Tori Whitacre Martonicz, MA

Following the first reported deaths linked to the Cyclospora outbreak, epidemiologist Tyler Smith, PhD, explains why investigations are so challenging and how infection preventionists can strengthen surveillance and prevention.

Experts say ATP testing, quality improvement projects, and personal patient stories can help infection preventionists secure leadership support for standardized lead apron cleaning and stronger environmental hygiene practices.

Reusable lead aprons and thyroid collars are used daily throughout hospitals, but often fall outside standardized cleaning protocols. Infection prevention and perioperative experts discuss contamination risks, ATP testing, operational barriers, and the need for multidisciplinary collaboration to strengthen environmental hygiene and reduce the risk of HAIs.

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Reusable lead aprons and thyroid collars are used daily throughout hospitals, but often fall outside standardized cleaning protocols. Infection prevention and perioperative experts discuss contamination risks, ATP testing, operational barriers, and the need for multidisciplinary collaboration to strengthen environmental hygiene and reduce the risk of HAIs.

New research presented at AIDS 2026 found that 2-drug HIV regimens and long-acting injectable therapies provide effective treatment while expanding options for individualized care. Investigators say shared decision-making, adherence, quality of life, and reducing long-term medication exposure are increasingly important alongside achieving viral suppression.

New research presented at AIDS 2026 indicates that 2-drug HIV regimens and long-acting injectable therapies are effective treatment options that also enhance personalized care. Investigators highlight that shared decision-making, adherence, quality of life, and minimizing long-term medication exposure are becoming more vital alongside maintaining viral suppression.

Hung Cheung, MD, of the Alliance to Prevent Legionnaires' Disease, says preventing illness requires upstream water management, stronger surveillance, and earlier public health intervention.

International infection prevention leaders discuss how Ireland and Saudi Arabia educate, recruit, and prepare IPC professionals while advocating for broader, multidisciplinary career pathways worldwide.

The FDA says a recent false-positive laboratory result does not change its Cyclospora outbreak investigation. In a media briefing, agency officials explained why epidemiologic evidence and traceback investigations continue to point to shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms as the source of a major multistate outbreak.

The FDA and CDC traced a Cyclospora outbreak to lettuce from Taco Bell in 5 states. Learn the latest findings, expert guidance, and what infection preventionists need to know.

Gian Maria Rossolini, MD, discusses antimicrobial resistance, global surveillance, emerging drug-resistant pathogens, and how clinical microbiology can help improve patient outcomes and public health.

A major cyclosporiasis outbreak is underway. The CDC has confirmed 1,645 domestically acquired cases across 34 states since May 1 — with a multistate cluster of 400+ cases in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky that investigators believe may share a common food source. Lettuce and salad greens are under scrutiny. For IPs: Standard disinfectants won't eliminate Cyclospora, and the parasite is routinely missed in standard lab panels without a specific order.

Why are US citizens still concerned about infectious diseases years after COVID-19? This interview explores public perceptions of Ebola, measles, vaccination, environmental contamination, and disaster recovery, and examines how education, preparedness, and infection prevention can strengthen public health resilience.

How can you prevent Cyclospora infection? This article outlines practical food safety measures, symptom recognition, diagnostic recommendations, and prevention strategies for patients and health care professionals during the current multistate Cyclospora outbreak.

Cyclospora infections are increasing across the US. This article explains how Cyclospora cayetanensis spreads, common symptoms, current outbreak investigations, and the role IPs and IPC professionals play in surveillance, diagnosis, reporting, and public health collaboration.

Why do outbreaks involving Cyclospora, Ebola, Legionnaires' disease, contaminated medical devices, and recalled consumer products matter to infection preventionists? This editorial examines the common lessons from today's emerging infectious threats and explains how surveillance, environmental safety, health care worker protection, and preparedness strengthen infection prevention and control programs across all health care settings.

APIC 2026 presenters Ekaete Usoh, MPH, MSc, CIC, VA-BC, and Risha Patel, MPH, CIC, shared practical strategies for reducing health care-associated infections through health equity, standardized data tracking, and interdisciplinary collaboration while encouraging infection preventionists to take advantage of APIC's educational and networking opportunities.

A new lawsuit alleges a contaminated Olympus duodenoscope transmitted a VRE infection during an ERCP, renewing concerns about endoscope reprocessing, device design, biofilm, and infection prevention and control (IPC) practices. What should IPC professionals know?

A microscopic parasite called Cyclospora is spreading across 17 states. 145 people are sick. Health care workers need to know the warning signs, how to diagnose it, and what to do. Read why this outbreak matters and how to respond.

A Connecticut man's ear infection allegedly progressed to a bone infection and brain abscess, highlighting how routine infections can occasionally become life-threatening when symptoms worsen or spread.

Can structured retention meetings help reduce turnover among infection preventionists? At APIC 2026, Morgan Anderson of Overlake Medical Center Clinics shared how one-hour conversations focused on employee frustrations, strengths, and career goals improved engagement, generated actionable improvements, and helped strengthen workforce retention. Learn why professional development and proactive leadership discussions may be key to keeping talented IPs in the field.

Can a study group improve CIC exam success? According to Patty Montgomery, infection preventionists say yes. At APIC 2026, Montgomery shared findings from nearly 10 years of leading a CIC study group, highlighting the value of peer support, free educational resources, and emerging tools such as AI. Her experience shows that certification is not just about passing an exam—it's about building a stronger infection prevention community.

What happens when your hospital is located on an island, and supplies take weeks to arrive? At APIC2026, Emily Frost, MPH, CIC, LTC-CIP, of Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center, shared how a critical access hospital in Alaska uses innovation, collaboration, and hands-on problem-solving to meet infection prevention and regulatory standards despite significant logistical challenges.

After identifying 2 colon surgical site infections in 2024, Orlando Health South Lake Hospital implemented a standardized perioperative checklist to improve adherence with colorectal SSI prevention practices. Presented at APIC 2026, the project increased appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis, reduced inappropriate antibiotic use, maintained 100% adherence with clean-dirty instrument protocols, and was associated with the elimination of additional colon SSIs during 2025.

At APIC2026, Monica Pogorzelska-Maziarz, PhD, MPH, CIC, FAPIC, FSHEA, FACE, of Villanova University, received the Elaine Larson Distinguished Scientist Award and reflected on mentorship, collaboration, and research that support infection preventionists across the continuum of care.

"Bourbon tick" isn't a joke, as seen in the latest diagnosed case in Long Island, New York. Bourbon virus is a rare tickborne disease linked to severe illness and growing concern among researchers. Learn the symptoms, risks, and prevention strategies as awareness of this emerging pathogen grows.

Live from APIC 2026 in Nashville, the Contagious Conversations team discussed workforce diversity, AI in infection prevention, professional networking, and why APIC remains essential for infection preventionists at every career stage.

Researchers at Advocate Children's Hospital used genomic sequencing, active surveillance, and targeted infection prevention interventions to investigate and control a NICU CLABSI outbreak. Findings presented at #APIC2026 showed the cluster was not caused by a single hypervirulent MSSA strain but highlighted opportunities to strengthen hand hygiene, line maintenance, and ongoing surveillance.

A poster at the APIC Annual Conference and Exposition held from June 15 to 17, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee. After managing bloodborne pathogen exposures affecting more than 3,000 patients, Providence Health & Services developed a multidisciplinary playbook to improve preparedness, communication, and response during future large-scale events.