Tori Whitacre Martonicz is the senior editor of Infection Control Today. She has been a writer and editor for over 30 years and has an MA and BA in English Composition/Literature from the University of Akron in Akron, OH. She lives in Ohio with her husband; son; 2 tiny dogs, Selena Brigid Sophia and Doctor Danger Dog; and a big black cat, Freya. She loves reading, writing, gardening, and spending time with her loved ones. Contact her through her email: tmartonicz@mjhlifesciences.com.
Examining the Impact of Enhanced Infection Prevention Measures on HAIs, Including CLABSIs
October 18th 2023In an interview with Amy Spallone, MD, from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, the study investigates the effects of COVID-19 precautions on healthcare-associated infections, revealing surprising results in central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), C difficile infections, and more.
Examining Vulnerability Factors in Patients With Candida auris in Maryland
October 13th 2023A study in Maryland from June 2019 to December 2021 analyzed 140 Candida auris cases, revealing that patients often resided in disadvantaged neighborhoods with higher crowding, uninsured rates, and racial diversity. ICT speaks to the lead author.
mRNA-1647: A Promising CMV Vaccine Advances to Phase 3 Trial
October 11th 2023The investigational mRNA-1647 vaccine discussed at IDWeek 2023 shows great promise in the fight against cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Developed using messenger RNA technology, it incorporates essential CMV antigens and has demonstrated safety and effectiveness in clinical evaluations.
Eco-Conscious Cleaners and Disinfectants: A Conversation with Kirsten Hochberg, PhD
September 29th 2023Eco-friendly cleaners and disinfectants are important for sustainability in health care settings. They are biodegradable, have a reduced impact on ecosystems, and promote cleaner indoor air quality, all of which are especially important to the younger generations.
Evolving Symptomatology: Respiratory Viruses in the Era of COVID-19 Variants
September 27th 2023As COVID-19 restrictions eased up, other respiratory viruses began circulating alongside SARS-CoV-2. It's crucial to identify cases and understand the symptoms of these infections to track the evolution of the virus and what health care workers should look out for.
Rebuilding Trust in Public Health: Continuing a Conversation with Deborah Birx, MD
September 21st 2023Deborah Birx, MD, discusses the significance of collaboration, innovation, data-driven decision-making, and community engagement in public health. Her insights underscore the need for trust-building and adaptability in pandemic response.
Environmental Spread of Emerging Pathogens: AHE Conference Discussion
September 20th 2023Doe Kley, MPH, RN, T-CHEST, LTC-CIP, CIC, speaks to Infection Control Today about her presentation and other exceptional presentations at the Association for the Health Care Environment (AHE) Exchange Conference & Solution Center
Understanding the Environmental Spread of Emerging Pathogens
September 19th 2023The AHE Exchange Conference in Dallas focused on emerging pathogens and the role of environmental services. Doe Kley, MPH, RN, T-CHEST, LTC-CIP, CIC, discusses hers and other exceptional presentations with Infection Control Today.
Risks, Benefits of Receiving a COVID-19 Vaccine: Is it Worth it?
September 12th 2023“Once people started to get infected and reinfected despite being vaccinated, their interpretation then is this vaccine doesn't work…. But [the COVID-19 vaccine] was never designed, studied, tested, or released to protect against infection.” --Ambassador Deborah Birx, MD
Guidance for Preventing CAUTIs: Insights from the 2022 Compendium Update
September 11th 2023The "Strategies to Prevent Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections" document has been updated by the Compendium of Strategies to Prevent Health Care-Associated Infections. It is sponsored by the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology and developed by over 100 experts from various organizations.