. Journal
- [IPAC News for the week of November 13 – 17, 2023](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-november-13-17-2023/) - Impact of vaccinations, boosters and lockdowns on COVID-19 waves in French Polynesia. Journal Spatial-temporal simulation for hospital infection spread and outbreaks of Clostridioides difficile. Journal Use of a digital contact tracing system in Singapore to mitigate COVID-19 spread. Journal Nova Scotia reports outbreak of RSV at long-term care home. News Ontario
- [IPAC News for the week of November 6 – 10, 2023](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-november-6-10-2023/) - Identification of the elements of models of antimicrobial resistance of bacteria for assessing their usefulness and usability in One Health decision making: a protocol for scoping review. Journal Impact of control measures including decolonization and hand hygiene for orthopaedic surgical site infection caused by MRSA at a Japanese tertiary-care hospital. Journal Canadian seniors
- [IPAC News for the week of October 30 – November 3, 2023](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-october-30-november-3-2023/) - Evaluating diagnostic tests during outbreaks: challenges and lessons learnt from COVID-19. Journal Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) impact on central-line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI): a systematic review. Journal National action plans for antimicrobial resistance and variations in surveillance data platforms. Journal Knowledge, psychological impacts, and protective behaviours during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic among Chinese
- [IPAC News for the week of October 23 – 27, 2023](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-october-23-27-2023/) - Pragmatic review of interventions to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) in adult inpatients. Journal Knowledge, Practices, and Nasal Carriage Rate of MRSA Amongst Dental Professionals. Journal Avian flu detected on poultry farm in Chilliwack. News E. coli in milk behind large outbreak in Japan. News Zimbabwe struggles to contain spread
- [IPAC News for the week of October 16 – 20, 2023](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-october-16-20-2023/) - Environmental reservoirs of the drug-resistant pathogenic yeast Candida auris. Journal Frequency of Diarrhea, Stool Specimen Collection and Testing, and Detection of Clostridioides Difficile Infection Among Hospitalized Adults in the Muenster/Coesfeld Area, Germany. Journal Scientists Offer a New Explanation for Long Covid. News Two people in deadly Botulism outbreak remain in hospital. News
- [IPAC News for the week of October 2 – 6, 2023](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-october-2-6-2023/) - Understanding the Barriers and Attitudes toward Influenza Vaccine Uptake in the Adult General Population: A Rapid Review. Journal National and regional prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in primary and secondary school children in England: the School Infection Survey, a national open cohort study, November 2021 SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence in school children. Journal Nobel Prize
- [IPAC News for the week of September 18 – 22, 2023](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-september-18-22-2023/) - Continued increases in the incidence of health care-associated infection (HAI) during the second year of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Journal High Disinfectant Tolerance in Pseudomonas spp. Biofilm Aids the Survival of Listeria monocytogenes. Journal A systematic review of barriers and enablers associated with uptake of influenza vaccine among care home staff. Journal Ontario
- [IPAC News for the week of September 25 – 29, 2023](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-september-25-29-2023/) - Singapore’s Dengue Outbreak Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic: Challenges, Responses, and Lessons. Journal Candida Auris: A Team-Based Approach to Taming the Wild Yeast. Journal Decline in annual food safety inspections scrutinized after Calgary E. coli outbreak. News 267 in hospital with COVID-19 as BCCDC returns to biweekly data updates. News Dengue outbreak declared in Jamaica. News
- [IPAC News for the week of September 11 – 15, 2023](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-september-11-15-2023/) - Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection Risk Factors in a Pediatric Population. Journal Controversies in the Prevention and Treatment of Clostridioides difficile Infection in Adults: A Narrative Review. Journal 'Highly likely' central kitchen was source of Calgary daycare E. coli outbreak, AHS says. News Ontario's long-term care inspections collapsed when COVID hit: Ombudsman. News
- [IPAC News for the week of September 5 – 8, 2023](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-september-5-8-2023/) - Two years of COVID-19 outbreaks in long-term care facilities: quantifying workload impact of outbreak control activities on a regional public health team in Ireland, March 2020 to March 2022. Journal How to Respond to Misinformation From the Anti-Vaccine Movement. Journal First lady Jill Biden tests positive for Covid-19. News E. Coli outbreak
- [IPAC News for the week of August 21 – 25, 2023](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-august-21-25-2023/) - Exploring the impact of mental health conditions on vaccine uptake in high-income countries: a systematic review. Journal A new spray-based method for the in-vitro development of dry-surface biofilms. Journal Washington State Health names milkshakes as source of deadly Listeriosis outbreak. News Covid-19 linked with higher risk of high blood pressure, study finds. News 11-state salmonella
- [IPAC News for the week of August 14 – 18, 2023](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-august-14-18-2023/) - Perspective on the origin, resistance, and spread of the emerging human fungal pathogen Candida auris. Journal Determinants of influenza vaccine uptake among pregnant women: Demographics and medical care access. Journal Dengue outbreak in Bangladesh sparks alarm after 364 people die this year and infections rise. News New Covid vaccines are on the way as 'Eris'
- [IPAC News for the week of August 8 – 11, 2023](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-august-8-11-2023/) - Effects of COVID-19 vaccination and previous infection on Omicron SARS-CoV-2 infection and relation with serology. Journal A comparison of culture methods and polymerase chain reaction in detecting Clostridioides difficile from hospital surfaces. Journal Molecular Characterization of Circulating Yellow Fever Viruses from Outbreak in Ghana, 2021–2022. Journal A new COVID-19 variant has emerged. Here's what we
- [IPAC News for the week of August 28 – September 1, 2023](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-august-28-september-1-2023/) - Vaccine hesitancy among health-care workers in low- and middle-income countries during the COVID-19 pandemic: Results from facility surveys across six countries. Journal Antimicrobial resistance: Strengthening surveillance for public health action. Journal COVID-19 outbreak reducing hours at Montague hospital emergency department. News We Thought We’d Beat These Three Diseases, but They’re Still Killing
- [IPAC News for the week of July 31 – August 4, 2023](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-july-31-august-4-2023/) - Contact tracing for vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE): evaluation of the Dutch policy of quintuple screening cultures. Journal Estimated Testing, Tracing, and Vaccination Targets for Containment of the US Mpox Outbreak. Journal Scientists discover antibodies capable of stopping several coronaviruses, potentially preventing future outbreaks. News The CDC sees signs of a late summer
- [IPAC News for the week of July 24 – 28, 2023](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-july-24-28-2023/) - Infection Control among health-care workers and Management of a Scabies Outbreak in a Large Italian University Hospital. Journal Association Between Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs and Antibiotic Use Globally: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal Calm COVID summer marches on. News 3 Dead in Listeria Outbreak in Washington State. News Bangladesh faces severe
- [IPAC News for the week of July 17 – 21, 2023](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-july-17-21-2023/) - Implementation of an Environmental Cleaning Protocol in Hospital Critical Areas Using a UV-C Disinfection Robot. Journal Coping with COVID in corrections: a qualitative study among the recently incarcerated on infection control and the acceptability of wastewater-based surveillance. Journal London measles warning: Outbreak could hit tens of thousands. News Wait until fall for
- [IPAC News for the week of July 10 – 14, 2023](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-july-10-14-2023/) - Implementation of the infection control estimate: A case study on the use of a newly developed digital tool for outbreak management in the acute setting. Journal Containment of a Verona Integron-Encoded Metallo-BetaLactamase-Producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa Outbreak Associated With an Acute Care Hospital Sink—Tennessee, 2018–2020. Journal Nigeria confirms outbreak of diphtheria as 4-year-old patient dies.
- [IPAC News for the week of July 4 – 7, 2023](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-july-4-7-2023/) - Environmental reservoirs of the drug-resistant pathogenic yeast Candida auris. Journal Access, acceptability, and uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine among global migrants: A rapid review. Journal At Least Nine Cats Killed in Bird Flu Outbreak. News Spain calls an end to COVID-19 health crisis and obligatory use of masks in hospitals, pharmacies. News
- [IPAC News for the week of June 26 – 30, 2023](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-june-26-30-2023/) - Effectiveness of Disinfecting Caps for Intravenous Access Points in Reducing Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections, Clinical Utilization, and Cost of Care During COVID-19. Journal Effectiveness of educational and training intervention for improving hand hygiene compliance amongst nurses: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Journal Do you need a COVID booster for
- [IPAC News for the week of June 19 – 23, 2023](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-june-19-23-2023/) - Pathways of TB Transmission in Children—A Systematic Review of Molecular Epidemiological Studies. Journal Bacterial transfer and biofilm formation in needleless connectors in a clinically simulated in vitro catheter model. Journal Calgary doctor to challenge AHS mask policy change in court. News Russian units in Kherson Oblast and Crimea, stricken in cholera outbreak.
- [IPAC News for the week of June 12 – 16, 2023](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-june-12-16-2023/) - The Role of Faith-Based Organizations in Improving Vaccination Confidence & Addressing Vaccination Disparities to Help Improve Vaccine Uptake: A Systematic Review. Journal Measuring the global response to antimicrobial resistance, 2020–21: a systematic governance analysis of 114 countries. Journal El Nino rains intensify record dengue outbreak in Peru. News The Ottawa Hospital lifts
- [IPAC News for the week of June 5 – 9, 2023](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-june-5-9-2023/) - Is partisan conflict over COVID-19 vaccination eroding support for childhood vaccine mandates? Journal How COVID-19 Impacted CAUTI and CLABSI Rates in Alabama. Journal H5N6 avian influenza case reported in Sichuan province, China. News Texas reports 3 deaths in fungal meningitis outbreak linked to procedures performed in Mexico. News Masks and other COVID-19 protocols to return
- [IPAC News for the week of May 23 – 26, 2023](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-may-23-26-2023/) - The effectiveness of a dedicated central venous access care team to prevent catheter-related bloodstream infection in a private hospital. Journal Canadian antenatal COVID-19 seroprevalence study; population mapping of the COVID-19 pandemic utilizing stored antenatal sera. Journal Nova Scotia lifts COVID-19 health order, no more weekly case reporting. News How the World Health
- [IPAC News for the week of May 15 – 19, 2023](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-may-15-19-2023/) - Wastewater concentrations of human influenza, metapneumovirus, parainfluenza, respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus, and seasonal coronavirus nucleic-acids during the COVID-19 pandemic: a surveillance study. Journal Public health emergency preparedness for infectious disease emergencies: a scoping review of recent evidence. Journal Mask mandates removed for health-care workers across N.L., according to internal memo. News Needle-free
- [IPAC News for the week of May 8 – 12, 2023](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-may-8-12-2023/) - A comparison of culture methods and polymerase chain reaction in detecting Clostridioides difficile from hospital surfaces. Journal Directed carbapenemase testing is no longer just for Enterobacterales: cost, labor, and workflow assessment of expanding carbapenemase testing to carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa. Journal A COVID legacy? When doctors say we should still be masking up. News
- [IPAC News for the week of April 24 – 28, 2023](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-april-24-28-2023/) - Profiles of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy by race and ethnicity in eastern Pennsylvania. Journal Perspective on the origin, resistance, and spread of the emerging human fungal pathogen Candida auris. Journal Why people should check their vaccine records during World Immunization Awareness Week. News Japan to lift COVID-19 border controls before holiday week. News
- [IPAC News for the week of April 17 – 21, 2023](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-april-17-21-2023/) - Global Incidence of Surgical Site Infection Among Patients: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal Early identification of a COVID-19 outbreak detected by wastewater surveillance at a large homeless shelter in Toronto, Ontario. Journal Biden ends COVID national emergency after Congress acts. News Timeline of Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and controversy over COVID court
- [IPAC News for the week of April 11 – 14, 2023](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-april-11-14-2023/) - Global Incidence of Surgical Site Infection Among Patients: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal Early identification of a COVID-19 outbreak detected by wastewater surveillance at a large homeless shelter in Toronto, Ontario. Journal Biden ends COVID national emergency after Congress acts. News Timeline of Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and controversy over COVID court
- [IPAC News for the week of May 1 – 5, 2023](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-may-1-5-2023/) - Profiles of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy by race and ethnicity in eastern Pennsylvania. Journal Perspective on the origin, resistance, and spread of the emerging human fungal pathogen Candida auris. Journal Why people should check their vaccine records during World Immunization Awareness Week. News Japan to lift COVID-19 border controls before holiday week. News
- [IPAC News for the week of March 13 – 17, 2023](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-march-13-17-2023/) - Alarming situation of emerging H5 and H7 avian influenza and effective control strategies. Journal Candida auris Discovery through Community Wastewater Surveillance during Healthcare Outbreak, Nevada, USA, 2022. Journal 3 years into COVID-19, life is 'back to normal' for some, forever changed for others. News Twice-weekly local testing for COVID variants to end,
- [IPAC News for the week of March 6 - 10, 2023](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-march-6-10-2023/) - Epidemiology of Health Care-Associated Infections and Adherence to the HAI Prevention Strategies. Journal Estimated Testing, Tracing, and Vaccination Targets for Containment of the US Mpox Outbreak. Journal Ontario study finds 'circular hockey hub' vaccine clinic most efficient model. News Novak Djokovic withdraws from Indian Wells ahead of draw after losing COVID-19 vaccine
- [IPAC News for the week of April 3 – 6, 2023](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-april-3-6-2023/) - Effectiveness of patient and staff cohorting to reduce the risk of vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) acquisition: a retrospective cohort study during a VRE outbreak in Japan. Journal Efficacy of the Second COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Dose in the Elderly. Journal Ontario's COVID-19 wastewater testing program gets an $18M boost. News South of the border:
- [IPAC News for the week of March 27 – 31, 2023](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-march-27-31-2023/) - Candida auris as an Emergent Public Health Problem: A Current Update on European Outbreaks and Cases. Journal High activity levels of avian influenza upwards 2018–2022: A global epidemiological overview of fowl and human infections. Journal Self-referral appointments for PCR testing ending April 1 in New Brunswick. News New downtown exhibit compares Winnipeg’s
- [IPAC News for the week of March 20 – 24, 2023](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-march-20-24-2023/) - Molecular Epidemiology of Global Carbapenemase-Producing Citrobacter spp. (2015–2017). Journal A national implementation project to prevent health care-associated infections in intensive care units: a collaborative initiative using the Breakthrough Series model. Journal WHO advisers urge China to release all COVID-related data after new research. News Burundi officials detect polio outbreak linked to vaccine.
- [IPAC News for the week of February 27 – March 3, 2023](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-february-27-march-3-2023/) - Characteristics associated with influenza vaccination uptake in pregnancy: a retrospective cohort study. Journal Education and training for infection prevention and control provided by long-term care homes to family caregivers: a scoping review protocol. Journal Measles outbreak that sickened 85 children declared over in Ohio. News New assessment on the origins of Covid-19
- [IPAC News for the week of February 21 – 24, 2023](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-february-21-24-2023/) - Increase of invasive pneumococcal disease in children temporally associated with RSV outbreak in Quebec: a time-series analysis. Journal Merck's COVID pill fails to prevent infection among household members. News COVID-19 linked to rise in heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems. News Blackhawks' Jonathan Toews Taking Break from Hockey to Deal with Continued
- [IPAC News for the week of January 9 – 13, 2023](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-january-9-13-2023/) - A survey of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance across 23 countries in 2022. Journal Response to back-to-back outbreaks of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 in two nomadic pastoralist settlements in Oti Region, Ghana-2019. Journal Uganda is set to declare an end to its latest deadly Ebola outbreak. News Omicron COVID booster cuts hospitalization in
- [IPAC News for the week of January 23 – 27, 2023](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-january-23-27-2023/) - Don’t wait for an Ebola outbreak to vaccinate people against it. Journal Health care-associated infections in Dutch hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal Reducing CAUTI in patients with acute urinary retention in the critical care setting: A pilot study with electronic medical record analytics. Journal How will the WHO's decision on COVID
- [IPAC News for the week of February 6 – 10, 2023](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-february-6-10-2023/) - Rapid emergence of extensively drug-resistant Shigella sonnei in France. Journal Understanding the Barriers and Attitudes toward Influenza Vaccine Uptake in the Adult General Population: A Rapid Review. Journal Masking alone wouldn't have eased respiratory virus surge in the fall: PHO document. News Measles outbreak in central Ohio ends after 85 cases, all
- [Pause on hosting live Webber Teleconference](https://picnet.ca/pause-on-hosting-live-webber-teleconference/) - As of January 18, 2022, we are no longer hosting live Webber Teleconference in the near future due to technical limitation. MP3 recordings will continue to be available on our Webber Teleclasses webpage. Please stay tuned on our website for any updates.
