Category: Infection Control

5 patients identified with C. auris at Kentucky hospital

An outbreak of colonized C. auris was confirmed at Lexington, Ky.-based Albert B. Chandler Hospital, NBC affiliate WLEX reported Oct. 24.

6 healthcare orgs push back on parts of new CMS sepsis rule

Six of the nation’s leading healthcare associations have penned new recommendations on sepsis care to CMS on behalf of U.S. hospitals, which face the loss of federal funding if they fail to meet new benchmarks.

The technique that could cut central line infection rates by 47%

Having a trained nurse or nurse team present during central line procedures or catheter insertion reduces the chance of infection for patients by 47%, according to new research from the Association for Professionals in Infection Control.

The 10 diseases that caused 75% of US deaths in 2021

Heart disease, cancer and COVID-19 were responsible for nearly half of U.S. deaths in 2021, according to a report by USA Facts, a nonprofit organization that conducts data analysis.

4 developments in sepsis care in 2023

The U.S. is cracking down on hospitals to improve sepsis care. A rule finalized in August by CMS and the Biden administration will give health systems until 2026 to comply with the new standards. In the meantime, researchers are pushing ahead with tech…

New sepsis rule is too rigid, infectious disease experts say

Hospitals and infectious disease physicians contend that CMS’ final rule on sepsis care is too rigid and does not allow clinicians flexibility to determine how recommendations should apply to their specific patients.

Could hospital-acquired infections be prevented with new vaccine?

Hospital-acquired infections have been on the rise in recent years, but a possible new vaccine developed by researchers could be given to patients upon arrival to help prevent antibiotic-resistant infections. 

Massachusetts hospital treats 4 tuberculosis patients

Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton, Mass., has recently treated four patients for tuberculosis. While there are about 10 active cases of the disease among residents in the city, officials maintain they are unrelated and therefore it is not consi…

APIC, ANA to employers: Vaccines should be required for healthcare staff

All vaccines recommended by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices should be required for healthcare personnel, a coalition of 17 infection prevention and patient safety organizations said in an Oct. 6 letter sent to healthcare employer…

COVID-19 isn't the only infection with long lasting symptoms

A recent study found evidence of a “long cold” syndrome associated with a variety of common respiratory viruses, including the common cold and influenza.