HAIs

A Candida auris outbreak in a burn intensive care unit (BICU) in Illinois has highlighted the persistent challenges of infection control in high-risk health care settings. Despite rigorous containment efforts, this multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen continued to spread, underscoring the need for enhanced prevention strategies, environmental monitoring, and genomic surveillance.

Danielle Banks, a UK-based veterinary nurse, discusses the growing importance of infection prevention in animal care, tackling antimicrobial resistance, hand hygiene, and adapting human health care protocols.

Health care-associated infections pose a global threat. In the op-ed, experts advocate for Far-UVC light as a safe, effective tool to reduce airborne pathogens, enhancing infection control in hospitals and public spaces.

Ultrasonic cleaners enhance sterile processing by removing microscopic bioburden, ensuring safer medical instruments, reducing infection risks, and improving efficiency compared to manual cleaning alone.

David Angulo, MD, infectious disease expert, discusses the alarming rise of drug-resistant fungal infections, the lack of treatment options, and the urgent need for new antifungal therapies.

The growing H5N1 avian flu outbreak threatens public health and food security. Without urgent action, mutations could spark human-to-human transmission, creating the next global pandemic.

Reusable health care textiles enhance infection prevention, reduce waste, and strengthen supply chains. Hygienically clean textiles offer a sustainable, cost-effective alternative to disposable PPE, ensuring patient safety and environmental responsibility.

HHS’s move to eliminate public input on health policies threatens patient safety and infection prevention. APIC demands transparency, accountability, and urgent action to protect public health.

Reusable PPE offers a cost-effective, sustainable solution for health care, reducing waste and improving supply chain resilience. Overcoming adoption barriers requires education, policy support, and industry-wide collaboration.

Norovirus, flu, and measles cases are surging, along with rising fears about avian flu, which are raising public health concerns. Valerie Cadet, PhD, shares expert advice on prevention, immunity, and debunking viral misinformation. Stay protected.

Silent threats lurk within—heart infections can stem from unnoticed bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Infection preventionists hold the power to stop these hidden killers before they strike.

Truth is not always obvious. Using triangulation, we can fact-check news, research, and social media, ensuring we make informed choices based on credible, multiple sources.

Short-cycle sterilization offers a safe, efficient alternative to immediate-use sterilization, ensuring rapid instrument turnover while maintaining sterility. Proper protocols, validation, and staff training are critical for success.

Antibiotic stewardship in long-term care facilities relies on McGeer and Loeb criteria to guide infection surveillance and appropriate prescribing, ensuring better outcomes for residents and reducing resistance.

Health care–associated infections like CLABSIs and CAUTIs threaten patient safety. Learn evidence-based strategies, new technologies, and prevention protocols to reduce these infections and improve outcomes.

Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) presents significant challenges for infection control. Learn best practices for safe instrument disposal, reprocessing, and compliance with CDC and WHO guidelines.

A silent invader lurks in health care settings, exploiting human oversights to spread. Discover how vigilance, hand hygiene, and disinfection can stop infections before they begin.

"Climate change is having a direct impact on the epidemiology of vector-borne illnesses. Travel-associated cases of vector-borne diseases do occur."

During Black History Month, we honor the resilience and contributions of Black medical professionals in health care. Despite barriers, they have led transformative changes, advocating for equitable access and medical excellence. Recognizing their impact ensures a more inclusive health care future for all.

Herpes infections pose significant risks in dentistry. JoAnn Gurenlian, RDH, PhD, presented prevention, treatment, occupational hazards, and a potential breakthrough in gene therapy that could revolutionize herpes management at the Midwinter Meeting.

Proper glove use is crucial in health care settings to prevent infections. Guidelines from TJC, CDC, and WHO stress correct selection, usage, and disposal to minimize health care–associated infections (HAIs) and cross-contamination risks. Infection preventionists (IPs) play a key role in educating staff, enforcing compliance, and improving patient safety through standardized glove practices.

Launching a hospital-wide program for non-ventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia (NV-HAP) necessitates a clear structure and toolkit.

GermZAPP is an affordable hand hygiene system designed to educate, monitor, and encourage adherence in schools, nursing homes, and health care settings, effectively addressing gaps in infection control.

A new H5N1 strain was found in Nevada dairy cows, challenging earlier transmission theories. This raises concerns about animal vulnerability, human health risks, and food safety. Experts emphasize the need for improved surveillance, biosecurity, and cross-sector collaboration to contain the virus spread.

Fungal infections are a rising global threat, with antifungal resistance complicating treatment. Neil J. Clancy, MD, emphasizes the urgent need for research, better diagnostics, and stronger infection prevention strategies.