- [IPAC News for the week of January 30 – Feb 3, 2023](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-january-30-feb-3-2023/) - A two-ward acute care hospital outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 delta variant including a point-source outbreak associated with the use of a mobile vital signs cart and sub-optimal doffing of personal protective equipment. Journal Antimicrobial resistance in patients with COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal Community-Scale Wastewater Surveillance of Candida auris during an Ongoing
- [IPAC News for the week of January 3 - 6, 2023](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-january-3-6-2023/) - Visitors from China must provide a negative COVID test. Here's why that won't prevent infection in Canada. News Malawi suspends school opening over deadly cholera outbreak. News Some N.S. pharmacies reporting shortage of cold and flu medications. News New XBB 1.5 strain of COVID-19, nicknamed ‘The Kraken’, has spread to BC. News
- [IPAC News for the week of December 28 – 30, 2022](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-december-28-30-2022/) - Trends of COVID-19 incidence in Manitoba and public health measures: March 2020 to February 2022. Journal Four-Year Environmental Surveillance Program of Legionella spp. in One of Palermo’s Largest Hospitals. Journal Public health, buy-in from gay and bisexual men helped get Canada's mpox outbreak under control. News Canadians fined at least $15M for
- [IPAC News for the week of December 19 – 23, 2022](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-december-12-16-2022-2/) - COVID-19 Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CAPA): Hospital or Home Environment as a Source of Life-Threatening Aspergillus fumigatus Infection? Journal Does COVID-19 have an impact on influenza vaccine knowledge, attitude and practice among medical students: a 2-year prospective cohort study. Journal Meningitis outbreak declared at Dalhousie University residence following student death. News Doctors warn
- [IPAC News for the week of December 12 – 16, 2022](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-december-12-16-2022/) - Out-of-Season Influenza during a COVID-19 Void in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Temperature Matters. Journal Outbreak of seafood-related food poisoning from undetectable Vibrio parahaemolyticus-like pathogen, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand, December 2020. Journal Flu surge has B.C. kids' hospital double-bunking patients. News Macau to allow home isolation for COVID-19 infections. News
- [IPAC News for the week of December 5 – 9, 2022](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-december-x-y-2022/) - Patients exposed to vancomycin-resistant enterococci during in-hospital outbreaks in a low endemic setting: a proposal for risk-based screening. Journal Development of a Model for the Spread of Nosocomial Infection Outbreaks Using COVID-19 Data. Journal CHEO calls in Red Cross as it deals with surge in respiratory patients. News Pfizer/BioNTech seek FDA authorization of updated Covid-19
- [IPAC News for the week of November 28 – December 2, 2022](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-november-28-december-2-2022/) - Outbreak of sexually transmitted, extensively drug-resistant Shigella sonnei in the UK, 2021–22: a descriptive epidemiological study. Journal Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on Influenza Vaccination Intention: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review. Journal Low flu shot rates among Alberta kids and seniors a worry as influenza rages on. News China’s Covid crisis demands terrible choices. The world
- [IPAC News for the week of November 14 – November 18, 2022](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-november-14-november-18-2022/) - Examining the relationships between trust in providers and information, mistrust, and COVID-19 vaccine concerns, necessity, and intentions. Journal Examining the role of person-to-person transmission during a verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli outbreak in Ontario, Canada. Journal Moderna says new booster increases protection against omicron subvariants. News Chronically ill man's obituary calls on people to mask up, get
- [IPAC News for the week of November 7 – November 11, 2022](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-november-7-november-11-2022/) - Off-season RSV epidemics in Australia after easing of COVID-19 restrictions. Journal Current approaches for preventing environment-associated contamination in health-care facilities: a systematic literature review by open access database. Journal ‘Get vaccinated’: As flu cases cross seasonal threshold in Canada, experts urge caution. News Monkeypox ‘almost eradicated’ in Montreal, once epicentre of virus outbreak in Canada
- [IPAC News for the week of October 31 – November 4, 2022](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-october-24-november-4-2022/) - Carbapenemase-producing Eenterobacterales from hospital environment and their relation to those from patient specimens. Journal Descriptive Analysis of Circulating Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus (VRE) during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Journal Cholera Outbreaks Surge Worldwide as Vaccine Supply Drains. News Shanghai Disney: Visitors unable to leave without negative Covid test as park shuts. News A doctor's
- [IPAC News for the week of October 24 – 28, 2022](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-october-24-28-2022/) - Prevalence and Antimicrobial Resistance of Causative Agents to Ocular Infections. Journal Self-reported COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and uptake among participants from different racial and ethnic groups in the United States and United Kingdom. Journal Are COVID rapid tests still reliable with new sub-variants on the rise? What experts say. News Hospitals are worried about child RSV
- [IPAC News for the week of October 17 – 21, 2022](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-october-17-21-2022/) - How to Prevent Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections: A Reappraisal of Vico’s Theory—Is History Repeating Itself? Journal Implementation of the infection control estimate: A case study on the use of a newly developed digital tool for outbreak management in the acute setting. Journal Long COVID has led to greater use of strained hospitals, and it could
- [IPAC News for the week of October 11 – 14, 2022](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-october-11-14-2022/) - Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak linked to chocolate. Journal Hardwiring antimicrobial resistance mitigation into global policy. Journal There's a spike in respiratory illness among children — and it's not just COVID. News Tourists flock to Japan after COVID-19 restrictions lifted. News COVID-19 outbreak confirmed on Collingwood hospital's surgical unit. News Uganda Ebola
- [IPAC News for the week of September 26 – 30, 2022](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-september-26-30-2022/) - Emerging strategies for environmental decontamination of the nosocomial fungal pathogen Candida auris. Journal Canada dropping travel mask mandate and ending COVID-19 border and quarantine restrictions. News Cholera death toll rises to 29 in Syria as outbreak spreads. News Ontario opens bivalent Omicron-targeted vaccine bookings for all adults. News Social media
- [IPAC News for the week of September 19 – 23, 2022](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-september-19-23-2022/) - Evaluation of the Persistence and Characterization of Listeria monocytogenes in Foodservice Operations. Journal Vaccine equity: A fundamental imperative in the fight against COVID-19. Journal Ghana declares end of Marburg virus disease outbreak. News For virus tracking, wastewater is liquid gold. Scientists hope that work isn't flushed away. News The flu is
- [IPAC News for the week of September 6 – 9, 2022](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-september-6-9-2022/) - Framework and toolkit for infection prevention and control in outbreak preparedness, readiness and response at the health care facility level. Publication Using Intervention Bundles to Reduce the Rate of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections in Acute Care Settings. Journal Doctors brace for busy flu season without pandemic restrictions. News B.C. vaccine campaign: Health
- [IPAC News for the week of August 29 – September 2, 2022](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-august-29-september-2-2022/) - Infectiousness of SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infections and reinfections during the Omicron wave. Journal Advancing Diagnostic Stewardship for Health Care-Associated Infections, Antibiotic Resistance, and Sepsis. Journal Students, schools gearing up for first in-person orientation since COVID-19 halted events. News Iraq: Cholera outbreak tops 1,000 cases. News Monkeypox outbreak can be stopped in Europe,
- [IPAC News for the week of August 22 – 26, 2022](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-august-22-26-2022/) - Incubation Period of COVID-19 Caused by Unique SARS-CoV-2 Strains. Journal Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on central-line–associated bloodstream infections during the early months of 2020, National Healthcare Safety Network. Journal Parents, experts laud COVID booster approval for kids 5-11: ‘Just in time’. News Moderna to supply 12 million doses of Omicron-targeted COVID shot
- [IPAC News for the week of August 15 – 19, 2022](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-august-15-19-2022/) - Interventions to increase COVID‐19 vaccine uptake: a scoping review. Journal Optimizing Pandemic Preparedness and Response Through Health Information Systems: Lessons Learned From Ebola to COVID-19. Journal UK becomes first nation to approve Covid-19 vaccine targeting both Omicron and original strain. News Windsor man had to pay $5,700 up front for quarantine after
- [IPAC News for the week of August 8 – 12, 2022](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-august-8-12-2022/) - Vaccine Hesitancy: Lessons Learned and Perspectives for a Post-Pandemic Tomorrow. Journal Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever during the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa: Efforts, recommendations and challenges at hand. Journal CDC Deploys Small Team to New York for Polio Investigation. News Northern Ontario gay community wants to see more vaccines, clear messaging on monkeypox.
- [IPAC News for the week of August 2 – 5, 2022](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-august-2-5-2022/) - Development of a Model for the Spread of Nosocomial Infection Outbreaks Using COVID-19 Data. Journal Evaluation of the Persistence and Characterization of Listeria monocytogenes in Foodservice Operations. Journal B.C. to begin vaccinating kids under five against COVID-19 on Tuesday. News California and Illinois declare states of emergency over monkeypox outbreak. News
- [IPAC News for the week of July 18 – 22, 2022](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-july-18-22-2022-2/) - Modeling Vaccine Efficacy for COVID-19 Outbreak in New York City. Journal COVID-19 Disease Burden Related to Social Vulnerability and Comorbidities: Challenges to Tuberculosis Control. Journal WHO Director-General's statement at the press conference following IHR Emergency Committee regarding the multi-country outbreak of monkeypox - 23 July 2022. News Likely cause of mystery child
- [IPAC News for the week of July 18 – 22, 2022](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-july-18-22-2022/) - Ghana confirms its first outbreak of deadly Marburg virus NEWS Public Health Agency of Canada publishes National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommendations on the use of Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine for children under 5 Website Alberta Health Services rescinds COVID-19 immunization policy for its workers, including new hires and students NEWS Should you get your
- [IPAC News for the week of July 11 – 15, 2022](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-july-11-15-2022/) - Examining the role of person-to-person transmission during a verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli outbreak in Ontario, Canada. Journal Dynamic mapping of cholera outbreak during the Yemeni Civil War, 2016–2019. Journal Caution needed as Canada enters summer wave of COVID-19, experts say. News Macau shuts down casinos following Covid outbreak. News Non-travel methods investigated
- [IPAC News for the week of July 4 – 8, 2022](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-july-4-8-2022/) - Burden of vaccine-preventable diseases among at-risk adult populations in the US. Journal Nosocomial COVID-19 Infection in a Long-Term Hospital in Spain: Retrospective Observational Study. Journal Doctors urge Ontario to open 4th doses of COVID-19 vaccine to all adults. News DR Congo declares end to latest Ebola outbreak. News Listeria outbreak linked
- [IPAC News for the week of June 27 – 30, 2022](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-june-27-30-2022/) - Emerging strategies for environmental decontamination of the nosocomial fungal pathogen Candida auris. Journal Development of a Model for the Spread of Nosocomial Infection Outbreaks Using COVID-19 Data. Journal Canada outperformed most G10 countries during first two years of pandemic response: study. News Flu vaccination 'can reduce risk of Alzheimer's disease'. News
- [IPAC News for the week of June 20 – 24, 2022](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-june-20-24-2022/) - Clinical, Laboratory, and Molecular Epidemiology of an Outbreak of Aseptic Meningitis Due to a Triple-Recombinant Echovirus in Ashburton, New Zealand. Journal Poliomyelitis amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa: Efforts, challenges and recommendations. Journal Canada’s COVID-19 travel rules: What’s changing this summer? News Organigram didn't regularly clean cooling towers linked to 2019 legionnaires'
- [IPAC News for the week of June 6 – 10, 2022](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-june-6-10-2022/) - COVID-19 onslaught is masking the 2021 dengue outbreak in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Journal Investigation of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in Listeria monocytogenes from 2010 through to 2021. Journal Monkeypox, severe hepatitis raise concerns of virus outbreaks post-COVID. News It's 'high time' that authorities revise definition of 'fully vaccinated': experts. News ‘We are absolutely
- [IPAC News for the week of May 30 – June 3, 2022](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-may-30-june-3-2022/) - Tuberculosis Elimination in the Era of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): A Moving Target. Journal Food allergy is associated with lower risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Journal Canadian Arctic tuberculosis outbreak lays bare overcrowded living conditions. News U.S., Canada investigate Hepatitis A outbreak linked to organic strawberries. News Archbishop of Canterbury tests
- [IPAC News for the week of May 24 – 27, 2022](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-may-24-27-2022/) - Modeling Vaccine Efficacy for COVID-19 Outbreak in New York City. Journal Childhood MMR Vaccination Effectiveness Against Rubella: A Longitudinal Cohort Study. Journal Monkeypox outbreak ‘containable,’ WHO says with 131 cases confirmed. News Higher air pollution linked to more severe cases of COVID-19, study suggests. News Nearly 10% of North Korea's population
- [IPAC News for the week of May 16 – 20, 2022](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-may-16-20-2022/) - Recurring outbreaks by the same Escherichia coli ST10 clone in a broiler unit during 18 months. Journal Facilitators and barriers of infectious diseases surveillance activities: lessons from the Global Polio Eradication Initiative - a mixed-methods study. Journal National rates and disparities in childhood vaccination and vaccine-preventable disease during the COVID-19 pandemic: English sentinel network retrospective
- [IPAC News for the week of May 9 – 13, 2022](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-may-9-13-2022/) - Norovirus Outbreaks in Long-term Care Facilities in the United States, 2009–2018: A Decade of Surveillance. Journal Evaluation of Candida auris acquisition in US international travellers using a culture-based screening protocol. Journal COVID-19 booster shots will be a focus going forward, vaccine makers say. News 'Be soft, but honest': Dr. Peter Jüni reflects
- [IPAC News for the week of May 2 – 6, 2022](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-may-2-6-2022/) - The effect of mandatory COVID-19 certificates on vaccine uptake: synthetic-control modelling of six countries. Journal Outbreak of NDM-1-Producing Escherichia coli in a Coronavirus Disease 2019 Intensive Care Unit in a Mexican Tertiary Care Center. Journal 'Not a high risk': 3 young adults explain why they haven't got a booster shot. News Why
- [IPAC News for the week of April 25 – 29, 2022](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-april-25-29-2022/) - Pertussis outbreak investigation in Northwest Ethiopia: A community based study. Journal Reflections on a national public health emergency response to carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE). Journal Unvaccinated people increase risk of COVID-19 infection among vaccinated: new study. News WHO: 1 child has died in mystery liver disease outbreak. News Mass testing, lockdowns start
- [IPAC News for the week of April 11 – 14, 2022](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-april-11-14-2022/) - Variation in the seasonality of the respiratory syncytial virus during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal Waterborne Outbreaks in Hemodialysis Patients and Infection Prevention. Journal 'Infection doesn't protect you': Getting COVID twice is more common as immunity wanes. News Lack of awareness over COVID-19 antiviral pill causing barrier to access: experts. News Guangzhou
- [IPAC News for the week of April 4 – 8, 2022](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-april-4-8-2022/) - Diagnostic and public health investigation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in a dog in Ontario, Canada. Journal Gram-negative central line-associated bloodstream infection incidence peak during the summer: a national seasonality cohort study. Journal Experts say it's time for a renewed COVID vaccination strategy in Ontario. News China sends in military to help with
- [IPAC News for the week of March 21 – 25, 2022](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-march-21-25-2022/) - The Effectiveness of Interventions for Increasing COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake: A Systematic Review. Journal Global Perspective of Legionella Infection in Community-Acquired Pneumonia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies. Journal Ninety per cent of principals say staffing schools a challenge during COVID-19 pandemic: survey. News Oysters sold in B.C. recalled over possible
- [IPAC News for the week of March 14 – 18, 2022](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-march-14-18-2022/) - COVID-19 case prediction via wastewater surveillance in a low-prevalence urban community: a modeling approach. Journal The Impact of Infection Versus Colonization on Clostridioides difficile Environmental Contamination in Hospitalized Patients With Diarrhea. Journal Hamilton waiting on at least $80K in unpaid COVID-19 fines. News Staff at N.S. hospital welcome decline in COVID-19 patients
- [IPAC News for the week of March 7 – 11, 2022](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-march-7-11-2022/) - Effect of Central Line Duration and Other Risk Factors on Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection in Severe Adult Burns Patients at a Large Tertiary Referral Burns Centre: A 5-Year Retrospective Study. Journal Comprehensive risk assessment for hospital-acquired pneumonia: sociodemographic, clinical, and hospital environmental factors associated with the incidence of hospital-acquired pneumonia. Journal Ontario pharmacists
- [IPAC News for the week of February 28 – March 4, 2022](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-february-28-march-4-2022/) - A Community Outbreak of Legionnaires’ Disease with Two Strains of L. pneumophila Serogroup 1 Linked to an Aquatic Therapy Centre. Journal A Global Study on the Correlates of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution. Journal 'High anxiety' for immunocompromised individuals as Ontario lifts more COVID-19 restrictions. News Canadian researchers discover
- [IPAC News for the week of February 22 – 25, 2022](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-february-22-25-2022/) - Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, central-line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI), and catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI): The urgent need to refocus on hardwiring prevention efforts. Journal Carbapenemase-producing Eenterobacterales from hospital environment and their relation to those from patient specimens. Journal Queen cancels online meetings as mild COVID-19 symptoms persist. News Nine Cases of
- [IPAC News for the week of February 14 – 18, 2022](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-february-14-18-2022/) - Infection control measures to stop the spread of sequence type 15 OXA-23-producing Acinetobacter baumannii in a Swedish Burn Center. Journal Vaccine booster efficiently inhibits entry of SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant. Journal Ontario to end COVID proof of vaccination March 1, mask mandate to remain in place. News Prince Charles' wife Camilla tests positive
- [IPAC News for the week of February 7 - 11, 2022](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-february-7-11-2022/) - Elimination of health-care-associated Acinetobacter baumannii infection in a highly endemic region. Journal A Brazilian Inter-Hospital Candidemia Outbreak Caused by Fluconazole-Resistant Candida parapsilosis in the COVID-19 Era. Journal Canada trucker protest: Ottawa declares emergency. News Canada Women's Hockey, ROC Competed With Masks on Due to COVID-19 Concerns. News Afghanistan: Measles outbreak in
- [IPAC News for the week of January 31 – February 4, 2022](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-january-31-february-4-2022/) - A Retrospective Outbreak Investigation of a COVID-19 Case Cluster in a Berlin Kindergarten, November 2020. Journal Analysis of a Trichinellosis Outbreak in Poland after Consumption of Sausage Made of Wild Boar Meat. Journal Prime Minister Trudeau tests positive for COVID-19. News Scientists say COVID-19 booster intake is waning, urge Canadians to book
- [IPAC News for the week of January 24 – 28, 2022](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-january-24-28-2022/) - The effect of mandatory COVID-19 certificates on vaccine uptake: synthetic-control modelling of six countries. Journal Water Age Effects on the Occurrence and Concentration of Legionella Species in the Distribution System, Premise Plumbing, and the Cooling Towers. Journal Ontario to start sharing data about school absences amid Omicron. News Trucking group slams ‘freedom
- [IPAC News for the week of January 17 – 21, 2022](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-january-17-21-2022/) - Outbreak of NDM-1-Producing Escherichia coli in a Coronavirus Disease 2019 Intensive Care Unit in a Mexican Tertiary Care Center. Journal Infection prevention and care bundles addressing health care-associated infections in neonatal care in low-middle income countries: a scoping review. Journal Paxlovid, Pfizer’s oral COVID-19 pill, approved in Canada. News China says tickets
- [IPAC News for the week of January 10 – 14, 2022](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-january-10-14-2022/) - COVID-19 Prevalence among health-care workers. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal Candida auris susceptibility on surfaces coated with the antifungal drug caspofungin. Journal Ont. reports at least 2,467 patients in hospital with COVID-19, including 438 in ICU. News China battles Omicron outbreak weeks before Winter Olympics. News Manitoba outpacing rest of
- [IPAC News for the week of January 4 - 7, 2022](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-january-4-7-2022/) - Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant: Unique features and their impact on pre-existing antibodies. Journal The Role of Risk Perception in Students’ COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake: A Longitudinal Study. Journal Cough, cold or COVID-19? Doctors say with symptoms overlapping, it’s impossible to tell. News Violence flares at pandemic protests in Germany. News Jimmy Fallon says
- [IPAC News for the week of December 13 – 17, 2021](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-december-13-17-2021/) - Infection Control Behavior at Home During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Observational Study of a Web-Based Behavioral Intervention (Germ Defence). Journal Carbapenemase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae Colonization and Infection in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: A Single-Center, Retrospective Study. Journal Ontario residents report problems booking COVID booster shots as eligibility for 50+ opens. News Hawks-Flames postponed
- [IPAC News for the week of December 6 – 10, 2021](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-december-6-10-2021/) - Medical education, the COVID-19 pandemic, and infection prevention: There has never been a better time. Journal Predictors of hospital-acquired bacterial and fungal superinfections in COVID-19: a prospective observational study. Journal COVID-19 cases count on cruise ship docked in Louisiana rises to 17. News Merck to manufacture COVID-19 antiviral drug in Canada. News COVID-19 outbreak declared
- [IPAC News for the week of November 29 – December 3, 2021](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-november-29-december-3-2021/) - Taking Vaccine to Where the Virus Is—Equity and Effectiveness in Coronavirus Vaccinations. Journal SARS-CoV-2 testing and infection control strategies in European paediatric emergency departments during the first wave of the pandemic. Journal Can Omicron outpace Delta COVID-19 variant? Scientists seek answers. News Ontario's top doctor says province can manage any potential
- [IPAC News for the week of November 22 – 26, 2021](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-november-22-26-2021/) - Utilization and Complications of Central Venous Access Devices in Oncology Patients. Journal Emergence of Candida auris in Brazil in a COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit. Journal Ontario sees 613 new COVID-19 cases as vaccine appointments open to kids aged 5 to 11. News First Nation Chief calls for support amid blastomycosis outbreak in
- [IPAC News for the week of November 15 - 19, 2021](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-november-15-19-2021/) - Enteric Illness Outbreaks Reported Through the National Outbreak Reporting System—United States, 2009–2019. Journal Parents’ intention to get vaccinated and to have their child vaccinated against COVID-19: cross-sectional analyses using data from the KUNO-Kids health study. Journal COVID-19 outbreak declared at Barrie shelters. News Senators COVID-19 outbreak: Three games postponed as 10 players
- [IPAC News for the week of November 8 – 12, 2021](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-november-8-12-2021/) - U.S. land border with Canada opens for travellers - what you need to know News Yukon declares state of emergency over COVID-19. News Health Canada approves Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for booster shots News Manitoba has expanded eligibility for 3rd dose of COVID-19 vaccine to anyone 18+ News Measles outbreaks likely as COVID pandemic leaves millions
- [IPAC News for the week of November 1 – 5, 2021](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-november-1-5-2021/) - Social media influencers can be used to deliver positive information about the flu vaccine: findings from a multi-year study. Journal First Outbreak of an H5N8 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus on a Chicken Farm in Japan in 2020. Journal Novavax submits COVID-19 vaccine for approval by Health Canada. News Covid-19 deaths pass
- [IPAC News for the week of October 25 - 29, 2021](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-october-25-29-2021/) - Gaps in Infection Prevention and Control in Public Health Facilities of Sierra Leone after the 2014–2015 Ebola Outbreak. Journal COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Uptake among Nursing Staff during an Active Vaccine Rollout. Journal Moderna COVID-19 vaccine safe and protective for kids, company says. News 2 B.C. doctors linked to website selling bogus
- [IPAC news for the week of Oct 12 – 15, 2021](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-oct-12-15-2021/) - Incidence and Risk Factors of 30-Day Surgical Site Infection after Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty in a Middle-Income Country: A Single-Center Experience. Journal Ontario marks lowest COVID-19 daily case count in months with 306 infections. News COVID-19 ER visits and hospitalizations on the rise among Alberta kids. News OK to have shots for
- [IPAC news for the week of Oct 4 – 8, 2021](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-oct-4-8-2021/) - Needleless connector decontamination for prevention of central venous access device infection: A pilot randomized controlled trial. Journal Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice on Prevention of Catheter-associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI) among Health Care Professionals Working in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital. Journal Northern Ontario's largest employers don't require workers to get COVID-19
- [IPAC news for the week of Sep 27 – Oct 1, 2021](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-sep-27-oct-1-2021/) - Salmonella, Food Safety and Food Handling Practices. Journal The mucor mycosis epidemic: a call for heightened surveillance of pregnant COVID-19 women. Journal A guide to COVID-19 school outbreak protocols across Canada. News Cilantro identified as possible source behind mystery Salmonella Oranienburg outbreak. News Tensions high between vaccinated and unvaccinated in
- [IPAC news for the week of Sep 20 – 24, 2021](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-sep-20-24-2021/) - Cholera outbreak during a scientific conference at a Nairobi hotel, Kenya 2017. Journal Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Outbreaks in the United States, 2010–2017. Journal Ontario reports another drop in new COVID-19 cases with 574 infections logged. News CDC investigating mysterious salmonella outbreak in 25 states. News Manitoba to spend $14M to
- [IPAC Barrier Survey](https://picnet.ca/ipac-barrier-survey/) - You are invited to participate in a survey on infection prevention and control (IPAC) during the pandemic! Did you or the health care providers in your organization face barriers to following infection prevention and control (IPAC) practices during the COVID-19 pandemic in B.C.? We’re learning from past experiences to improve our systems going forward.
