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Health care–associated infections are not prevented by policies alone. They are prevented when health care professionals understand why infection prevention practices matter. This commentary explores how combining evidence-based practices with education, competency, and a clear rationale transforms compliance into ownership. When staff understand the science behind hand hygiene, PPE, sterilization, and surveillance, they are better equipped to make informed decisions, adapt to changing situations, and engage patients and families in preventing HAIs.

As the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda grows, this commentary examines why sustained investment in NETEC and the National Special Pathogen System remains essential for US preparedness.

Emerging research shows the human microbiome plays a critical role in preventing health care-associated infections, antimicrobial resistance, and dysbiosis, offering new opportunities for infection prevention and patient care.

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.

Emerging breath analysis technologies could provide faster, less invasive detection of bacterial infections and help clinicians monitor antibiotic response, though significant research and regulatory hurdles remain before widespread clinical adoption.

A real-world study from Brazil found the TAK-003 dengue vaccine provided strong protection against symptomatic disease and hospitalization, offering new evidence to inform vaccination strategies during large dengue outbreaks.

What determines whether an Ebola outbreak explodes? According to a new CDC model, it may be less about the virus and more about how long it spreads before it's recognized. Early detection remains one of the most powerful tools in infection prevention.

As health care-associated infections remain a major patient safety challenge, health care providers, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and medical device companies are investing in advanced sterilization technologies. From AI-powered monitoring and automation to low-temperature sterilization systems for complex medical devices, the sterilization equipment market is rapidly evolving to meet growing infection prevention demands. Learn what is driving market growth, how new technologies are improving safety and efficiency, and why sterilization remains a critical component of modern health care and life sciences operations.

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.

Why do listeria outbreaks continue to cause severe illness and death despite food safety regulations? Learn how this resilient bacterium contaminates ready-to-eat foods, why older adults and immunocompromised patients face the greatest risk, and what can be done to prevent future outbreaks.

What should infection preventionists do when a patient presents with possible anthrax exposure after a suspicious incident? This article explores a realistic bioterrorism response scenario, highlighting the critical role of infection preventionists, public health partnerships, and laboratory coordination. It also introduces Bacillus cereus biovar anthracis (Bcbva), an emerging pathogen that can mimic anthrax while appearing to be a common laboratory contaminant. Learn how to recognize potential biosecurity threats, navigate specimen management, and build the public health relationships needed before an emergency occurs.

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.

A recent hantavirus outbreak linked to an Atlantic cruise ship has raised questions about whether the virus could spark another global health emergency. While experts say the risk of a COVID-19-style pandemic remains low, the outbreak highlights the unique concerns surrounding the Andes virus, the only hantavirus known to spread from person to person. Learn how hantaviruses are transmitted, why the Andes virus is different, the symptoms clinicians should recognize, and what infection prevention and public health professionals need to know about this emerging outbreak.

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.

An APIC26 poster described a systemwide initiative at Memorial Hermann Health System that improved staff understanding, consistency, and confidence in medical device cleaning and disinfection through education, manufacturer collaboration, and hands-on demonstrations.

As the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda continues to grow, rapid diagnostic testing is emerging as one of the most important tools for outbreak containment. In this interview, Matt Scullion of BioFire Defense explains why the rare Bundibugyo strain presents unique challenges, how modern diagnostic networks have improved since the 2014 Ebola crisis, and why identifying cases quickly may be the most effective intervention when vaccines and treatments are unavailable.

Researchers used whole genome sequencing and traditional epidemiology to trace a cluster of Paraburkholderia fungorum bloodstream infections to contaminated nonsterile ultrasound gel, prompting national safety recommendations.

A quality improvement initiative at Ocean University Medical Center found that reinstating hands-on urinary catheter competency training was associated with a 46% reduction in CAUTIs and improved infection metrics.

A photo-based education activity helped frontline staff recognize infection prevention concerns, discuss common barriers, and strengthen survey readiness in long-term care.

Many people think of pertussis, or whooping cough, as a childhood disease, but experts warn that waning immunity means it can affect people of all ages. In this Q&A, Prof. Ulrich Heininger, MD, discusses why pertussis remains a global public health concern, the serious risks it poses to young infants, and why vaccination during every pregnancy and booster immunizations throughout life are critical to prevention.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will present one of the most complex infectious disease challenges ever faced by infection preventionists and public health officials. Spanning 3 countries, 16 host cities, and millions of international travelers, the tournament creates opportunities for the spread of respiratory illnesses, foodborne diseases, sexually transmitted infections, vector-borne pathogens, and rare high-consequence diseases. While the matches will last only a few weeks, surveillance efforts will need to continue for months afterward as infections such as tuberculosis and other travel-associated diseases emerge.

Mental wellness remains a critical issue for health care workers. After using Brain-Body Therapy for nearly 2 weeks, I found its combination of guided movement, CBT-informed content, and stress-reduction techniques particularly relevant for infection prevention professionals navigating high-pressure environments. Read my review of this innovative app and why it may help support resilience, stress management, and overall well-being.

Test your infection prevention and control knowledge with this IPC-themed crossword puzzle featuring terms and concepts related to hand hygiene, sterilization, PPE, outbreak prevention, and healthcare-associated infections. Designed for health care professionals, the puzzle offers an engaging way to reinforce key IPC principles while promoting education and awareness.