Category: Infection Control

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.

States ranked by C. diff rates

New Mexico has the highest rate of Clostridium difficile infections, while Alaska has the lowest, federal data shows.

CDC ties fatal sepsis cases to Fresenius Kabi plant

The CDC has traced a string of sepsis cases that occurred after blood transfusions to contaminated blood platelet collection sets and solutions manufactured by Fresenius Kabi.

Leprosy and armadillos: What to know

An uptick of confirmed leprosy cases in Florida is resparking the debate of the disease’s possible connection to nine-banded armadillos, USA Today reported Oct. 3. 

Montana hospital restricts visitation amid increased virus activity

Helena, Mont.-based St. Peter’s Health is implementing visitor restrictions at Regional Medical Center amid a steady increase of flu, COVID-19 and other common cold virus activity in the community.