- [IPAC news for the week of Sep 13 – 17, 2021](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-sep-13-17-2021/) - Overlaying COVID-19 mitigation plans on malaria control infrastructures. Journal Building better tuberculosis control systems in a post-COVID world: learning from Pakistan during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal Politicians issue warnings ahead of hospital protests expected across Canada. News School outbreak revives mandatory vaccines for P.E.I. teachers discussion. News In a new review,
- [Survey - Updating 2011 BC Reprocessing Guidelines](https://picnet.ca/survey-updating-2011-bc-reprocessing-guidelines/) - PICNet is updating the Best Practice Guidelines for Cleaning, Disinfection and Sterilization of Critical and Semi-Critical Medical Devices in BC Health Authorities – December 2011. We will be revising this document based on current literature, as well as feedback from our community of practice. As key project stakeholders, you are invited to participate in a
- [IPAC news for the week of Sep 7 – Sep 10, 2021](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-sep-7-sep-10-2021/) - MRSA improvement within a highly endemic hospital in Malta: infection control measures or clonal change? Journal Completeness of open access FluNet influenza surveillance data for Pan-America in 2005–2019. Journal India scrambling to contain lethal Nipah virus after child’s death. News Multilingual video campaign aims to boost COVID-19 vaccination rates. News Mandatory
- [Lunch and Learn Sessions: COVID-19 Reflections (May - July 2021)](https://picnet.ca/lunch-and-learn-sessions-covid-19-reflections-may-july-2021/) - PICNet is very thankful to have hosted the COVID-19 Reflections Lunch & Learn series held May to July 2021. We are very grateful to all our speakers for sharing their knowledge, experience and expertise at our Lunch and Learn sessions. We have provided links to presentations that we obtained consent for posting below. Thank you
- [IPAC news for the week of Aug 30 - Sep 3, 2021](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-aug-30-sep-3-2021/) - SARS-CoV-2 testing and infection control strategies in European paediatric emergency departments during the first wave of the pandemic. News Hundreds of ER doctors implore Ontario to boost nurses' pay amid 'dangerous' staffing shortage. News Americans urged to 'reconsider' travel to Canada by U.S. CDC. News Doug Ford to announce details of Ontario's
- [IPAC news for the week of Aug 16 -20, 2021](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-aug-16-20-2021/) - Infection Control Behavior at Home During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Observational Study of a Web-Based Behavioral Intervention (Germ Defence). Journal Mass Immunization and Vaccine Hesitancy in Children and Their Families: A Long and Winding Road Ahead to Address without a Second Thought. Journal Younger children may be more likely to transmit COVID-19, study says.
- [IPAC News for the week of Aug 3 to Aug 6, 2021](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-aug-3-to-aug-6-2021/) - Updated Characterization of Poliovirus Transmission in Pakistan and Afghanistan and the Impacts of Different Outbreak Response Vaccine Options. Journal Yellow Fever Outbreak in Eastern Senegal, 2020–2021. Journal Muskoka overnight camp temporarily shut down due to COVID-19 outbreak. News China orders mass testing in Wuhan as COVID-19 outbreak spreads. News Health Canada
- [IPAC News for the week of July 26 to July 30, 2021](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-july-26-to-july-30-2021/) - Pediatric Vaccination During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Journal Outbreaks of Adenovirus-associated Respiratory Illness on 5 College Campuses in the United States, 2018–2019. Journal Experts warn of potential resurgence of common cold viruses ahead of schedule. News France approves law requiring coronavirus health pass for restaurants, other venues. News A rare snow leopard
- [IPAC News for the week of July 19 to July 23, 2021](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-july-19-to-july-23-2021/) - Outbreak of Acute Respiratory Illness Associated with Human Adenovirus Type 4 at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, 2019. Journal Predictors of hospital-acquired bacterial and fungal superinfections in COVID-19: a prospective observational study. Journal US gymnast tests positive for Covid-19 days before Olympics. News ‘Freedom Day’ kicks off in U.K. as country drops
- [IPAC News for the week of July 12 to July 16, 2021](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-july-12-to-july-16-2021/) - What must be done to tackle vaccine hesitancy and barriers to COVID-19 vaccination in migrants? Journal A Nosocomial Outbreak of Invasive Listeriosis in An Italian Hospital: Epidemiological and Genomic Features. Journal Canada donating 17.7M AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines amid global disparities. News Grey Bruce Health Unit declares COVID-19 outbreak tied to field party. News 'Surprising amount
- [IPAC News for the week of June 14 to June 18, 2021](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-june-14-to-june-18-2021/) - Impact of a Nosocomial COVID-19 Outbreak on a Non-COVID-19 Nephrology Ward during the First Wave of the Pandemic in Spain. Journal The Effectiveness of Individual and Environmental Infection Control Measures in Reducing the Transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: A Systematic Review. Journal Yukon declares COVID-19 outbreak after 18 active cases announced. News Vaccine
- [IPAC News for the week of July 5 to July 9, 2021](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-july-5-to-july-9-2021/) - Epidemiology of Mucormycosis in India. Journal Epidemiology of and risk factors for mortality due to carbapenemase-producing organisms (CPO) in health-care facilities. Journal health-care workers 'trickle in' to Yukon to help tackle COVID-19 outbreak. News Doug Ford says next steps in Ontario’s COVID-19 reopening plan to be announced within 3 weeks. News
- [IPAC News for the week of June 28 to July 2, 2021](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-june-28-to-july-2-2021/) - Post covid invasive oppurtunistic fungal infections: A deadly addition to the pandemic. Journal Zero health care–associated respiratory viral infections: impact of enhanced infection prevention on a renal unit during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Journal First Candida auris Outbreak during a COVID-19 Pandemic in a Tertiary-Care Center in Lebanon. Journal Toronto
- [IPAC News for the week of June 7 to June 11, 2021](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-june-7-to-june-11-2021/) - Vaccine hesitancy in the era of COVID-19: could lessons from the past help in divining the future? Journal Change of Willingness to Accept COVID-19 Vaccine and Reasons of Vaccine Hesitancy of Working People at Different Waves of Local Epidemic in Hong Kong, China: Repeated Cross-Sectional Surveys. Journal Ontario sees fewest new COVID-19 cases
- [IPAC News for the week of May 31 to June 4, 2021](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-may-31-to-june-4-2021/) - The balancing act of disclosing outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 in workplaces. Journal Community pharmacy response to infection control during COVID-19. A cross-sectional survey. Journal 550 vaccinated health-care workers to attend Maple Leafs-Canadiens Game 7 in Toronto. News Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City to test entire population as COVID-19 cases surge. News COVID-19
- [IPAC News for the week of May 25 to May 28, 2021](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-may-25-to-may-28-2021/) - Epidemic prevention and control in the operating room during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal Rebranding social distancing to physical distancing: calling for a change in the health promotion vocabulary to enhance clear communication during a pandemic. Journal What concerns are behind vaccine hesitancy in Canada? New research surfaces underlying worries. News COVID-19 vaccine
- [IPAC News for the week of May 17 to May 21, 2021](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-may-17-to-may-21-2021/) - Effects of Infection Control Education for Nursing Students Using Standardized Patients vs. Peer Role-Play. Journal Compliance with Infection Prevention and Control Practice among Prospective Graduates of Nursing School in South Korea. Journal Ontario opening COVID-19 vaccine appointments to those 18+ starting Tuesday. News Dr. Brent Roussin to give COVID-19 update as Manitoba
- [IPAC News for the week of May 10 to May 14, 2021](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-may-10-to-may-14-2021/) - Results of the CHlorhexidine Gluconate Bathing implementation intervention to improve evidence-based nursing practices for prevention of central line associated bloodstream infections Study (CHanGing BathS): a stepped wedge cluster randomized trial. Journal An Eventual Sars-CoV-2 Infection Prevention Protocol in the Medical Setting and Dental Office. Journal Ontario high-risk health-care workers eligible for 2nd COVID-19
- [IPAC News for the week of May 3 to May 7, 2021](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-may-3-to-may-7-2021/) - Repeated introductions and intensive community transmission fueled a mumps virus outbreak in Washington State. Journal Safe infection prevention and control practices with compassion – A positive legacy of COVID-19. Journal 2 COVID-19 outbreaks declared at Guelph General Hospital. News Two travellers slapped with hefty fines for presenting fake COVID-19 test results at
- [IPAC News for the week of April 26 to April 30, 2021](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-april-26-to-april-30-2021/) - Updated characterization of poliovirus transmission in Pakistan and Afghanistan and the impacts of different outbreak response vaccine options. Journal Effect of Vaccination on Preventing Influenza-Associated Hospitalizations Among Children During a Severe Season Associated With B/Victoria Viruses, 2019–2020. Journal Canada to get 1.9M vaccine doses this week, including first Johnson & Johnson shots. News
- [IPAC News for the week of April 19 to April 23, 2021](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-april-19-to-april-23-2021/) - Ethics of emerging infectious disease outbreak responses: Using Ebola virus disease as a case study of limited resource allocation. Journal First reported outbreak of the emerging pathogen Candida auris in Canada. Journal Federal government expecting 1M vaccine doses this week after Moderna delays delivery. News Iqaluit’s COVID-19 outbreak adds three more cases.
- [IPAC News for the week of April 12 to April 16, 2021](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-april-12-to-april-16-2021/) - Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Subtype H5N8 in Poultry Farms, South Korea. Journal Clostridium difficile Infection Reservoirs Within an Acute Rehabilitation Environment. Journal BC Is Apparently Dealing With The Biggest P.1 Variant Outbreak Outside Of Brazil. News Employee at Canada Post facility in Toronto dies amid COVID-19 outbreak. News
- [IPAC News for the week of April 6 to April 9, 2021](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-april-6-to-april-9-2021/) - MRSA improvement within a highly endemic hospital in Malta: infection control measures or clonal change? Journal Canucks' 'scary' COVID-19 outbreak sends chill through North Division. News Bring COVID-19 vaccines to essential businesses, owner says after outbreak. News Are youth sports an engine of B.1.1.7 outbreaks? News SickKids opens ICU beds to
- [IPAC News for the week of March 22 to 26, 2021](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-march-22-to-26-2021/) - Emergence of Macrolide-Resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae during an Outbreak in a Primary School: Clinical Characterization of Hospitalized Children. Journal Increase in Tuberculosis Diagnostic Delay during First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Data from an Italian Infectious Disease Referral Hospital. Journal First Candida auris Outbreak during a COVID-19 Pandemic in a Tertiary-Care Center in Lebanon.
- [IPAC News for the week of March 29 to April 1, 2021](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-march-29-to-april-1-2021/) - Epidemiology of and risk factors for mortality due to carbapenemase-producing organisms (CPO) in health-care facilities. Journal Health Canada taking further action to confirm the benefit-risk profile of the AstraZeneca vaccine. News Pfizer study suggests COVID-19 vaccine is safe, protective in younger teens. News Ontario now has more COVID-19 patients in ICU
- [IPAC News for the week of March 15 to 19, 2021](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-march-15-to-19-2021/) - Predictors of hospital-acquired bacterial and fungal superinfections in COVID-19: a prospective observational study. Journal Biofilms: The Stronghold of Legionella pneumophila. Journal Netherlands halts use of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. News AHS website experiences ‘intermittent issues’ as Alberta begins Phase 2A of COVID-19 vaccine rollout. News India's COVID-19 cases rising despite widespread belief
- [IPAC News for the week of March 8 to 12, 2021](https://picnet.ca/ipac-news-for-the-week-of-march-8-to-12-2021/) - Household transmission of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae: a prospective cohort study. Journal First Reported Nosocomial Outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 in a Pediatric Dialysis Unit. Journal International Women's Day: Women's work during the pandemic. News New COVID-19 cases in Ontario spike above 1,600 as stay-at-home order lifts in Toronto, Peel Region.
- [COVID-19 Lessons Learned - Throwback Thursdays Lunch & Learn Sessions](https://picnet.ca/covid-19-lessons-learned-throwback-thursdays-lunch-learn-sessions/) - PICNet is excited to inform our Community of Practice that starting in May 2021, we will be hosting a series of on-line lunch and learn sessions. The purpose of these sessions is to provide all of us with an opportunity to: Reflect on COVID-19 experiences in health care and affiliated community settings Identify key lessons

## Pages

- [Main Home](https://picnet.ca/) - PICNet: Infection control news, resources, and expert guidance. Stay informed with our weekly national and international news updates at picnet.ca/news.
- [PICNet Conference Posters and Publications](https://picnet.ca/resources/publications/picnet-conference-posters-and-publications/) - PICNet Posters & Presentations Annual Surveillance Report of Health Care-associated Infections (HAIs) and Hand Cleaning Compliance (HCC) in British Columbia: A Six-Year Overview IPAC Canada Conference (Toronto) Date: May 2026 Objectives: To design a reproducible interactive health care-associated infections (HAIs) and hand cleaning compliance (HCC) annual surveillance report. To describe provincial trends in key HAIs
- [Who We Are](https://picnet.ca/about/who-we-are/) - Who is behind PICnet.
- [Respiratory Infections](https://picnet.ca/guidelines/gastrointestinal-respiratory-illness/respiratory-infections/) - BC Policies and Guidelines Provincial Policies These are the most recent policies on Viral Respiratory Illness (VRI). For more Advisories and Policies, click here. Policy Communiqué: Infection Prevention and Control Measures for Preventing Viral Respiratory Illness Published November 27, 2025 BC Ministry of Health Provincial Influenza Prevention Policy Updated October 7, 2024 Office of the
- [Carbapenem Producing Organisms (CPO) & Candida auris](https://picnet.ca/advisories-policies-private/carbapenem-producing-organisms-and-candida-auris/) - The first case of Carbapenem Producing Organism (CPO) in BC was identified in 2008 from a traveler who returned from a CPO-endemic country after undergoing a medical procedure. In the years that followed, there was global and local concern about the rise in CPO and the burden associated with these organisms1. BC monitored CPO and
- [About PICNet](https://picnet.ca/about/about-us/about-picnet/) - About The Provincial Infection Control Network of British Columbia (PICNet) is a provincial health improvement network (HIN) of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) that works to reduce health care-associated infections in BC health-care facilities. Our key areas of focus are surveillance, evidence-informed guidelines, and education. PICNet works together with partners on provincial surveillance initiatives,
- [Committees & Groups](https://picnet.ca/about/committees/) - With the cooperation and collaboration of all health authorities, PICNet’s Working Groups and Committees create opportunities for infection control specialists to work together to identify priorities and solutions for important infection prevention and control issues across the province.
