Category: Infection Control

Medtronic device recalled after Lifespan hospital reports infection cluster

Providence-based Rhode Island Hospital saw an increase in external ventricular drain infections after switching to a Medtronic device that has since been recalled, the CDC said April 11.

86% of post-surgery infections caused by preexisting skin bacteria: Study

About 86% of infections following spine surgery could be linked to the patient’s natural skin microbiome, a recent study from Seattle-based University of Washington School of Medicine found.

Health systems ease up on maskingĀ 

Health systems are scaling back mask rules for staff, patients and visitors as respiratory virus season wanes.

CDC updates ventilation guidance for respiratory viruses

The CDC acknowledged ventilation as a core strategy to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses in a March 22 guidance update. 

COVID vaccines cut heart failure, clotting after infection: Study

A recent study conducted by researchers in the U.K. found COVID-19 vaccines can reduce heart failure by up to 55% and blood clots by up to 78% after an infection.

Measles cases about to surpass 2023 numbers in 11 weeks: CDC

Fifty-eight cases of measles have been reported in the first quarter of 2024, the same number of total cases in 2023, the CDC reported.

AI's potential for detecting HAIs in complex clinical scenarios

AI tools might be able to diagnose healthcare-associated infections, but human oversight is vital to ensuring patient safety, according to a study published March 13 in the American Journal of Infection Control. 

MIS-C rates rose last fall

Cases of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children continue to be reported and saw a relative rise during fall 2023, the CDC reported.

EPA finalizes new sterilization standards

The Environmental Protection Agency has issued a final rule that will reduce ethylene oxide emissions from commercial sterilization facilities.

CDC sends team to Chicago over measles outbreak

The CDC has deployed a team to help address an ongoing measles outbreak that originated at a temporary migrant shelter in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood, The Hill reported March 12.