- [Join Our Community of Practice](https://picnet.ca/join/) - Why join PICNet’s Community of Practice PICNet’s Community of Practice (CoP) consists of health-care workers and other professionals with an interest in infection prevention and control (IPC). By joining PICNet’s Community of Practice (CoP) you will be subscribed to PICNet communications that will provide current and relevant details about provincial IPC guidelines and surveillance activities
- [Webber Training](https://picnet.ca/education/webinars-and-presentations/webber-training/) - Webber Training Teleclass Webber Training Education is an international lecture series dedicated to infection prevention and control. Its mission is to deliver high-quality, expert-led education to a global audience with minimal barriers to access. Ideal for healthcare professionals, students, and anyone involved in infection prevention, these sessions provide valuable insights from leading experts in the
- [Antimicrobial Resistant Organisms](https://picnet.ca/guidelines/pathogens/antimicrobial-resistant-organisms/) - BC Guidelines, Toolkits and Publications Updated: Interim Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for Candida auris (C. auris) for Health Care Settings Created by: PICNet June 16, 2025 Carbapenemase Producing Organisms (CPO) Toolkit Created by: PICNet September 2014, updated April 2018 Notice: The Carbapenemase Producing Organisms (CPO) Toolkit is currently being reviewed and updated. We will
- [Andes Virus](https://picnet.ca/guidelines/pathogens/andes-virus/) - PICNet Andes Virus Guidelines The interim infection prevention and control Andes Virus (ANDV) guidelines are intended for health-care workers in health care settings, programs and services, where patient care is delivered. This includes acute care/inpatient settings, primary and community clinics, pre-hospital, home health and long-term care. Other non-health care settings are beyond the scope of
- [Pathogens](https://picnet.ca/guidelines/pathogens/) - PICNet provides pathogen-specific resources designed to support health care workers, and infection prevention and control teams. Whether you’re responding to an emerging threat or managing an ongoing outbreak, these materials can provide guidance tailored to the unique characteristics and risks of specific pathogens. Click on the sections below to explore guidelines, checklists, knowledge translation resources,
- [Surveillance Protocols](https://picnet.ca/surveillance/surveillance-protocols/) - PICNet works in collaboration with British Columbia health authorities to develop and maintain standardized provincial surveillance protocols for health care associated infections. These protocols support consistent, reliable collection and interpretation of surveillance data across the province. They outline standardized case definitions, eligibility criteria, and data elements, and provide a shared methodological foundation for provincial surveillance,
- [Surveillance](https://picnet.ca/surveillance/) - PICNet, in collaboration with six BC health authorities, conducts provincial surveillance of three health care-associated infections: Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), Carbapenemase-producing organisms (CPO), and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). We also produce and publish quarterly provincial reports on hand cleaning compliance (HCC). You can read more about each type of health care-associated infection via the links
- [Carbapenemase-producing Organisms (CPOs)](https://picnet.ca/surveillance/cpo/) - About CPOs Click to expand What are Carbapenemase-Producing Organisms? CPO refers to certain strains of bacteria such as Klebsiella, Escherichia coli (E. coli), Acinetobacter, and Pseudomonas that are resistant to many of the antibiotics commonly used to treat infections, including those antibiotics known as carbapenems. Carbapenems are considered one of the antimicrobial treatments of last
- [Quarterly Reports](https://picnet.ca/surveillance/surveillance-reports/quarterly-reports/) - . Topic Title of report Date report posted CDI, MRSA, CPO, HCC Quarterly Surveillance Report, Q3 of 2025/26 Arp 24, 2026 CDI, MRSA, CPO, HCC Quarterly Surveillance Report, Q2 of 2025/26 Feb 17, 2026 CDI, MRSA, CPO, HCC Quarterly Surveillance Report, Q1 of 2025/26 Dec 3, 2025 CDI, MRSA, CPO, HCC Quarterly Surveillance Report,
- [Tools](https://picnet.ca/resources/brochures-and-posters/tools/) - Point of Care Risk Assessment (PCRA) Tool The PCRA is a routine practice that must be conducted by a health-care worker (HCW) before every patient/client/resident interaction to assess the likelihood of exposing themselves and/or others to infectious agents. This assessment informs the selection of appropriate actions and personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize the risk
- [Infection Control Posters](https://picnet.ca/resources/brochures-and-posters/posters/infection-control-posters/) - Informational posters and signage to help prevent the spread of infection in your health care facility FACILITY/UNIT ENTRANCE Measles Symptom Screening Entrance Poster Entrance Staff & Visitors Entrance All Patients Outbreak Poster Stop Germs From Spreading – Respect Personal Space GLOVE USE/HYGIENE Dispose of Gloves – Reminder to doff gloves after patient care Dispose of
- [Aerosol Generating Medical Procedures (AGMP)](https://picnet.ca/guidelines/gastrointestinal-respiratory-illness/aerosol-generating-medical-procedures/) - About AGMPs and decision making AGMPs performed on patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 may generate aerosols in high concentrations, which could contain infectious SARS CoV-2 particles. This presents a risk for possible inhalation of the virus by individuals in the room where the AGMP is performed. The Provincial AGMP expert working group assesses medical
- [Webinars and Presentations](https://picnet.ca/education/webinars-and-presentations/) - Presentation Title: Scoping the future: Infection Prevention and Control in the Next Era of Flexible Endoscope Reprocessing Venue: IPAC BC Chapter Education Day Date: November 3, 2025 Presenters: Steven Chan (Providence Health) and Noorsallah Esmail (PICNet) Abstract: Did you know that flexible endoscopes are among the most complex medical devices to reprocess—and one of the
- [Education](https://picnet.ca/education/) - The Provincial Infection Control Network (PICNet) is committed to supporting the infection control community of practice by: Identifying and recommending best practices in infection control Improving awareness around infection control and accessibility to education and training Improving coordination and collaboration through professional development and networking opportunities Assisting and participating in surveillance activities With these objectives
- [Annual Reports](https://picnet.ca/surveillance/surveillance-reports/annual-reports/) - . Topic Title of report Date report posted CDI, MRSA, CPO, HCC, C. auris Annual surveillance report: Trends in healthcare-associated infections and hand cleaning compliance in British Columbia, 2018/19 to 2023/24 January 15, 2026 CDI, MRSA, CPO, HCC, C. auris Annual surveillance report: Trends in healthcare-associated infections and hand cleaning compliance in British Columbia, 2018/19
- [Brochures](https://picnet.ca/resources/fact-sheets-and-brochures/) - This page contains two-page PDF documents that you can print out and share with your staff. The brochures can be printed on any color printer that supports double-sided printing. Brochures How to Stay Healthy at Work Simple ways to prevent catching colds and flus, and to not spread your germs if you do. Patient Hand
- [Activities and Games](https://picnet.ca/resources/activities-and-games/) - Activities that Stick! Studies have shown that if people are asked to come up with their own ideas, the ideas ‘stick’ much better. Incorporate adult learning principles within your education sessions with staff to promote relevance to their practice and motivation to learn. You can ask your staff to brainstorm their own solutions to infection
- [Clostridioides difficile Infection (CDI)](https://picnet.ca/advisories-policies-private/clostridioides-difficile-infection-or-clostridium-difficile-infection-cdi/) - In 1996, a survey of Canadian Hospital Epidemiology Committee (CHEC) sites showed variation in surveillance, prevention, detection and management of Clostridium difficile Infection (CDI). To better understand the burden of CDI and the impact of infection prevention and control measures, CHEC in collaboration with Canadian Nosocomial Infection Surveillance Program (CNISP) conducted a study to establish
- [Hand Hygiene](https://picnet.ca/advisories-policies-private/hand-hygiene-compliance-auditing/) - In 2007, the Office of the Auditor General released a report on the infection, prevention, and control (IPC) practices in British Columbia’s health care system. Given the importance of IPC, a second review was initiated in 2010 focusing on hand hygiene programs within the Ministry of Health and the regional health authorities. In 2010, the
- [Viral Respiratory Illness (VRI)](https://picnet.ca/advisories-policies-private/viral-respiratory-illness-vri/) - PICNet has played an integral role in the provincial response to the COVID-19 pandemic in BC, in partnership with health authority infection prevention and control programs, the Ministry of Health, Workplace Health and Safety and Public Health. PICNet has informed policy and created several infection prevention and control guidelines and resources to support the province
- [Housekeeping Audits in Health Care](https://picnet.ca/resources/other-resources/resources-from-other-organizations/) - Housekeeping Audits in Health Care Summary: Westech Systems FM Inc. is an independent third-party auditor that conducts annual province-wide audits of housekeeping in BC hospitals and long-term care facilities. . Minimum data cleaning recommendations for infection prevention and control acute care surveillance reporting: A solution for “garbage in, garbage out” Author(s): Kathryn Bush et al. Date: September 2025
- [Hand Cleaning Compliance](https://picnet.ca/surveillance/hand-hygiene/) - Hand Cleaning Compliance (Auditing) Reports To review the quarterly reports click here. To review the annual reports click here. Compliance Auditing In 2012, provincial auditing of hand hygiene compliance in acute care facilities commenced. The methods of auditing vary from facility to facility; some do self auditing, while others have hired external auditors. The compliance data
- [Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)](https://picnet.ca/surveillance/mrsa/) - About MRSA Click to expand What is MRSA? MRSA stands for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. It is a type of bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus or “Staph”) that is resistant to certain antibiotics such as methicillin, penicillin, and amoxicillin. MRSA has been recognized as a major medical issue for the past 20 years, as people infected with MRSA
- [C. difficile Infection (CDI)](https://picnet.ca/surveillance/cdi/) - About CDI Click to expand What is Clostridioides difficile? Clostridioides difficile, or C. difficile, is a bacterium that is found in the environment and can naturally live in the gut. Approximately 3% of healthy adults and up to 60% of infants have C. difficile in their gut, without causing any harm. In some case, however, C. difficile
- [Surveillance Reports](https://picnet.ca/surveillance/surveillance-reports/) - PICNet, in collaboration with the six BC health authorities, conducts provincial surveillance of three health care-associated infections: Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), Carbapenemase-producing organisms (CPO), and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). We also produce provincial reports on hand cleaning compliance (HCC). Reports are published quarterly; links to the latest version of each report are provided in the
- [Hand Hygiene](https://picnet.ca/guidelines/ipc-practices/hand-hygiene/) - Guidelines BC Guidelines Provincial Best Practices for Hand Hygiene Guidelines Published by the BC Ministry of Health, July 2012 (The document has “Appendix 1” at the top as it was originally issued as an Appendix to a Ministry Communiqué) Notice: The Provincial Best Practices for Hand Hygiene Guidelines are currently being updated. We will notify
- [Immunization for Vaccine-Preventable Diseases](https://picnet.ca/guidelines/ipc-practices/immunization/) - Photo Credit: CDC Public Health Image Library BC Policies and Guidelines HealthLink BC Immunization Schedule – Recommendations for children, infants, and adults Created by HealthLink BC Updated Sept 2025 BCCDC Immunization Manual – See Part 1: Immunization Schedules Created by BC Centre for Disease Control Updated July 2025 Additional Influenza Information Created By: British Columbia
- [Other Organizations](https://picnet.ca/education/other-organizations/) - Education Websites IPAC Canada’s Education Resources for Infection Control Professionals – IPAC Canada Conference content, online webinars, learning tools, and more. Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology – Online training courses, conference content, professional development tools, certification prep World Health Organization Teleclasses – Online training modules about infection prevention and control, public health,
- [Environmental Cleaning & Disinfection](https://picnet.ca/guidelines/cleaning-disinfection-sterilization/environmental-cleaning/) - BC Guidelines British Columbia Best Practices for Environmental Cleaning for Prevention and Control of Infections in All health-care settings and Programs Created by: Provincial Infection Control Network of BC September 2016 Ministry of Health Policy Communiqué regarding the phased implementation of the guidelines (please note: the communiqué refers to the guidelines document, above, as Appendix A)
- [High Threat Pathogens / Viral Hemorrhagic Fever](https://picnet.ca/guidelines/pathogens/high-threat-pathogens-viral-hemorrhagic-fever/) - High Threat Pathogens / Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Photo credit: Public Health Image Library High Threat Pathogens (HTPs), also referred as “high-consequence pathogens”, have the potential to cause serious and deadly infections and generally lack an effective vaccine or treatment. These pathogens pose significant threat to domestic and global security. In the context of British Columbia,
- [Measles](https://picnet.ca/guidelines/pathogens/measles/) - Resources for Measles Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can lead to serious health complications, particularly among young children, unvaccinated individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. Despite being vaccine-preventable, measles continues to pose a public health risk, especially in the context of declining immunization rates and increased global travel. In British Columbia,
- [FAQs](https://picnet.ca/about/faqs/) - To whom is PICNet accountable? PICNet works closely with its infection prevention and control health authority and Ministry partners, which is designed to ensure that its members represent a wide spectrum of expertise and experience, while ensuring representation from all BC Health Authorities. Expertise and experience includes not just specific professional expertise, but also knowledge
- [Hand Hygiene Basics](https://picnet.ca/education/education-modules/hand-hygiene-module/) - Please note: As of May 2017, this module has been rolled into each of these courses: Infection Prevention and Control Practices for Direct Clinical Care Providers and Infection Prevention and Control Practices for Health-Care Providers Not Involved in Direct Clinical Care. We are leaving this module posted for anyone who would like to do a
- [About](https://picnet.ca/about/) - The Provincial Infection Control Network of British Columbia (PICNet) is a provincial program of the Provincial Health Services Authority that works to reduce health care-associated infections in BC healthcare facilities.
- [Resources](https://picnet.ca/resources/) - Activities and Games Explore engaging and creative activities offered by PICNet that help promote infection prevention and control practices. LEARN MORE Brochures, Posters & Tools Browse through various resources provided by PICNet and other organizations, including informative brochures, additional precaution signage, and other posters. LEARN MORE Videos Browse our collection of educational videos for health-care
- [Download the parts](https://picnet.ca/resources/activities-and-games/download-kit/) - You can download the cards to print, cut, and laminate - rather than buying the kit - if you have a colour printer, cardstock, paper cutter, and a laminator (although you don't have to laminate the cards if you use a very durable cardstock). Download the game cards (letter-size paper, cardstock or no-tear paper) Download
- [Collaborative Committees & Groups](https://picnet.ca/about/collaborative-committees-groups/) - Committees & Working/Task Groups Learn about PICNet’s Committees and Working Groups, where infection control specialists collaborate to address infection prevention, control, and surveillance across BC. LEARN MORE
- [Mpox](https://picnet.ca/guidelines/pathogens/monkeypox/) - PICNet Mpox Guidelines The interim infection prevention and control Mpox guidelines are intended for health-care workers in health care settings, programs and services, where patient care is delivered. This includes acute care/inpatient settings, primary and community clinics, pre-hospital, home health and long-term care. Other non-health care settings are beyond the scope of this guidance. These
- [INFECTION PREVENTION & CONTROL PRACTICES](https://picnet.ca/guidelines/ipc-practices/) - General Infection Prevention & Control Practices Explore general infection prevention and control (IPC) resources, including routine practices, additional precautions, urinary tract infections, wound care, personal protective equipment (PPE), IPC programs, pandemic preparedness, and more from other jurisdictions. LEARN MORE Hand Hygiene Discover best practices for hand hygiene, including resources and guidelines from BC Ministry of
- [High Threat Pathogens](https://picnet.ca/education/education-modules/high-threat-pathogens/) - Background: In 2016, in response to training gaps identified during Ebola preparedness in 2014, the Ministry of Health issued a Health Care Worker All Hazard Personal Protection Training Framework. The framework contains five training components. The first three components cover basic training on routine practices, point of care risk assessment, selection and use of personal
- [Gastrointestinal Infections](https://picnet.ca/guidelines/gastrointestinal-respiratory-illness/gi-infections/) - BC Provincial Guidelines Revised BC Guideline: Infectious Diarrhea Created By: BC Medical Journal (BCMJ) May 2023 Gastrointestinal Infection Outbreak Guidelines for Healthcare Facilities Created By: Provincial Infection Control Network of British Columbia (PICNet) June 2016 Other Resources Outbreak Preparedness, Prevention and Management in Congregate Living Settings Created By: Public Health Ontario (PHO) January 2024 Framework
- [Infection Prevention & Control Professional Orientation Manual](https://picnet.ca/education/education-modules/icp-orientation-manual/) - The orientation manual for new infection control professionals (ICPs) is the result of a collaborative effort by ICPs from across Canada. It is designed to provide the new ICP with enough basic knowledge and skills to enable them to begin their practice while waiting to register for an accredited infection control course. The manual is divided into 10
- [Advisories & Policies](https://picnet.ca/advisories-policies-private/) - ADVISORIES February 19, 2025 Infection Prevention and Control Alert: Increase in Measles Activity Information about Measles activity and infection prevention and control recommendations for Measles in BC health care settings. LEARN MORE Ongoing Emerging Respiratory Viruses LEARN MORE November 9 2024 Pathogenic Avian Influenza – Updated Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations Information and infection
- [Environmental Cleaning](https://picnet.ca/advisories-policies-private/environmental-cleaning/) - January 9, 2025 In 2012, the Ministry of Health (MoH) requested PICNet to conduct a review of existing environmental cleaning practices across all health authorities. The review found wide variation in cleaning practices between service providers across the province. To address identified gaps and align practices, the MoH requested that PICNet lead the development of
- [Advisories & Policies (old)](https://picnet.ca/ipac-advisories-old/) - February 19, 2025 Infection Prevention and Control Alert: Increase in Measles Activity Information about Measles activity and infection prevention and control recommendations for Measles in BC health care settings. LEARN MORE Ongoing Emerging Respiratory Viruses LEARN MORE November 9 2024 Pathogenic Avian Influenza – Updated Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations Information and infection prevention
- [Posters and Signage](https://picnet.ca/resources/brochures-and-posters/posters/) - Infection Control Posters Explore our collection of infection control posters! Downloadable in PDF format. LEARN MORE Provincial Precautions Signs View our collection of provincial precaution signs developed in collaboration with BC health authorities. View the signs online, and to order, please contact your health authority’s print shop. LEARN MORE Let’s Go Viral! Posters Download a
- [Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)](https://picnet.ca/guidelines/personal-protective-equipment/) - BC Provincial Recommendations and Statements Skin protection for PPE use for health-care workers Developed by: PICNet January 2024 Provincial Support for Using Reusable Gowns for Infection Prevention and Control Purposes The following information is provided by the COVID-19 Provincial IPAC and Workplace Health and Safety Working Group, a collaborative with the Provincial Infection Control Network
- [Posters from Other Organizations](https://picnet.ca/resources/brochures-and-posters/posters/posters-from-other-organizations/) - Webber Training - 61 downloadable posters - web and print resolution! Do Bugs Need Drugs - Antimicrobial stewardship program that emphasizes public education and working with community-based healthcare professionals World Health Organization - Hand washing posters and leaflet Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) - Infection control posters If your organization has any
- [IPC Organizations](https://picnet.ca/resources/other-resources/key-partners/) - BC HEALTH AUTHORITIES Fraser Health Northern Health Interior Health Vancouver Coastal Health Island Health Provincial Health Services Authority First Nations Health Authority INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS Infection Prevention and Control Canada (IPAC-Canada) Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) Infection Prevention Society (IPS) Healthcare Infections Society (HIS) International Federation of Infection
- [Additional Resources](https://picnet.ca/surveillance/additional-resources/) - Reports Antibiotic Resistant Organism (ARO) Surveillance in British Columbia: 2012 Report (BC Association of Medical Microbiologists, September 2014) Best Practices for Surveillance of Health Care-associated Infections (Provincial Infectious Diseases Advisory Committee, Ontario, July 2014) BCCDC Public Health Surveillance BCCDC Respiratory Data Page Respiratory Pathogen Characterization Canada Communicable Disease Report (CCDR) Resources Canadian Nosocomial Infection Surveillance Program
- [2015 CDI/CPO Symposium](https://picnet.ca/events/symposium2015/) - Videos of Symposium Presentations Videos of the presentations are available to all members of PICNet’s Community of Practice; the password needed to view the videos is picnet2015. . Background In March 2014, PICNet hosted a provincial meeting to address outbreaks of Carbapenemase producing organisms (CPO) and Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), and to develop strategies for
- [Privacy](https://picnet.ca/resources/other-resources/forms/privacy/) - We are committed to maintaining confidentiality and personal privacy. Collection, use, disclosure and retention of personal information is subject to, and must comply with, the provisions of the BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). The purpose of this privacy notice is to describe our practices regarding personal information use and collection
- [Events](https://picnet.ca/events/) - As a networking collaborative, it is important that members of PICNet’s Community of Practice are able to come together from across the province to: Learn from each other about provincial projects and initiatives, and new developments in the field of infection prevention and control Learn about PICNet’s current projects and activities Help set the direction for future
- [2024 Provincial CPO Symposium](https://picnet.ca/events/2024-provincial-cpo-symposium/) - On Wednesday, Oct. 23, the Provincial Infection Control Network (PICNet) hosted their Provincial Carbapenemase-Producing Organism (CPO) Symposium in Burnaby. This in-person event engaged approximately 60 health-care professionals from across the province to share insights and address objectives related to CPO surveillance and management, and collaboratively inform the development of CPO guidelines. Attendees heard from experts
- [2023 CPO / C. auris Symposium](https://picnet.ca/events/2023-cpo-c-auris-symposium/) - On July 27, 2023, PICNet held a symposium on Carbapenamese-Producing Organisms (CPO) and Candida auris (C. auris). This in-person symposium brought together select infection prevention and control (IPC) professionals including leaders and epidemiologists, as well as medical microbiologists and public health partners. The purpose of the symposium was to facilitate discussions with partners about increased
- [2018 PICNet Educational Conference](https://picnet.ca/events/picnet-conference-2018/) - Conference Program You can view the conference program and presenter bios here. Evaluation Evaluation has been closed.
- [Careers](https://picnet.ca/about/careers/) - Careers at PICNet.
- [Videos](https://picnet.ca/resources/videos/) - These videos from PICNet are intended to be used by health-care workers and educators, as helpful teaching tools to strengthen infection prevention and control practices. Hand Hygiene Hand Hygiene With Alcohol-Based Hand Rub (ABHR) Hand Hygiene With Soap and Water Donning and Doffing Donning a Respirator (N95) Doffing a Respirator (N95)
- [General Practices](https://picnet.ca/guidelines/ipc-practices/general-infection-control-practices/) - Routine Practices and Additional Precautions for Preventing the Transmission of Infection in health-care settings Created By: Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) September 2017 Routine Practices and Additional Precautions Assessment and Educational Tools Created By: Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) 2012 Hierarchy of Controls for Infection Prevention and Exposure Measures for Communicable Diseases Created
- [Setting Specific Guidelines](https://picnet.ca/guidelines/setting-specific-guidelines/) - Home & Community Care Infection prevention and control guidelines for providing healthcare to clients living in the community. LEARN MORE Long-term Care Infection prevention and control manual for non-affiliated long-term care facilities. LEARN MORE Dental Clinics Infection prevention and control guidelines for dental clinics. LEARN MORE Other Resources Click here for more setting specific resources.
- [Other Resources](https://picnet.ca/guidelines/setting-specific-guidelines/other-resources/) - Environmental cleaning and disinfection in clinic settings quick reference guide Developed by: PICNet and BC Ministry of Health January 2024
- [Create a LearningHub account](https://picnet.ca/education/education-modules/learninghub-account/) - In order to complete the PICNet online courses including the Provincial Hand Hygiene Education Module or the Infection Prevention and Control Basics module, you will need a PHSA LearningHub account. Once you have created an account, you will be able to track your courses and print certificates of completion. Creating a new account 1. Go
- [Home and Community Care](https://picnet.ca/guidelines/setting-specific-guidelines/hcc/) - Home and Community Care Guidelines (2014 Revision) Created By: Provincial Infection Control Network of BC June 2014 Respiratory Infections Provincial IPC Guidelines for Preventing Viral Respiratory Illness in Community Immunization Clinics Created by: PICNet and BC Ministry of Health Updated October 2023 Infection prevention and control for COVID-19: Interim guidance for acute health-care settings Created
- [Long Term Care](https://picnet.ca/guidelines/setting-specific-guidelines/long-term-care/) - BC Guidelines Long Term Care Infection Prevention and Control Manual for Non-Affiliated Sites Created By: Provincial Infection Control Network of British Columbia (PICNet) September 2011 UTI's in Long-Term Care AMMI-Canada has resources on Asymptomatic Bacteriuria in Long-Term Care Residents AMMI position statement IDSA clinical practice guideline AMMI toolkit Public Health Ontario has a suite of resources
- [Reprocessing Medical Devices](https://picnet.ca/guidelines/cleaning-disinfection-sterilization/reprocessing/) - BC Guidelines Best Practice Guidelines for Cleaning, Disinfection and Sterilization of Critical and Semi-critical Medical Devices in BC Health Authorities Created By: British Columbia Ministry of Health December 2011 Notice: The Best Practices Guidelines for Cleaning, Disinfection, and Sterilization of Critical and Semi-critical Medical Devices for BC Health Authorities is currently being updated. We will
- [Publications](https://picnet.ca/resources/publications/) - PICNet Conference Posters and Publications These reports present a summary of the projects and initiatives that PICNet has worked on. LEARN MORE Publications from Other Organizations Explore publications on health-care facility audits, antimicrobial resistance, and health care-associated infections from BC and Canadian organizations, including Westech Systems FM and PHAC. LEARN MORE
- [Provincial Precaution Signs](https://picnet.ca/resources/brochures-and-posters/posters/precaution-signs/) - Additional Precaution Signs PICNet and the B.C. regional health authorities have recently created and updated provincial additional precaution signs, which serve as a visual aid to communicate additional infection prevention and control (IPC) measures, including personal protective equipment (PPE). The new and revised signs aim to enhance adherence to current IPC best practices within health
- [Infectious Diseases and Conditions](https://picnet.ca/guidelines/infectious-diseases-and-conditions/) - Updates in progress THE PAGE YOU ARE LOOKING FOR IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION Perhaps you can return back to the site’s homepage and see if you can find what you are looking for. back to home page
- [Health care-associated Infections](https://picnet.ca/surveillance/healthcare-associated-infections/) - About Health care-associated Infections Health care-associated infections (HAIs, also known as nosocomial infections or hospital acquired infections) are infections acquired by patients during their hospital stay for other conditions. They include: infections caused by Clostridioides difficile (CDI), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Carbapenemase producing organisms (CPO), and other bacteria and viruses encountered in health-care facilities infections associated with the devices
- [Education Modules](https://picnet.ca/education/education-modules/) - All of PICNet’s online courses are available on the PHSA LearningHub, where learners can track their courses and receive certificates upon completion. You do not have to be a PHSA employee to use the LearningHub. For any technical issues with your LearningHub account, including creating/updating your account, completing the modules, and/or printing your certificate, please
- [Cleaning, Disinfection & Sterilization](https://picnet.ca/guidelines/cleaning-disinfection-sterilization/) - Environmental Cleaning & Disinfection Explore BC’s best practices for environmental cleaning and disinfection in health-care settings. LEARN MORE Reprocessing Medical Devices Explore BC guidelines on reprocessing medical devices, including cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization procedures. LEARN MORE
- [GASTROINTESTINAL & RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS](https://picnet.ca/guidelines/gastrointestinal-respiratory-illness/) - Gastrointestinal Infections Explore guidelines for managing gastrointestinal infection outbreaks in health-care facilities and learn effective infection prevention and control strategies. LEARN MORE Respiratory Infections Discover resources on respiratory infections, including BC guidelines, other jurisdictional guidelines, and information on SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV, influenza, and pneumonia. LEARN MORE Aerosol Generating Medical Procedures Medical procedures and aerosol generating medical
- [Guidelines & Toolkits](https://picnet.ca/guidelines/) - Pathogens Discover in-depth information and infection prevention and control recommendations on specific pathogens. LEARN MORE Gastrointestinal & Respiratory Infections Information and recommendations for gastrointestinal and respiratory infections. LEARN MORE Infection Prevention & Control Practices General infection prevention and control practices. LEARN MORE Setting Specific Guidelines Setting specific infection prevention and control recommendations including home and
- [Brochures, Posters, Signage and Tools](https://picnet.ca/resources/brochures-and-posters/) - Brochures This page contains two-page PDF documents that you can print out and share with your staff. If you’d like to request a specific resource, please contact us. LEARN MORE Posters and Signage Infection Control Posters, Provincial Precaution Signs, Let’s Go Viral! Posters, and Posters From Other Organizations. LEARN MORE Tools Find essential risk assessment
- [Clostridium difficile infection (CDI)](https://picnet.ca/guidelines/pathogens/cdi/) - BC Guidelines and Toolkits Toolkit for Management of CDI in Acute Care Settings (updated 2018) In 2012, the BC Ministry of Health formally requested PICNet’s assistance in developing consistent, evidence-informed, provincial protocol(s) for the management of Clostridium difficile infections (CDI). This toolkit was developed by two working groups, with representation from all BC health authorities,
- [Canadian Patient Safety Week 2014](https://picnet.ca/events/past-conferences-events/canadian-patient-safety-week-2014/) - Canadian Patient Safety Week takes place October 27-31, and the theme this year is... infection control! As Patient Safety Week follows immediately after Infection Control Week, this year you have two weeks to run your infection control promotions and events. There are lots of ideas for activities on our Infection Control Week page... and you
- [Links](https://picnet.ca/links/) - BC Health Authorities Fraser Health AuthorityNorthern Health AuthorityInterior Health AuthorityVancouver Coastal Health AuthorityIsland Health AuthorityProvincial Health Services Authority Infection Prevention and Control Professional Associations Infection Prevention and Control Canada (IPAC-Canada)Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC)Infection Prevention Society (IPS)Healthcare Infections Society (HIS)International Federation of Infection Control (IFIC) Occupational Health WorkSafeBCProvincial Occupational Health &
- [PICNet July 2016 Newsletter](https://picnet.ca/newsletters/picnet-july-2016-newsletter/) - Candida auris Alert The US CDC and the Public Health Agency of Canada have recently raised an alert to an emerging multidrug-resistant (MDR) yeast, Candida auris (C. auris), that is causing potentially lethal, invasive infections in health-care settings. Two countries have described healthcare outbreaks of C. auris, and analysis of these clusters suggest that C.
- [Style Test Page](https://picnet.ca/test/) - Heading One Heading Two Heading Three Heading Four Heading Five Text Text
- [Other Resources](https://picnet.ca/resources/other-resources/) - Glossary The glossary contains commonly used health care and infection prevention and control terminology. LEARN MORE IPC Organizations Links to global, national and provincial organizations with relevant infection prevention and control resources. LEARN MORE Resources from Other Organizations Explore a variety of infection prevention and control resources from other organizations. LEARN MORE Forms Find essential
- [Glossary](https://picnet.ca/resources/other-resources/glossary/) - Glossary This glossary was created with input from members of PICNet, PHAC Infection Control Guidelines and the BC Ministry of Health. A Acute Care Facility - A hospital where lengths of stay average < 30 days, and where a variety of services are provided, including surgery and intensive care. Additional Precautions - Interventions implemented for
- [Forms](https://picnet.ca/resources/other-resources/forms/) - Updates in progress THE PAGE YOU ARE LOOKING FOR IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION Perhaps you can return back to the site’s homepage and see if you can find what you are looking for. back to home page
- [Terms of Use](https://picnet.ca/resources/other-resources/forms/terms-of-use/) - By accessing and using this website, you agree to be bound by the terms of use, disclaimer and limitation of liability (“terms of use”) set out below. If you do not agree to be bound by any of these terms of use immediately exit this website and do not access any other pages. These terms
- [Project Proposals](https://picnet.ca/resources/other-resources/forms/project-proposals/) - PICNet takes on projects that come to us from our Community of Practice and other sources. We have a project triage process to determine what project we take on, based on urgency, relevance, and workload. If you are interested in proposing a project to us, as the first step please submit the Project Pre-Proposal Checklist.
- [Evidence Tools & Methods](https://picnet.ca/resources/evidence-tools-methods/) - Infection Prevention & Control Guidelines – Critical Appraisal Tool Kit This tool kit has been developed for the critical appraisal of scientific literature. A Guideline Development Group can utilize this tool kit to… LEARN MORE
- [LET’S GO VIRAL! POSTERS](https://picnet.ca/resources/brochures-and-posters/posters/lgv-promo-posters/) - Let’s Go Viral! You can download a poster to promote PICNet’s “Let’s Go Viral!” workshop in either letter size (8.5×11 inches) or 11×17. Letter-sized: 11×17 inches:
- [Webber Training Archives](https://picnet.ca/education/webinars-and-presentations/webber-training/webber-training-archives/) - Teleclasses with a speaker icon have a recording posted to this website. Click on the teleclass title to access the slides and audio. Due to audio file sizes, we only post those teleclasses that were highly subscribed. If you would like to listen to a teleclass that doesn’t have audio available on this site, please contact us. Teleclasses
- [Webber Training Upcoming](https://picnet.ca/education/webinars-and-presentations/webber-training/webber-training-upcoming/) - PICNet posts the Webber Teleclass schedule 1-2 months ahead; if you'd like to see the full year's schedule, you can view it on the Webber Training website.
- [Webber Training Teleclass](https://picnet.ca/education/webinars-and-presentations/webber-training/webber-training-view/)
- [Infection Prevention and Control Basics Courses](https://picnet.ca/education/education-modules/infection-control-module/) - Infection Prevention and Control Basics Courses Updated on PHSA Learning Hub: PICNet’s Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) online courses on PHSA’s Learning Hub have been updated as of August 8th, 2022 and can be accessed from the following links: Infection Prevention and Control Basics for Health Care Workers in Patient Care Areas and/or Direct Care
- [Introduction to Critical Appraisal](https://picnet.ca/education/education-modules/introduction-to-critical-appraisal/) - The Introduction to Critical Appraisal education module was designed to introduce Infection Control Practitioners to the Critical Appraisal Toolkit recently developed by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). PICNet promotes the use of evidence to guide decisions made in health care, and wants to enable its Community of Practice to become skilled at and
- [Infection Control Week Video Contest](https://picnet.ca/events/past-conferences-events/infection-control-week-2013/infection-control-week-video-contest/) - The entries for PICNet's video contest are in, and the winner is announced! You can view all the videos below. Thanks to everyone who entered for all their effort in making Infection Control Week so memorable. These had us laughing out loud; we never knew that juding a contest would be so diffucult! The winner: Hey Mickey -
- [Residential Care Roadshow](https://picnet.ca/events/past-conferences-events/infection-control-week-2013/residential-care-roadshow/) - For Infection Control Week (October 20-26), PICNet will be visiting several long-term care facilities across the Lower Mainland. Last year, our educational infection control game was a huge hit - so it's time to take it to even more staff! Rather than try to cram all those visits into one week (which was difficult for us!) we'll
- [Conference Program](https://picnet.ca/events/past-conferences-events/picnet-2013-educational-conference/conference-program/) - April 11th Topic Speaker Name 8:00 – 8:30 Registration and Breakfast Posters and Exhibitors 8:30 – 8:40 Welcome and Opening Remarks Dr. Elizabeth Bryce, PICNet Co-Director 8:40 – 9:00 Update on PICNet and provincial infection control initiatives Bruce Gamage PICNet 9:00 – 10:00 Keynote Speaker Sue Drinnan 10:00 – 10:30 Health Break Posters and Exhibitors 10:30 –
- [Sponsors and Exhibitors](https://picnet.ca/events/past-conferences-events/picnet-2013-educational-conference/sponsors-and-exhibitors/) - The sponsors and exhibitors for the PICNet 2013 conference are: Folders sponsored by . Meals and health breaks sponsored by ... Exhibitors
- [Hotel Information and Map](https://picnet.ca/events/past-conferences-events/picnet-2013-educational-conference/hotel-information-and-map/) - Hotel Information The Empire Landmark Hotel, is located on Robson Street between Broughton and Nicola. The hotel features the Cloud 9 revolving restaurant with its 360 degree view of the city. Empire Landmark Hotel 1400 Robson Street Vancouver, BC V6G 1B9 Tel: (604) 687-0511 Toll free: 1-800-830-6144 http://www.empirelandmarkhotel.com/ For Reservations, please call toll free
- [Infection Control Week 2012 - Song Contest](https://picnet.ca/events/past-conferences-events/infection-control-week-2012/) - Thanks to everyone who entered the Infection Control Week song contest! The winner is Lori Seeley of Royal Inland Hospital, Kamloops. You can see the winning entry below - and all the entries. (We were going to post the Top 5, but they were all so good; we had a hard time choosing the winner!) And
- [Residential Care Visits](https://picnet.ca/events/past-conferences-events/infection-control-week-2014/residential-care-visits/) - For Infection Control Week (October 20-26, 2014), PICNet will be visiting several long-term care facilities across the Lower Mainland. The past two years, our educational infection control game was a huge hit - so be sure to book early if you'd like us to visit! The workshop lasts 45-60 minutes (depending how many questions your
- [World Hand Hygiene Day 2014: Clean Shots Photo Contest](https://picnet.ca/events/past-conferences-events/world-hand-hygiene-day-2014-clean-shots-photo-contest/) - We have a winner! The panel of judges had a challenging time choosing just one, as there were so many fantastic entries. And the winner is... . ...the Hand Hygiene Angels, from Vancouver Coastal Health! We'd also like to acknowledge our two runners-up: . ...as well as the almost 100 finalists that made choosing a
- [PICNet 2014 Educational Conference](https://picnet.ca/events/past-conferences-events/picnet-2014-educational-conference/) - Thanks to all who attended! ABHR Presentation by Dr. Jarvis Conference Program Exhibitor Information Hotel Information Presenter Bios
- [ABHR presentation by Dr. Jarvis](https://picnet.ca/events/past-conferences-events/picnet-2014-educational-conference/abhr-presentation/) - You can view the video of Dr. Jarvis's presentation, "Health Canada Standards and Factors Influencing the Clinical Effectiveness of Alcohol-based Hand Rub (ABHR)" below. If you are unable to access YouTube from your computer, you can also view the presentation on the Gojo Canada website.
- [Conference Program](https://picnet.ca/events/past-conferences-events/picnet-2014-educational-conference/conference-program/) - PICNet 2014 Educational Conference: Learning from the Past to Inform the Future March 3-4, 2014 The presentation slides are available for download; click on the PDF icon next to the presentation title to view/download the file. March 3rd Topic Speaker Name 8:00–8:30 Registration and Breakfast Exhibitors 8:30–8:40 Welcome and Opening Remarks PICNet Co-Director 8:40–9:00 Update
- [Hotel Information and Map](https://picnet.ca/events/past-conferences-events/picnet-2014-educational-conference/hotel-information-and-map/) - Hilton Vancouver Airport 5911 Minoru Boulevard Richmond, BC Tel: (604) 273-6336 www.vancouverairport.hilton.com The hotel is two blocks from the Lansdowne skytrain station, and a short taxi ride from Vancouver Airport. View larger map (.jpg) View interactive map (Google Maps) Parking If you are driving to the hotel, there is parking there for $15/day. (PICNet
- [Presenter Bios](https://picnet.ca/events/past-conferences-events/picnet-2014-educational-conference/presenter-bios/) - In order of presentation: Dr. William Jarvis, MD Jason and Jarvis Associates, LLC William R. Jarvis, M.D. is board-certified in pediatrics and board-eligible in pediatric infectious diseases. From 1980-2003, Dr. Jarvis worked at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in a number of leadership positions including Acting Director, Hospital Infections Program (HIP); Assistant
- [Exhibitor Information](https://picnet.ca/events/past-conferences-events/picnet-2014-educational-conference/exhibitor-information/) - Thank you to all our 2014 Conference exhibitors - your support is important to us. PICNet’s annual educational conference brings together health-care professionals from BC from across the continuum of care (acute care, long term care, occupational health, public health, and community care) for two days of education and workshops related to infection prevention and
- [Infection Control Week 2014](https://picnet.ca/events/past-conferences-events/infection-control-week-2014/) - Infection Control Week takes place October 20-26, 2014, and PICNet has lots of activities and resources available, with more coming over the next few months: 1. Planning and Communications Toolkit To help you plan your IC Week activities and promotion, PICNet has created a downloadable toolkit with a planning/resources template, 20 different activities to
- [PICNet 2015 Educational Conference](https://picnet.ca/events/past-conferences-events/picnet-2015-educational-conference/) - The 2015 PICNet Educational Conference takes place March 5-6 at the Hilton Airport Hotel in Richmond, BC. .Follow the links for more information: Conference Program The conference program is now finalized. Conference Presenters Read about the conference speakers. Registration Registration is now closed. Hotel Information Conference location, including hotel room prices and map. Exhibitor Information Interested
- [Hotel Information](https://picnet.ca/events/past-conferences-events/picnet-2015-educational-conference/hotel-information/) - Hilton Vancouver Airport 5911 Minoru Boulevard Richmond, BC Tel: (604) 273-6336 www.vancouverairport.hilton.com The hotel is two blocks from the Lansdowne skytrain station, and a short taxi ride from Vancouver Airport. View larger map (.jpg) View interactive map (Google Maps) Parking If you are driving to the hotel, there is parking there for $15/day. (PICNet
- [Exhibitor Information](https://picnet.ca/events/past-conferences-events/picnet-2015-educational-conference/exhibitor-information/) - Please note: the deadline for registering to exhibit at the PICNet conference has now passed. PICNet’s annual educational conference brings together health-care professionals from BC from across the continuum of care (acute care, long term care, occupational health, public health, and community care) for two days of education and workshops related to infection prevention and
- [Conference Program and Videos](https://picnet.ca/events/past-conferences-events/picnet-2015-educational-conference/conference-program/) - The videos are hosted on Vimeo, and the slides are downloadable for Acrobat. Click the PDF icons below to open the slides, and click the video link below each PDF to open the video. To watch both together, size your Acrobat and Vimeo windows so that you can see both on your monitor. March 5th
- [Registration](https://picnet.ca/events/past-conferences-events/picnet-2015-educational-conference/conference-registration/) - Two weeks left to register for the 2015 PICNet Educational Conference! .The registration deadline is February 12, 2015, but the conference usually sells out, so if you want to guarantee a place, we advise that you register in advance of the deadline. The conference fees are as follows: One day Both days Regular price $75
- [Conference Presenters](https://picnet.ca/events/past-conferences-events/picnet-2015-educational-conference/conference-speakers/) - Read about the presenters at PICNet's 2015 Educational Conference: Ghada Al-Rawahi, MD, DTM&H (London), D(ABMM), FRCPC Medical Microbiologist, BC Children’s and Women’s Hospital; Medical Lead, Infection Prevention & Control, BC Cancer Agency; Clinical Associate Professor, UBC Dr. Al-Rawahi is a Medical Microbiologist and Infection Control Officer at BC Children’s and Women’s Hospital, where she is also
- [World Hand Hygiene Day / Clean Shots 2015](https://picnet.ca/events/past-conferences-events/cleanshots2015/) - Happy World Hand Hygiene Day, and congratulations to Leahh Potyok from Elk Valley Hospital, whose photo was chosen as the national winner! And the national fan favourite photo was also from BC: congratulations to Eleanor Elston of Island Health! (click on the photo to view a larger version). The national runner-up was Camille Malicia of Northern
- [Change Day BC 2015](https://picnet.ca/events/past-conferences-events/change-day-bc/) - PICNet supports Change Day BC What drew you to healthcare? What ignites your passion? What step – big or small – could you take to make our system better for your patients or residents? The BC Patient Safety & Quality Council, together with a growing number of partners, is facilitating a grassroots movement to engage,
- [Exhibitor Information](https://picnet.ca/events/past-conferences-events/picnet-2016-conference/exhibitor-information/) - Downloads: Conference Program (with exhibitor times) Exhibitor Floorplan Shipping Label Template Shipping Information If you are shipping any boxes directly to the hotel, please note that the Hilton will be charging for a storage fee for boxes that need to be stored overnight, either before or after the conference. The fee (payable directly to the Hilton, not PICNet) is $25/day
- [Infection Control Week 2015](https://picnet.ca/events/past-conferences-events/infection-control-week-2015/) - Infection Control Week takes place October 19-25, 2015, and PICNet has lots of activities and resources available: 1. Planning and Communications Toolkit To help you plan your IC Week activities and promotion, you can use PICNet's downloadable toolkit, which contains a planning/resources template, 20 different activities to choose from, and communications tools such as sample
- [Residential Care Visits 2015](https://picnet.ca/events/past-conferences-events/infection-control-week-2015/rescarevisits/) - During fall 2015, PICNet's Bug Gang will visit long-term care facilities across the Lower Mainland. For the past three years, our educational infection control game has been a huge hit. We are limited in the number of facilities we can visit, so be sure to book early if you'd like us to come! PICNet can visit your long-term care facility during mid-September to
- [Conference Program and Presentations](https://picnet.ca/events/past-conferences-events/picnet-2016-conference/conference-program/) - Wednesday March 2, 2016: Pre-conference workshop Information on the Education Day, including slides and references, can be found here. Thursday March 3, 2016: Main Conference Day 1 Time Topic Presenter 8:30–8:40 Welcome and Opening Remarks Linda Hoang, PICNet Co-Director 8:40–9:00 Update on PICNet Bruce Gamage PICNet 9:00–9:45 Workplace Happiness Tracy NormanManagement Development Advisor,
- [Evaluations](https://picnet.ca/events/past-conferences-events/picnet-2016-conference/evaluations/) - We'd like to hear feedback from all of our Community of Practice, so that we can make future educational events better for everyone. If you attended the Pre-Conference Workshop on March 2, please complete the Workshop Evaluation.. If you attended either day (or both) of the PICNet Educational Conference, March 3-4, please complete the Conference
- [PICNet 2016 Educational Conference](https://picnet.ca/events/past-conferences-events/picnet-2016-conference/) - Conference Program and Presentations The presentation slides are available for download. Pre-Conference Workshop: Staff Education and Communications PICNet hosted an all-day workshop on March 2nd on the topic of Staff Education and Communication, to help you more efficiently and effectively educate your staff in infection control. You can view videos of the workshop, and download the slides
- [Pre-Conference Workshop](https://picnet.ca/events/past-conferences-events/picnet-2016-conference/workshop/) - Improving communications with your staff and patients (Morning Workshop) Handouts and Resources Presenting Effectively and with Ease (8-page handout) Michael Grinder's website (you can sign up for the daily tips here) Quick-reference bookmark (JPG for quick view, or PDF to print double-sided) Circles of Humanness (3-page PDF) Videos Videos from the day are now available! Click on the thumbnails
- [Staff Education Slides](https://picnet.ca/events/past-conferences-events/picnet-2016-conference/workshop/staff-education-slides/) - Below is a quick view of the slides; you can download a PDF of the full-size slides here. Video Part 1 Video Part 2 Video Part 3 Return to workshop page
- [Canadian Patient Safety Week 2016](https://picnet.ca/events/past-conferences-events/canadian-patient-safety-week-2016/) - Welcome to Canadian Patient Safety Week . Update from CPSI: here’s a quick rundown of what you can do to celebrate Canadian Patient Safety Week! Tweet your question for the Questions Save Lives Campaign using #asklistentalk Take the Canadian Patient Safety Week Quiz Join the Twitter Talk event on Friday, Oct 28 at 10 am
- [Infection Control Week 2016](https://picnet.ca/events/past-conferences-events/infection-control-week-2016/) - .To celebrate this theme of 2016’s National Infection Control Week, Infection Control Professionals: The Core of Infection Prevention and Control, all the BC Health Authorities are ran features or news stories about their IPAC. (Although we’d like to add that at PICNet, we believe everyone is at the core of infection prevention!) You can read
- [Residential Care Visits 2016](https://picnet.ca/events/past-conferences-events/infection-control-week-2016/residential-care-visits-2016/) - During fall 2016, PICNet's Bug Gang will visit long-term care facilities across the Lower Mainland and in Prince George. For the past four years, our educational infection control game has been a huge hit. We are limited in the number of facilities we can visit, so be sure to book early if you'd like us to come! Please note, we can only visit facilities we have
- [Conference Program and Presentation Slides](https://picnet.ca/events/past-conferences-events/picnet-2017-conference/conference-program/) - Presentation slides can be viewed/downloaded by clicking on the PDF icons. (Two presentations are not yet posted as we are still waiting to hear back from these presenters.) You can read the presenters' bios here. Thursday March 9, 2017 March 9th Topic Presenter 8:00–8:30 Registration and Breakfast Exhibitors 8:30–8:40 Welcome and Opening Remarks Linda
- [Hotel Information](https://picnet.ca/events/past-conferences-events/picnet-2017-conference/hotel-information/) - Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel7551 Westminster HighwayRichmond, BC V6X 1A3 Tel: (604) 273-7878 Reservations: 1-866-716-8134 sheratonvancouverairport.comOnline room bookings . The hotel is 2.5 blocks from Richmond-Brighouse skytrain station, and there is a free shuttle from the Vancouver Airport. . Guest Room Reservations You can make your room reservations online or by phoning Sheraton Reservations at 1-866-716-8134. Be sure to quote the
- [Exhibitor Information](https://picnet.ca/events/past-conferences-events/picnet-2017-conference/exhibitor-information/) - You can download all the information you need (including the info below) in a printable PDF if you prefer. Floorplan If you have visited this page before, please refresh your browser to ensure you are looking at the most recent version of the floorplan. You can click the image to view a larger version. Setup and tear-down times Setup time:
- [Registration](https://picnet.ca/events/past-conferences-events/picnet-2017-conference/registration/) - Registration for the PICNet 2017 Educational Conference is now open. Registration fees are as follows: register by Feb 19, 2017: $140/day ($280 for both days) The deadline for all registrations is February 19, 2016. After downloading the form, fill in all the fields, save the completed form to your computer (renaming the file with your surname is
- [Presenter Bios](https://picnet.ca/events/past-conferences-events/picnet-2017-conference/presenter-bios/) - Plenary Session Presenters Lydia Bouroiba, PhD Assistant Professor, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Prof. Lydia Bourouiba is the Esther and Harold E. Edgerton Career Development Professor at MIT. She directs the Fluid Dynamics of Disease Transmission Laboratory, in which the research focuses on the interface of fluid dynamics and epidemiology. Her research group is dedicated to
- [PICNet 2017 Educational Conference](https://picnet.ca/events/past-conferences-events/picnet-2017-conference/) - Sharing our knowledge: there is no knowledge without unity The PICNet 2017 Educational Conference takes place March 9-10, 2017 at the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel in Richmond, BC. Click the headings below to view the conference pages. Conference Program View the full conference program. Presenter Information You can read the presenters' bios here. Registration Registration is open until February
- [Exhibitor Information](https://picnet.ca/events/picnet-conference-2018/exhibitors/) - All exhibitor information can be downloaded in one PDF document. Update: Driving to the conference? You can get free parking by booking your parking here. Exhibitor table locations are shown in the floorplan below. If you have visited this page before, please refresh your browser to ensure you are looking at the most recent version
- [Hotel Information](https://picnet.ca/events/picnet-conference-2018/hotel-information/) - Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel7551 Westminster HighwayRichmond, BC V6X 1A3 Tel: (604) 273-7878 Reservations: 1-866-716-8134 sheratonvancouverairport.comOnline room bookings . The hotel is 2.5 blocks from Richmond-Brighouse skytrain station, and there is a free shuttle from the Vancouver Airport. . Guest Room Reservations Room rates are as follows: Single rate (king-size bed) $159 Double rate (two queen-size
- [Infection Control Week 2017](https://picnet.ca/events/past-conferences-events/icweek2017/) - Infection Control Week takes place October 15-21, 2017, and PICNet has lots of activities and resources available: 1. Planning and Communications Toolkit To help you plan your IC Week activities and promotion, you can use PICNet's downloadable toolkit, which contains a planning/resources template, 20 different activities to choose from, and communications tools such as sample
- [Conference Program and Handouts](https://picnet.ca/events/picnet-conference-2018/program/) - You can read about our presenters here. Slide handouts can be downloaded via PDF icons below (for those presentations without an icon, we are not able to share the slides). For presentations that mentioned e-learning modules, the courses can be found via the icons below. Thursday March 8, 2018 March 8th Topic Presenter Slides 8:00–8:30
- [Registration](https://picnet.ca/events/picnet-conference-2018/registration/) - Registration for the PICNet 2018 Educational Conference is now closed. The registration fees is $140 per day ($280 for both days). The deadline for all registrations is February 16, 2016. After downloading the form (please make sure you're using the form that ends "Feb18.xlsx", and not a previous version that was emailed out in previous
- [Presenters](https://picnet.ca/events/picnet-conference-2018/presenters/) - In alphabetical order: Teri Guimond Coordinator, Hazardous Waste, Provincial Health Services Agency Teri Guimond, aka “Bio Woman”, is on a mission to help health care staff segregate and celebrate how they manage biomedical waste! With over 15 years of experience working in the waste industry prior to joining Business Initiatives and Support Services in 2012,
- [Past Conferences & Events](https://picnet.ca/events/past-conferences-events/) - Use the menu bar above to navigate to the event pages. Please note: Links within older documents may not still be active.
- [Evaluation](https://picnet.ca/events/picnet-conference-2018/evaluation/) - Attended the PICNet conference? Please complete our online evaluation at https://www.surveymonkey.ca/r/PICNet2018
- [International Infection Prevention Week 2018](https://picnet.ca/events/iipw2018/) - International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW) takes place October 14-20, 2018, and National Infection Control Week (NICW - Canada) takes place October 15-19, 2018. PICNet has lots of activities and resources available below: 1. Planning and Communications Toolkit To help you plan your IC Week activities and promotion, you can use PICNet's downloadable toolkit, which
- [Cover Boxes](https://picnet.ca/elements/cover-boxes/) - PICNet CDI quarterly summary Q2 2014_15 Conference Presenters Conference Presenters Conference Presenters Conference Presenters Archer_Joanne
- [What PICNet Can Do For You](https://picnet.ca/about/what-picnet-can-do-for-you/) - As a network, PICNet works closely with the IPC Community of Practice. This includes taking requests for consultations, projects, and resources. Following are some ways that PICNet can help you: Develop new guidelines or manuals (for example, the Residential Care Manual was developed following a request from the Community of Practice) Review guidelines or policies
- [About Us](https://picnet.ca/about/about-us/) - About PICNet, Who We Are, FAQs and Careers
- [This is a new page - Picnet training](https://picnet.ca/resources/brochures-and-posters/this-is-a-new-page-picnet-training/) - This is custom heading element I am text block. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

## Teleclass

- [Policy and Practice for Environmentally Sustainable Products in Healthcare: Joining the Dots](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/policy-and-practice-for-environmentally-sustainable-products-in-healthcare-joining-the-dots/)
- [Tales of the Toilet](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/tales-of-the-toilet/)
- [Make It Matter: How Stories Can Change Behaviour (NO CHARGE Teleclass)](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/make-it-matter-how-stories-can-change-behaviour/)
- [The Global Situation of Infection Prevention and Control and the Case for Action and Investment in Improving It (WHO Teleclass -  Afro-European Teleclass Series)](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/the-global-situation-of-infection-prevention-and-control-and-the-case-for-action-and-investment-in-improving-it/)
- [To aeruginosa or Not to aeruginosa: How Significant are Pseudomonads in Waterborne Healthcare Infections](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/to-aeruginosa-or-not-to-aeruginosa-how-significant-are-pseudomonads-in-waterborne-healthcare-infections/)
- [Food Safety of Fresh Produce: An Old Food Safety Problem Nut With New Solutions](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/food-safety-of-fresh-produce-an-old-food-safety-problem-nut-with-new-solutions/)
- [Frugal Innovation for Low-Resource Settings](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/frugal-innovation-for-low-resource-settings/)
- [The Next Pandemic - Are We Prepared?](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/the-next-pandemic-are-we-prepared/)
- [Preventing MRSA Bacteraemia: An Achievable Outcome Even in High Endemic Hospitals](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/preventing-mrsa-bacteraemia-an-achievable-outcome-even-in-high-endemic-hospitals/)
- [December Teleclass Not Scheduled – Upcoming Sessions to Be Posted Next Year When Webber Finalizes Their List.](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/december-teleclass-not-scheduled-upcoming-sessions-to-be-posted-next-year-when-webber-finalizes-their-list/)
- [RELATIONSHIPS AMONG PATIENT SAFETY CLIMATE, STANDARD PRECAUTION ADHERENCE, HEALTHCARE WORKER AND PATIENT OUTCOMES](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/relationships-among-patient-safety-climate-standard-precaution-adherence-healthcare-worker-and-patient-outcomes/)
- [LONGITUDINAL GENOMIC SURVEILLANCE TO TRACK PATHWAYS LEADING TO CLOSTRIDIODES DIFFICILE COLONIZATION AND INFECTION IN AN ICU](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/longitudinal-genomic-surveillance-to-track-pathways-leading-to-clostridiodes-difficile-colonization-and-infection-in-an-icu/)
- [SPECIAL LECTURE FOR CLEAN HOSPITALS DAY](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/special-lecture-for-clean-hospitals-day-3/)
- [THE ART OF IV LINE CARE](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/the-art-of-iv-line-care/)
- [WHY CERTIFY? THE VALUE OF CERTIFICATIONIN INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/cbic-update-2024/)
- [THE PHYSICS OF FLYING FECES](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/the-physics-of-flying-feces/)
- [SIMPLE QUESTION, COMPLEX ANSWER: DETERMINING THE DURATION OF CONTAGIOUSNESS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH COVID-19](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/simple-question-complex-answer-determining-the-duration-of-contagiousness-of-individuals-with-covid-19/)
- [CBIC AND THE FUTURE OF IPC CERTIFICATION](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/cbic-and-the-future-of-ipc-certification/)
- [INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL CHALLENGES AND PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS IN “OTHER” CONGREGATE LIVING SETTINGS](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/infection-prevention-and-control-challenges-and-practical-solutions-in-other-congregate-living-settings/)
- [THE EFFECT OF THE CLIMATE ON HEALTHCARE INFECTION](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/the-effect-of-the-climate-on-healthcare-infection/)
- [***POSTPONED***EPIDEMIOLOGY AND PREVENTION OF CATHETER ASSOCIATED BLOODSTREAM INFECTIONS IN LOW AND MIDDLE-INCOME COUNTRIES](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/epidemiology-and-prevention-of-catheter-associated-bloodstream-infections-in-low-and-middle-income-countries/)
- [APPLYING AN EQUITY LENSE TO IPAC POLICIES AND PRACTICE](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/applying-an-equity-lense-to-ipac-policies-and-practice/)
- [GOOD VIRUSES FOR BAD BACTERIA: PHAGE THERAPY PRIMER FOR THE ICP](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/good-viruses-for-bad-bacteria-phage-therapy-primer-for-the-icp/)
- [SPECIAL LECTURE FOR 5 MAY](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/special-lecture-for-5-may-2/)
- [FLEXIBLE ENDOSCOPE REPROCESSING: FOCUS ON CORRECTING KEY WEAKNESSES](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/flexible-endoscope-reprocessing-focus-on-correcting-key-weaknesses/)
- [LESSONS LEARNED FROM A FAILED IMPLEMENTATION](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/lessons-learned-from-a-failed-implementation/)
- [COVID-19’s CHALLENGES TO INFECTION CONTROL DOGMA](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/covid-19s-challenges-to-infection-control-dogma/)
- [****POSTPONED*** EMERGING FUNGAL INFECTIONS: ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES BRING ABOUT NEW CHALLENGES](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/emerging-fungal-infections-environmental-changes-bring-about-new-challenges/)
- [COVID-19 PREPAREDNESS – WHAT WENT WRONG? WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS? THE POINT OF VIEW OF A BIOMEDICAL ENGINEER](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/covid-19-preparedness-what-went-wrong-what-are-the-next-steps-the-point-of-view-of-a-biomedical-engineer/)
- [TARGETED HYGIENE: A RISK-BASED APPROACH TO APPLYING POLICIES AND HYGIENE INTERVENTIONS IN PUBLIC SETTINGS AND LARGE EVENTS](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/targeted-hygiene-a-risk-based-approach-to-applying-policies-and-hygiene-interventions-in-public-settings-and-large-events/)
- [INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL CERTIFICATION: OBTAINING YOUR ENTRY LEVEL IPC CERTIFICATION THROUGH CBIC](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/infection-prevention-and-control-certification-obtaining-your-entry-level-ipc-certification-through-cbic/)
- [INFECTION PREVENTION THROUGH THE LENS OF IMPLEMENTATION SCIENCE](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/infection-prevention-through-the-lens-of-implementation-science/)
- [A DRIVE TO SURVIVE: COVID-19 IMPLICATIONS FOR SYSTEMIC RESILIENCE ON ETHICS, DATA SCIENCE AND RISK-MANAGEMENT](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/a-drive-to-survive-covid-19-implications-for-systemic-resilience-on-ethics-data-science-and-risk-management/)
- [THROW IT AWAY: HOW INFECTION CONTROL PRACTICE DESTROYS PLANETARY HEALTH AND FUELS LABOUR ABUSE](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/throw-it-away-how-infection-control-practice-destroys-planetary-health-and-fuels-labour-abuse/)
- [DISCOURSE: HOW OUR LANGUAGE INFLUENCES OUR ATTEMPTS TO PREVENT AND CONTROL HEALTHCARE-ASSOCIATED INFECTION](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/discourse-how-our-language-influences-our-attempts-to-prevent-and-control-healthcare-associated-infection/)
- [The future of outbreaks](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/infection-control-and-preventionish/)
- [Hospital wastewater systems: origins of novel nosocomial bacteria](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/hospital-wastewater-systems-origins-of-novel-nosocomial-bacteria-2/)
- [Quaternary ammonium-based disinfectants: advantages, disadvantages, and safety concerns](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/quaternary-ammonium-based-disinfectants-advantages-disadvantages-and-safety-concerns/)
- [Pulling the plug on the sink drain](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/pulling-the-plug-on-the-sink-drain-2/)
- [Special lecture for clean hospitals day](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/special-lecture-for-clean-hospitals-day-2/)
- [CBIC update 2023](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/cbic-update-2023/)
- [Management practices to support infection prevention](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/management-practices-to-support-infection-prevention/)
- [Mental health, healthy lifestyle behaviors and organizational wellness support during the covid-19 pandemic in infection prevention professionals: implications for action](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/mental-health-healthy-lifestyle-behaviors-and-organizational-wellness-support-during-the-covid-19-pandemic-in-infection-prevention-professionals-implications-for-action/)
- [Factors influencing opportunistic premise plumbing pathogens](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/factors-influencing-opportunistic-premise-plumbing-pathogens/)
- [Cost-effectiveness of strategies to control the spread of CPE in hospitals](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/cost-effectiveness-of-strategies-to-control-the-spread-of-cpe-in-hospitals/)
- [Understanding the "immunity debt" to common infections during the covid-19 pandemic](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/understanding-the-immunity-debt-to-common-infections-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/)
- [The emergence of zoonoses: downstream impacts on human health and long-term care](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/the-emergence-of-zoonoses-downstream-impacts-on-human-health-and-long-term-care/)
- [**POSTPONED**Steps toward zero CLABSI](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/steps-toward-zero-clabsi/)
- [Using electronic systems to monitor hand hygiene: strategies to promote update](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/using-electronic-systems-to-monitor-hand-hygiene-strategies-to-promote-update/)
- [Homecare & hospice - standardizing infection surveillance](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/homecare-hospice-standardizing-infection-surveillance/)
- [Scientific communications to the public during a pandemic and beyond](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/scientific-communications-to-the-public-during-a-pandemic-and-beyond/)
- [Non-catheter-associated urinary tract infections](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/non-catheter-associated-urinary-tract-infections/)
- [The psychology of pandemics](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/the-psychology-of-pandemics/)
- [Changing hand hygiene behaviour: nudging concepts](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/changing-hand-hygiene-behaviour-nudging-concepts/)
- [Special Lecture for 5 May](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/special-lecture-for-5-may/)
- [Respiratory infection prevention: perceptions, barriers and facilitators](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/respiratory-infection-prevention-perceptions-barriers-and-facilitators/)
- [The environment, the tick, and the pathogen - it's an ensemble](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/the-environment-the-tick-and-the-pathogen-its-an-ensemble/)
- [-- POSTPONED -- The fungus among us: the emergence of a highly resistant fungus in the healthcare system](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/the-fungus-among-us-the-emergence-of-a-highly-resistant-fungus-in-the-healthcare-system/)
- [-- POSTPONED -- Hospital wastewater systems: origins of novel nosocomial bacteria](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/hospital-wastewater-systems-origins-of-novel-nosocomial-bacteria/)
- [Unintended consequences of infection prevention and control measures during COVID-19 pandemic](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/unintended-consequences-of-infection-prevention-and-control-measures-during-covid-19-pandemic/)
- [Surfaces - a foundational issue in infection control](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/surfaces-a-foundational-issue-in-infection-control/)
- [Personal protective equipment implementation in healthcare settings](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/personal-protective-equipment-implementation-in-healthcare-settings/)
- [Using humor in infection prevention](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/using-humor-in-infection-prevention/)
- [Sharing knowledge: learning from those who have challenged the CIC](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/sharing-knowledge-learning-from-those-who-have-challenged-the-cic-2/)
- [Where is the strength of evidence? A review of infection prevention and control guidelines](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/where-is-the-strength-of-evidence-a-review-of-infection-prevention-and-control-guidelines/)
- [CIC… pathways to certification](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/cic-pathways-to-certification/)
- [Special lecture for clean hospitals day](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/special-lecture-for-clean-hospitals-day/)
- [*POSTPONED* Addressing MRSA bacteraemia in a highly endemic hospital - a behaviour change approach](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/addressing-mrsa-bacteraemia-in-a-highly-endemic-hospital-a-behaviour-change-approach/)
- [*POSTPONED* No man is an island - the utility of link workers in enhancing IPC programs in healthcare settings](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/no-man-is-an-island-the-utility-of-link-workers-in-enhancing-ipc-programs-in-healthcare-settings/)
- [Reservoirs of pathogens: the microbiological risks of respiratory medical devices](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/reservoirs-of-pathogens-the-microbiological-risks-of-respiratory-medical-devices/)
- [Influenza: what we can expect](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/influenza-what-we-can-expect/)
- [The cost-effectiveness of temporary single-patient rooms to reduce the risk of HAI](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/the-cost-effectiveness-of-temporary-single-patient-rooms-to-reduce-the-risk-of-hai/)
- [Healthcare associate pneumonia - why should we bother and what can we do?](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/healthcare-associate-pneumonia-why-should-we-bother-and-what-can-we-do/)
- [Risk factors for the environmental spread of different multidrug-resistant organisms](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/risk-factors-for-the-environmental-spread-of-different-multidrug-resistant-organisms/)
- [**POSTPONED** Sharing knowledge: Learning from those who have challenged the CIC](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/sharing-knowledge-learning-from-those-who-have-challenged-the-cic/)
- [Pulling the plug on the sink drain](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/pulling-the-plug-on-the-sink-drain/)
- [C. Difficile asymptomatic carriers: should we worry about them?](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/c-difficile-asymptomatic-carriers-should-we-worry-about-them/)
- [Prevention and management of post-operative sepsis](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/prevention-and-management-of-post-operative-sepsis/)
- [Special lecture for who clean hands day](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/special-lecture-for-who-clean-hands-day/)
- [How do we imagine our future? The infection prevention "crystal ball initiative"](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/how-do-we-imagine-our-future-the-infection-prevention-crystal-ball-initiative/)
- [Management practices for leaders to promote infection prevention](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/management-practices-for-leaders-to-promote-infection-prevention/)
- [**POSTPONED** - Infection control in correctional facilities](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/infection-control-in-correctional-facilities/)
- [Hand hygiene: not just for health care workers anymore!!](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/hand-hygiene-not-just-for-health-care-workers-anymore/)
- [Benefits and potential unintended consequences of routine Chlorhexidine bathing in healthcare facilities](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/benefits-and-potential-unintended-consequences-of-routine-chlorhexidine-bathing-in-healthcare-facilities/)
- [Vaccine hesitancy… what's happening?](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/vaccine-hesitancy-whats-happening/)
- [Assessing the clinical accuracy of a hand hygiene system](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/assessing-the-clinical-accuracy-of-a-hand-hygiene-system/)
- [Clinical syndromes and conditions warranting empiric transmission based precautions](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/clinical-syndromes-and-conditions-warranting-empiric-transmission-based-precautions/)
- [POSTPONED - One health for human health clinicians - in light of COVID-19, are we approaching a 'tipping point'?](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/one-health-for-human-health-clinicians-in-light-of-covid-19-are-we-approaching-a-tipping-point/)
- [COVID-19 as dress rehearsal: the rise of disease X](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/covid-19-as-dress-rehearsal-the-rise-of-disease-x/)
- [Emerging fungal infections and infection prevention and control](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/emerging-fungal-infections-and-infection-prevention-and-control-2/)
- [Discovering and transforming the inner ICP educator: exploring core elements of an innovative professional's experience](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/discovering-and-transforming-the-inner-icp-educator-exploring-core-elements-of-an-innovative-professionals-experience/)
- [Hand hygiene reloaded](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/hand-hygiene-reloaded/)
- [Clean hospitals day 2021: why environmental hygiene is more important than ever](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/clean-hospitals-day-2021-why-environmental-hygiene-is-more-important-than-ever/)
- [Common features of waterborne pathogens in healthcare facilities: why are they so challenging?](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/common-features-of-waterborne-pathogens-in-healthcare-facilities-why-are-they-so-challenging/)
- [Infection control and prevention in long-term care facilities and healthcare laundry](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/infection-control-and-prevention-in-long-term-care-facilities-and-healthcare-laundry/)
- [(FREE European Teleclass - Broadcast live from the Infection Prevention Society conference) Cottrell Lecture-Infection prevention through a different lens **NO LIVE BROADCAST**](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/free-european-teleclass-broadcast-live-from-the-infection-prevention-society-conference-cottrell-lecture-no-live-broadcast/)
- [(FREE European Teleclass - Broadcast live from the Infection Prevention Society conference) Ayliffe Lecture ... Past, present and future**NO LIVE BROADCAST**](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/free-european-teleclass-broadcast-live-from-the-infection-prevention-society-conference-ayliffe-lecture-past-present-and-futureno-live-broadcast/)
- [Twindemics of Influenza, COVID, and RSV](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/twindemics-of-covid-influzenza-in-hindsight/)
- [Antimicrobial resistance and infection prevention – we have met the enemy and he is us](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/maintaining-infection-prevention-we-have-met-the-enemy-and-he-is-us/)
- [Home health & hospice aides: preventing and controlling infections when providing personal care in the home](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/home-health-hospice-aides-preventing-and-controlling-infections-when-providing-personal-care-in-the-home/)
- [Pandemic impact on healthcare laundry in acute care and long term care facilities - POSTPONED](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/pandemic-impact-on-healthcare-laundry-in-acute-care-and-long-term-care-facilities/)
- [Continuous active anti-viral coatings](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/continuous-active-anti-viral-coatings-2/)
- [Complacency about diseases, anxiety about vaccines: the meningitis perspective](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/complacency-about-diseases-anxiety-about-vaccines-the-meningitis-perspective-2/)
- [Emerging pathogens - have we learned any lessons?](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/emerging-pathogens-have-we-learned-any-lessonse/)
- [Complacency about diseases, anxiety about vaccines: the Meningitis perspective](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/complacency-about-diseases-anxiety-about-vaccines-the-meningitis-perspective/)
- [(European Teleclass) The Norway experience controlling the Coronavirus Pandemic  **NO LIVE BROADCAST**](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/european-teleclass-the-norway-experience-controlling-the-coronavirus-pandemic-no-live-broadcast/)
- [Hand Hygiene at the Point of Care  **NO LIVE BROADCAST**](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/special-lecture-for-may-5th-no-live-broadcast/)
- [Returning to work during COVID-19 **NO LIVE BROADCAST**](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/preventing-infection-transmission-in-the-workplace-no-live-broadcast/)
- [COVID-19 and the global virus network](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/free-teleclass-the-global-virus-network-in-the-covid-19-era/)
- [Healthcare water & sanitary services - the price of poor design, construction, usage and maintenance  ** NO LIVE BROADCAST **](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/healthcare-water-sanitary-services-the-price-of-poor-design-construction-usage-and-maintenance/)
- [Safety in the medical device reprocessing department](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/safety-in-the-medical-device-reprocessing-department/)
- [Heater-coolers: Mycobacterial introduction, behavior and disinfection](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/heater-coolers-mycobacterial-introduction-behavior-and-disinfection/)
- [*POSTPONED* Continuous active anti-viral coatings](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/continuous-active-anti-viral-coatings/)
- [The New Zealand COVID-19 response - lessons learned ** NO LIVE BROADCAST **](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/the-new-zealand-covid-19-response-lessons-learned-no-live-broadcast/)
- [Supporting the psychological safety and wellbeing of healthcare workers through uncertain times](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/supporting-the-psychological-safety-and-well-being-of-healthcare-workers-through-uncertain-times/)
- [COVID update: focus on vaccines](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/covid-update-focus-on-vaccines/)
- [COVID in nursing homes](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/covid-in-nursing-homes/)
- [COVID fakery](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/covid-fakery/)
- [COVID-19 and vaccination](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/covid-19-and-influenza-transmissio/)
- [Making behaviour change interventions effective by applying behaviour change theory](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/making-behaviour-change-interventions-effective-by-applying-behaviour-change-theory/)
- [Effectively monitoring hand hygiene: direct observation only or combined with automated monitoring](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/effectively-monitoring-hand-hygiene-direct-observation-only-or-combined-with-automated-monitoring/)
- [Emerging fungal infections and infection prevention and control *POSTPONED](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/emerging-fungal-infections-and-infection-prevention-and-control/)
- [Influenza diagnosis, transmission and control in an everyday hospital setting *POSTPONED](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/influenza-diagnosis-transmission-and-control-in-an-everyday-hospital-setting/)
- [Infection prevention and control in home healthcare - findings from two large multi-method studies](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/infection-prevention-and-control-in-home-healthcare-findings-from-two-large-multi-method-studies/)
- [Can we halve gram-negative bloodstream infections? A debate ** no live broadcast](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/can-we-halve-gram-negative-bloodstream-infections-a-debate-no-live-broadcast/)
- [Clean hospitals: the next frontier in infection prevention](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/clean-hospitals-the-next-frontier-in-infection-prevention/)
- [The value of certification: what's in it for me?](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/the-value-of-certification-whats-in-it-for-me/)
- [Waterborne pathogens: why is their profile changing?](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/waterborne-pathogens-why-is-their-profile-changing/)
- [Reprocessing of critical foot care devices](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/reprocessing-of-critical-foot-care-devices/)
- [Look what the cat scratched in - pet-associated zoonoses, what's new and relevant for infection prevention and control](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/look-what-the-cat-scratched-in-pet-associated-zoonoses-whats-new-and-relevant-for-infection-prevention-and-control/)
- [Hospital laundry and C. difficile spore inactivation](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/hospital-laundry-and-c-difficile-spore-inactivation/)
- [Polio eradication in India and takeaways for others](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/polio-eradication-in-india-and-takeaways-for-others/)
- [AHEAD – a consolidated framework for behavioural infectious risks in acute care – part 2](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/ahead-a-consolidated-framework-for-behavioural-infectious-risks-in-acute-care-part-2/)
- [Cleaning and disinfection in the era of SARS-CoV-2](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/cleaning-and-disinfection-in-the-era-of-sars-cov-2/)
- [Improvement of hospital environmental cleaning and disinfection practices following an eight-month outbreak](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/improvement-of-hospital-environmental-cleaning-and-disinfection-practices-following-an-eight-month-outbreak/)
- [The buzz around mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/the-buzz-aroung-mosquitoes-and-mosquito-borne-diseases/)
- [Infection prevention and control in home care and hospice: common compliance issues](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/infection-prevention-and-control-in-home-care-and-hospice-common-compliance-issues/)
- [Antibiotic stewardship in nursing homes](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/antibiotic-stewardship-in-nursing-homes/)
- [Developing and implementing a personal protective equipment programme for high-consequence infectious disease preparedness       ** No live broadcast **](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/developing-and-implementing-a-personal-protective-equipment-programme-for-high-consequence-infectious-disease-preparedness/)
- [Malnutrition risk and healthcare infection - a MUST do](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/malnutrition-risk-and-healthcare-infection-a-must-do/)
- [Positive deviance and hand hygiene: what can we learn from the best?](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/positive-deviance-and-hand-hygiene-what-can-we-learn-from-the-best-2/)
- [A One-Health perspective on food security](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/a-one-health-perspective-on-food-security/)
- [Meat, monkeys and mosquitoes: a one health perspective on emerging diseases](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/meat-monkeys-and-mosquitoes-a-one-health-perspective-on-emerging-diseases/)
- [Cleaning in Healthcare](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/cleaning-in-healthcare/)
- [Prioritizing research areas for antibiotic stewardship programs](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/prioritizing-research-areas-for-antibiotic-stewardship-programs/)
- [Health care-associated pneumonia that is not ventilator-associated: big problem, but guideline-free zone](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/healthcare-associated-pneumonia-that-is-not-ventilator-associated-big-problem-but-guideline-free-zone/)
- [Infection control issues in healthcare construction, part 2 – new builds](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/infection-control-issues-in-healthcare-construction-part-2-new-builds/)
- [Endoscope reprocessing: paradigm shift](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/endoscope-reprocessing-paradigm-shift/)
- [Beware of dry biofilms: the next challenge in infection control](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/beware-of-dry-biofilms-the-next-challenge-in-infection-control/)
- [Measures to prevent and control VRE: do they really matter?](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/measures-to-prevent-and-control-vre-do-they-really-matter/)
- [How to engage and educate nurses in evidence-based practice](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/how-to-engage-and-educate-nurses-in-evidence-based-practice/)
- [Bed bug prevention in the healthcare setting](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/bed-bug-prevention-in-the-healthcare-setting/)
- [Diagnostic stewardship: modified culture testing to enhance antibiotic stewardship](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/diagnostic-stewardship-modified-culture-testing-to-enhance-antibiotic-stewardship/)
- [Control of carbapenemase producing enterobacteriacae in an endemic setting: do classical IPC methods work for new age bugs? (recording)](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/control-of-carbapenemase-producing-enterobacteriacae-in-an-endemic-setting-do-classical-ipc-methods-work-for-new-age-bugs/)
- [Broadcast live from the IPAC Canada conference: Adapting IPAC in unconventional spaces](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/broadcast-live-from-the-ipac-canada-conference/)
- [Superbugs: the centrality of human behaviour - a focus on filovirus outbreaks](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/myths-and-facts-regarding-infection-control-in-outbreak-settings/)
- [Infection control in pediatrics](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/infection-control-in-pediatrics/)
- [SSI Surveillance strategies in under-resourced settings](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/ssi-surveillance-strategies-in-under-resourced-settings/)
- [Broadcast live from the IPAC Canada conference: Adult learning styles](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/broadcast-live-from-the-ipac-canada-conference-2/)
- [Immigrant and refugee populations: a public health and policy perspective on a continuing global crisis](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/immigrant-and-refugee-populations-a-public-health-and-policy-perspective-on-a-continuing-global-crisis/)
- [WHO teleclass - special lecture: Clean care for all - it's in your hands!](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/who-teleclass-special-lecture/)
- [Infection control issues in healthcare construction, part 1 - renovation](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/infection-control-issues-in-healthcare-construction-part-1-renovation/)
- [Barriers and facilitators to Clostridium difficile infection prevention, a nursing perspective](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/barriers-and-facilitators-to-clostridium-dificile-infection-prevention-a-nursing-perspective/)
- [Going beyond the 5 moments](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/going-beyond-the-5-moments/)
- [Influenza and viral pneumonia](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/influenza-and-viral-pneumonia/)
- [Modern tools for bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/modern-tools-for-bacterial-identification-and-antibiotic-susceptibility-testing/)
- [Healthcare associated infection surveillance in the era of electronic health data](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/healthcare-associated-infection-surveillance-in-the-era-of-electronic-health-data/)
- [Collaborative clinical research to reduce infections](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/collaborative-clinical-research-to-reduce-infections/)
- [The fallout of fake news in infection prevention, and why context matters](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/the-fallout-of-fake-news-in-infection-prevention-and-why-context-matters/)
- [The effectiveness of tuberculosis infection control strategy in high HIV/TB-burden settings](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/the-effectiveness-of-tuberculosis-infection-control-strategy-in-high-hiv-tb-burden-settings/)
- [The 2019 WHO Global Survey](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/the-2019-who-global-survey/)
- [The best ways to get your hospital to talk about infection control](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/the-best-ways-to-get-your-hospital-to-talk-about-infection-control/)
- [Infectious disease highlights and lowlights in 2018, and what to expect in 2019](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/infectious-disease-highlights-and-lowlights-in-2018-and-what-to-expect-in-2019/)
- [Neonatal sepsis prevention in low-resource settings](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/neonatal-sepsis-prevention-in-low-resource-settings/)
- [Hepatitis C in prisons - from individual care to viral eradication strategy: a benefit for the community](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/hepatitis-c-in-prisons-from-individual-care-to-viral-eradication-strategy-a-benefit-for-the-community/)
- [Myths and facts regarding infection prevention and control in outbreak settings - POSTPONED](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/myths-and-facts-regarding-infection-prevention-and-control-in-outbreak-settings/)
- [“Ahead” – a consolidated framework for behavioural infectious risks in acute care](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/ahead-a-consolidated-framework-for-behavioural-infectious-risks-in-acute-care/)
- [Infection prevention core practices: Resetting the bar for safe patient care - POSTPONED](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/infection-prevention-core-practices-resetting-the-bar-for-safe-patient-care/)
- [Infection control champions are made, not born](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/infection-control-champions-are-made-not-born/)
- [Molecular diagnostics and its role in infection prevention](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/molecular-diagnostics-and-its-role-in-infection-prevention/)
- [Improving the knowledge and receptiveness of medical students towards hand hygiene: Exploring new approaches](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/improving-the-knowledge-and-receptiveness-of-medical-students-towards-hand-hygiene-exploring-new-approaches/)
- [Chlorhexidine use and bacterial resistance](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/chlorhexidine-use-and-bacterial-resistance/)
- [The silent tsunami of azole-resistance in the opportunistic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/the-silent-tsunami-of-azole-resistance-in-the-opportunistic-fungus-aspergillus-fumigatus/)
- [Interpreting research evidence: A key skill for infection control professionals](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/interpreting-research-evidence-a-key-skill-for-infection-control-professionals/)
- [Flood remediation in healthcare facilities: Infection control implications](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/flood-remediation-in-healthcare-facilities-infection-control-implications/)
- [The future of infection control: Bright or bleak?](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/the-future-of-infection-control-bright-or-bleak/)
- [Simulation as an education tool](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/simulation-as-an-education-tool/)
- [Trekking safely through the storm: Managing complex IPAC issues](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/trekking-safely-through-the-storm-managing-complex-ipac-issues/)
- [How the certification board of infection control (CBIC) works for you](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/how-the-certification-board-of-infection-control-cbic-works-for-you/)
- [Climate change and the impact on infectious diseases](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/climate-change-and-the-impact-on-infectious-diseases/)
- [Clostridium difficile asymptomatic carriers: the hidden part of the iceberg](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/clostridium-difficile-asymptomatic-carriers-the-hidden-part-of-the-iceberg/)
- [Genetic similarities between organisms isolated from the ICU](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/genetic-similarities-between-organisms-isolated-from-the-icu/)
- [Understanding risk perceptions and responses of the public, healthcare professionals, and the media: The case for Clostridium difficile](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/understanding-risk-perceptions-and-responses-of-the-public-healthcare-professionals-and-the-media-the-case-for-clostridium-difficile/)
- [Challenges and facilitators to nurse-driven antibiotic stewardship: Results from a multi-site qualitative study](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/challenges-and-facilitators-to-nurse-driven-antibiotic-stewardship-results-from-a-multisite-qualitative-study/)
- [Topical antibiotics to prevent post-operative surgical infection: Is the paradigm changing?](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/topical-antibiotics-to-prevent-post-operative-surgical-infection-is-the-paradigm-changing/)
- [Hopes, hypes, and multivallate defences against antimicrobial resistance](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/hopes-hypes-and-multivallate-defences-against-antimicrobial-resistance/)
- [Infection prevention in nursing homes and palliative care](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/infection-prevention-in-nursing-homes-and-palliative-care/)
- [Root cause analysis to support infection control in healthcare premises](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/root-cause-analysis-to-support-infection-control-in-healthcare-premises/)
- [Refugee health: A new perspective for infection prevention and control](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/refugee-health-a-new-perspective-for-infection-prevention-and-control/)
- [Patients are your partners: Why and how this partnership works](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/patients-are-your-partners-why-and-how-this-partnership-works/)
- [Practical approaches for monitoring cleaning in healthcare facilities](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/practical-approaches-for-monitoring-cleaning-in-healthcare-facilities/)
- [Infection control in paramedic services](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/infection-control-in-paramedic-services/)
- [Using the right model to calculate the financial implications of Clostridium difficile infection](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/using-the-right-model-to-calculate-the-financial-implications-of-clostridium-difficile-infection/)
- [Enhanced performance feedback and patient participation to improve hand hygiene compliance](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/enhanced-performance-feedback-and-patient-participation-to-improve-hand-hygiene-compliance/)
- [Beyond high-touch surfaces: floors, portable equipment, and other potential sources of healthcare infection transmission](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/beyond-high-touch-surfaces-floors-portable-equipment-and-other-potential-sources-of-healthcare-infection-transmission/)
- [Cleaning the grey zones of hospitals: lessons from a community-based teaching hospital](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/cleaning-the-grey-zones-of-hospitals-lessons-from-a-community-based-teaching-hospital/)
- [WHO guidelines for the prevention and control of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in health care facilities](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/who-guidelines-for-the-prevention-and-control-of-carbapenem-resistant-enterobacteriaceae-acinetobacter-baumannii-and-pseudomonas-aeruginosa-in-health-care-facilities/)
- [Infection control guidelines that did not work against Ebola](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/infection-control-guidelines-that-did-not-work-against-ebola/)
- [Hand hygiene program successes in member countries of the INICC](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/hand-hygiene-program-successes-in-member-countries-of-the-inicc/)
- [Strengthening IPAC structures through education in low-income or middle-income countries](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/establishing-a-national-ipc-program-on-a-shoestring-budget/)
- [How to publish in the journals and why it matters](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/how-to-publish-in-the-journals-and-why-it-matters/)
- [Relationship between patient safety climate and adherence to standard precautions](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/relationship-between-patient-safety-climate-and-adherence-to-standard-precautions/)
- [What Makes Infection Prevention and Control Work?](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/what-makes-infection-prevention-and-control-work/)
- [Infections without borders](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/infections-without-borders/)
- [10 Years of Evidence - From Information to Implementation](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/10-years-of-evidence-from-information-to-implementation/)
- [Social media: useless or useful in infection prevention?](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/social-media-useless-or-useful-in-infection-prevention/)
- [Learning infection control via games](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/learning-infection-control-via-games/)
- [The psychology of hand hygiene: How to improve hand hygiene using behaviour change frameworks](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/the-psychology-of-hand-hygiene-how-to-improve-hand-hygiene-using-behaviour-change-frameworks/)
- [Making sense of alphabet soup: Antimicrobial resistance in gram-negative bacilli](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/making-sense-of-alphabet-soup/)
- [The airborne spread of infectious agents: survival and decontamination of human pathogens in indoor air](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/the-airborne-spread-of-infectious-agents-survival-and-decontamination-of-human-pathogens-in-indoor-air/)
- [Using unofficial sources to monitor outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases: Lessons from ProMED](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/using-unofficial-sources-to-monitor-outbreaks-of-emerging-infectious-diseases-lessons-from-promed/)
- [The good the bad and the ugly: Methods for bedpan management](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-methods-for-bedpan-management/)
- [Cost analysis of universal screening vs. risk factor-based screening for MRSA](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/cost-analysis-of-universal-screening-vs-risk-factor-based-screening-for-mrsa/)
- [Fight antibiotic resistance: It's in your hands](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/fight-antibiotic-resistance-its-in-your-hands/)
- [Do's and Dont's for hospital cleaning](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/dos-and-donts-for-hospital-cleaning/)
- [Technologic innovations to prevent catheter-related bloodstream infections](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/technologic-innovations-to-prevent-catheter-related-bloodstream-infections/)
- [Screening for Staph aureus before surgery ... why bother?](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/screening-for-staph/)
- [Emerging antimicrobial resistance: A view (and response) from Down Under](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/emerging-antimicrobial-resistance-a-view-and-response-from-down-under/)
- [Treatment of severe MRSA infections: current practice and further development](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/treatment-of-severe-mrsa-infections-current-practice-and-further-development/)
- [How to become CIC certified without becoming certifiable](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/how-to-become-cic-certified-without-becoming-certifiable/)
- [The role of dry surface contamination in healthcare infection transmission](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/the-role-of-dry-surface-contamination-in-healthcare-infection-transmission/)
- [Using expert process to combat Clostridium difficile infections](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/using-expert-process-to-combat-clostridium-difficile-infections/)
- [Evaluation of infection control training](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/evaluation-of-infection-control-training/)
- [Knowledge gap about Ebola Virus Disease among health workers in hotspots in Sudan](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/knowledge-gap-about-ebola-virus-disease-among-health-workers-in-hotspots-in-sudan/)
- [Heater-cooler unit associated mycobacterium chimaera infections: an outbreak in slow motion](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/heater-cooler-unit-associated-mycobacterium-chimaera-infections-an-outbreak-in-slow-motion/)
- [The role of intersectional innovations in preventing infection](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/the-role-of-intersectional-innovations-in-preventing-infection/)
- [Infection control in elderly care institutions: Where should we go?](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/infection-control-in-elderly-care-institutions-where-should-we-go/)
- [Viability of bacteria on fabrics](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/viability-of-bacteria-on-fabrics/)
- [Norovirus and healthcare facilities: How to keep the virus out and what to do when it gets in](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/norovirus-and-healthcare-facilities-how-to-keep-the-virus-out-and-what-to-do-when-it-gets-in/)
- [Antimicrobial environmental surfaces in healthcare settings: Can they really be beneficial?](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/antimicrobial-environmental-surfaces-in-healthcare-settings-can-they-really-be-beneficial/)
- [Collaboration and support of the CIC certification examination](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/the-history-of-cbic-and-why-certification-is-still-important-today/)
- [Update on strategies for cleaning and disinfection of environmental surfaces in healthcare](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/update-on-strategies-for-cleaning-and-disinfection-of-environmental-surfaces-in-healthcare/)
- [Can patient empowerment be used as a strategy to improve infection control compliance? (South Pacific teleclass)](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/can-patient-empowerment-be-used-as-a-strategy-to-improve-infection-control-compliance-south-pacific-teleclass/)
- [Adherence engineering to reduce CLABSI](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/adherence-engineering-to-reduce-clabsi/)
- [Debate: Contact precautions are essential for the management of patients with MDROs](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/debate-contact-precautions-are-essential-for-the-management-of-patients-with-mdros/)
- [Hardware or software? Interventions for a sustainable IPAC program](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/hardware-or-software-interventions-for-a-sustainable-ipac-program/)
- [Infection control and pet therapy](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/infection-control-and-pet-therapy/)
- [Use of hypochlorite (bleach) in healthcare facilities](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/use-of-hypochlorite-bleach-in-healthcare-facilities/)
- [Results of qualitative research on implementation of IPAC best practice in European hospitals](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/results-of-qualitative-research-on-implementation-of-ipac-best-practice-in-european-hospitals/)
- [Exploring the role of environmental surfaces in occupational infection prevention](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/exploring-the-role-of-environmental-surfaces-in-occupational-infection-prevention/)
- [Sharps injury prevention (South Pacific teleclass)](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/sharps-injury-prevention-south-pacific-teleclass/)
- [Strategies to reduce skin injury in critically ill patients](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/strategies-to-reduce-skin-injury-in-critically-ill-patients/)
- [Controlling the spread of VRE: Is active surveillance worthwhile?](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/controlling-the-spread-of-vre-is-active-surveillance-worthwhile/)
- [Being heard: the infection preventionist and the organizational structure (Live from APIC)](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/being-heard-the-infection-preventionist-and-the-organizational-structure/)
- [Bridging the gap between research and practice in long-term care (Live from APIC)](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/bridging-the-gap-between-research-and-practice-in-long-term-care-an-innovative-model-for-success/)
- [Are your cleaning wipes safe? Evidence supporting the “one room - one wipe” approach in healthcare settings](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/are-your-cleaning-wipes-safe-evidence-supporting-the-one-room-one-wipe-approach-in-healthcare-settings/)
- [The Global Mycobacterium Chimaera Outbreak In Cardiac Surgery](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/the-global-mycobacterium-chimaera-outbreak-in-cardiac-surgery/)
- [Infection prevention and control with Accreditation Canada Qmentum program](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/accreditation/)
- [Hand hygiene supports safe surgical care](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/hand-hygiene-supports-safe-surgical-care/)
- [Physicians, farmers, and the politics of antibiotic resistance (From IPAC conference)](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/physicians-farmers-and-the-politics-of-antibiotic-resistance/)
- [What’s new in number 2? Update on diarrheal disease from a global perspective (From IPAC conference)](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/whats-new-in-number-2-update-on-diarrheal-disease-from-a-global-perspective/)
- [Implementation of clinical indication dwell time for peripheral IV - check the patient not the clock](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/implementation-of-clinical-indication-dwell-time-for-peripheral-iv-check-the-patient-not-the-clock/)
- [Infection prevention resources: A discussion of strategies to calculate appropriate IPC personnel resources](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/infection-prevention-resources-too-few-too-many-a-discussion-of-strategies-to-calculate-appropriate-ip-personnel-resources/)
- [Preventing invasive candida infections: Where could we do better?](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/preventing-invasive-candida-infections-where-could-we-do-better/)
- [Successful implementation of CAUTI bundles: lessons learned](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/successful-implementation-of-catheter-associated-urinary-tract-infection-bundles-lessons-learned/)
- [Barriers to TB infection control in developing countries](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/barriers-to-tb-infection-control-in-developing-countries/)
- [Epidemiology, prevention and control of gram negative antibiotic-resistant rods](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/epidemiology-prevention-and-control-of-gram-negative-antibiotic-resistant-rods/)
- [Ebola Outbreak in West Africa: Lessons Learned for Infection Prevention and Control](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/ebola-outbreak-in-west-africa-lessons-learned-for-infection-prevention-and-control/)
- [Successful implementation strategy for the prevention of Surgical Site Infections](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/successful-implementation-strategy-for-the-prevention-of-surgical-site-infections/)
- [MERS-COV: Implications for healthcare facilities](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/mers-cov-implications-for-healthcare-facilities/)
- [MRSA in the hospital and the community](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/mrsa-in-the-hospital-and-the-community/)
- [Rising to the challenge of multidrug-resistant gram-negative rods (CRE & friends)](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/rising-to-the-challenge-of-multidrug-resistant-gram-negative-rods-cre-friends/)
- [Examining the "unmentionables" - sanitation and the global agenda](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/examining-the-unmentionables-sanitation-and-the-global-agenda/)
- [HIV treatment as prevention: The key to an AIDS-free generation](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/hiv-treatment-as-prevention-the-key-to-an-aids-free-generation/)
- [Recurrent Clostridium difficile: The Role of Faecal Microbiota Transplants](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/recurrent-clostridium-difficile-the-role-of-faecal-microbiota-transplants/)
- [Salmonella: Trends, prevalence, and control](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/salmonella-trends-prevalence-and-control/)
- [Demystifying the CIC certification examination](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/cbic-and-cic-exam-success/)
- [Root cause analysis used in the field of infection control](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/root-cause-analysis-used-in-the-field-of-infection-control/)
- [The use of social media in support of global infection control](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/the-use-of-social-media-in-support-of-global-infection-control/)
- [Evidence vs. Tradition: the evidence of bathing to reduce HAIs](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/evidence-vs-tradition-the-evidence-of-bathing-to-reduce-hais/)
- [What did the Romans ever do for us?](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/what-did-the-romans-ever-do-for-us/)
- [Can energy management benefit infection prevention?](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/can-energy-management-benefit-infection-prevention/)
- [Is mandatory influenza vaccination for healthcare workers the best way to protect our patients?](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/is-mandatory-influenza-vaccination-for-healthcare-workers-the-best-way-to-protect-our-patients/)
- [To Glove or Not To Glove](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/to-glove-or-not-to-glove/)
- [Gastrointestinal endoscopes: a need to shift from disinfection to sterilization?](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/gastrointestinal-endoscopes-a-need-to-shift-from-disinfection-to-sterilization/)
- [Healthcare infection control lessons learned from recent outbreaks](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/healthcare-infection-control-lessons-learned-from-recent-outbreaks-note-class-time/)
- [Thinking tools for infection prevention and patient safety](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/thinking-tools-for-infection-prevention-and-patient-safety/)
- [Natural ventilation in healthcare facilities](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/natural-ventilation-in-healthcare-facilities-note-class-time/)
- [The power of influence](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/the-power-of-influence/)
- [Preventing infections in healthcare workers: strategies and challenges](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/preventing-infections-in-healthcare-workers-strategies-and-challenges/)
- [Reducing catheter-associated UTIs in resource-limited settings](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/reducing-catheter-associated-utis-in-resource-limited-settings/)
- [Using IPAC resources wisely in Africa (*note class time)](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/using-ipac-resources-wisely-in-africa/)
- [Is your phone bugged? The role of mobile technology in infection control](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/is-your-phone-bugged-the-role-of-mobile-technology-in-infection-control/)
- [Vaccination of healthcare providers: A critical step toward patient safety](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/vaccination-of-healthcare-providers-a-critical-step-toward-patient-safety/)
- [Are wipes (towelettes) effective for surface decontamination in healthcare settings?](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/are-wipes-towelettes-effective-for-surface-decontamination-in-healthcare-settings/)
- [A pragmatic approach to IPAC guidelines in an ambulatory care setting](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/a-pragmatic-approach-to-ipac-guidelines-in-an-ambulatory-care-setting/)
- [Feces management: Time to address the risks](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/faeces-management-time-to-address-the-risks/)
- [Prevention of CDI: What we find in the guidelines](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/prevention-of-cdi-what-we-find-in-the-guidelines/)
- [IPAC in correctional settings](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/ipac-in-correctional-settings/)
- [Preventing Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/preventing-catheter-associated-urinary-tract-infections/)
- [Use of hygiene products to control the spread of virus in a hotel](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/use-of-hygiene-products-to-control-the-spread-of-virus-in-a-hotel/)
- [Sleep quality in adult hospitalized patients with infection: an obervational study](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/sleep-quality-in-adult-hospitalized-patients-with-infection-an-obervational-study/)
- [All that glistens is not clean](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/all-that-glistens-is-not-clean/)
- [Infections in home health care: prevalences, risks, and challenges](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/infections-in-home-health-care-prevalences-risks-and-challenges/)
- [Spotlight on the future of health care-associated infections: a case study to inform global actions](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/spotlight-on-the-future-of-healthcare-associated-infections-a-case-study-to-inform-global-actions/)
- [Environmental cleaning in healthcare: Is monitoring of cleaning compliance really needed?](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/environmental-cleaning-in-healthcare-is-monitoring-of-cleaning-compliance-really-needed/)
- [Chemotherapy - health, safety, and waste management issues](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/chemotherapy-health-safety-and-waste-management-issues/)
- [Debate: high-tech decontamination of the environment](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/debate-high-tech-decontamination-of-the-environment/)
- [Norovirus: understanding diversity in relation to detection, healthcare impact, control and prevention](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/norovirus-understanding-diversity-in-relation-to-detection-healthcare-impact-control-and-prevention/)
- [Airborne Transmission and Precaution - Facts and Myths](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/airborne-transmission-and-precaution-facts-and-myths/)
- [CBIC is making the certification process work for all!](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/cbic-is-making-the-certification-process-work-for-all/)
- [The role of companion animals in infection transmission](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/the-role-of-companion-animals-in-infection-transmission/)
- [Emerging respiratory viruses: Are healthcare workers protected?](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/emerging-respiratory-viruses-are-healthcare-workers-protected/)
- [Infection prevention in outpatient oncology settings](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/infection-prevention-in-outpatient-oncology-settings/)
- [Healthcare laundry: Epidemiology and microbiology issues](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/healthcare-laundry-epidemiology-and-microbiology-issues/)
- [Enhanced environmental cleaning in controlling Clostridium difficile infections in the hospital setting: Does it matter?](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/enhanced-environmental-cleaning-in-controlling-clostridium-difficile-infections-in-the-hospital-setting-does-it-matter/)
- [Public reporting and disclosure of HAI rates: Positive impact or confusion?](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/public-reporting-and-disclosure-of-hai-rates-positive-impact-or-confusion/)
- [Health economic evaluation of an infection prevention and control program](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/health-economic-evaluation-of-an-infection-prevention-and-control-program/)
- [Infection prevention and control in Cystic Fibrosis](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/infection-prevention-control-in-cystic-fibrosis/)
- [Economic analysis of VRE: assessing attributable cost and length of stay](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/economic-analysis-of-vre-assessing-attributable-cost-and-length-of-stay/)
- [Infection prevention and control - the Argentina experience](https://picnet.ca/teleclass/infection-prevention-and-control-the-argentina-experience/)

## Categories

- [Events](https://picnet.ca/category/events/)
- [BCCDC](https://picnet.ca/category/bccdc/)
- [EV-D68](https://picnet.ca/category/d68/) - Enterovirus D68
- [Ebola Virus](https://picnet.ca/category/ebola-2/)
- [MRSA](https://picnet.ca/category/mrsa/)
- [H7N9](https://picnet.ca/category/h7n9/)
- [MERS-CoV](https://picnet.ca/category/mers-cov/)
- [Influenza](https://picnet.ca/category/influenza/)
- [H3N2](https://picnet.ca/category/h3n2/)
- [CPO](https://picnet.ca/category/cpo/)
- [MCR-1](https://picnet.ca/category/mcr-1/)
- [zika](https://picnet.ca/category/zika/)
- [RSV](https://picnet.ca/category/rsv/)
- [2019 nCoV](https://picnet.ca/category/2019-ncov/)
- [Featured](https://picnet.ca/category/featured/)
- [COVID-19](https://picnet.ca/category/covid-19/)
- [IPAC News](https://picnet.ca/category/ipac-news/)
- [Lunch & Learn](https://picnet.ca/category/lunch-learn/)
- [Webber](https://picnet.ca/category/webber/)
- [Emerging Pathogens](https://picnet.ca/category/emerging-pathogens/)
- [PICNet News](https://picnet.ca/category/picnet-news/)
- [advisories](https://picnet.ca/category/advisories/)
- [PICNet Newsletter](https://picnet.ca/category/picnet-newsletter/)

## Tags

- [Ebola](https://picnet.ca/tag/ebola/)
- [PHAC](https://picnet.ca/tag/phac/)
- [influenza](https://picnet.ca/tag/influenza/)
- [antibiotics](https://picnet.ca/tag/antibiotics/)
- [infection](https://picnet.ca/tag/infection/)
- [dna](https://picnet.ca/tag/dna/)
- [fecal transplant](https://picnet.ca/tag/fecal-transplant/)
- [fmt](https://picnet.ca/tag/fmt/)
- [stool transplant](https://picnet.ca/tag/stool-transplant/)
- [picnet](https://picnet.ca/tag/picnet/)
- [respiratory virus](https://picnet.ca/tag/respiratory-virus/)
- [microbiome](https://picnet.ca/tag/microbiome/)
- [environmental cleaning](https://picnet.ca/tag/environmental-cleaning/)
- [surveillance](https://picnet.ca/tag/surveillance/)
- [antibiotic](https://picnet.ca/tag/antibiotic/)
- [bacteria](https://picnet.ca/tag/bacteria/)
- [avian influenza](https://picnet.ca/tag/avian-influenza/)
- [H7N9](https://picnet.ca/tag/h7n9/)
- [nobel](https://picnet.ca/tag/nobel/)
- [Eurosurveillance](https://picnet.ca/tag/eurosurveillance/)
- [meningitis](https://picnet.ca/tag/meningitis/)
- [carbapenem](https://picnet.ca/tag/carbapenem/)
- [CRISPR](https://picnet.ca/tag/crispr/)
- [hand hygiene](https://picnet.ca/tag/hand-hygiene/)
- [4 moments](https://picnet.ca/tag/4-moments/)
- [four moments](https://picnet.ca/tag/four-moments/)
- [zika](https://picnet.ca/tag/zika/)
- [dengue](https://picnet.ca/tag/dengue/)
- [aedes aegypti](https://picnet.ca/tag/aedes-aegypti/)
- [candida auris](https://picnet.ca/tag/candida-auris/)
- [employment](https://picnet.ca/tag/employment/)
- [BCCDC](https://picnet.ca/tag/bccdc/)
- [EV-D68](https://picnet.ca/tag/d68/)
- [Website](https://picnet.ca/tag/website/)
- [H3N2](https://picnet.ca/tag/h3n2/)
- [rhinovirus](https://picnet.ca/tag/rhinovirus/)
- [C.difficile](https://picnet.ca/tag/c-difficile/)
- [west nile](https://picnet.ca/tag/west-nile/)
- [mosquito](https://picnet.ca/tag/mosquito/)