Meg Haskell of the Bangor Daily News is reporting on new legislation in Maine that would require all hospitals and nursing homes in Maine to screen high-risk patients for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)upon admission. If nasal cultures detected MRSA, patients would be isolated and staff and visitors would be required to observe contact precautions.
The bill from Rep. Adam Goode defines high-risk patients include those who are admitted from another hospital or nursing facility or who have been discharged from a hospital or nursing facility within one year; are admitted to the hospital intensive care unit; receive renal dialysis for kidney failure; have open lesions that appear to be infected; are admitted for joint replacement or cardiac surgery; or are admitted from a correctional facility.
In addition to MRSA screening and management, the bill would require hospitals to report MRSA data to the CDC's National Health Safety Network. Information on the prevalence of other drug-resistant organisms, such as Clostridium difficile, also would be collected and made public.
To read further from the Bangor Daily News, CLICK HERE.
Ensuring Safety and Comfort: The Urgent Need for Well-Fitted PPE in Health Care
April 5th 2024Personal protective equipment (PPE) stands as the first line of defense against infectious diseases in health care. Yet, the issue of ill-fitting PPE, especially for women, remains a significant challenge.
COVID-19 Harmonization: Balancing Risks and Benefits of CDC's Latest Move
March 11th 2024The CDC's recent decision to align recommendations for respiratory viruses, particularly COVID-19, has garnered support from the public and infectious disease societies. However, as the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) lends its backing to the CDC's harmonization efforts, concerns persist regarding the implications of this shift, especially considering the Omicron variant's unique characteristics and the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19's multi-system impacts.
Voices of Resilience: Q&A With the Editor of "Corona City: Voices From an Epicenter"
March 1st 2024Step into the diverse and poignant world of "Corona City: Voices From an Epicenter" with editor Lorraine Ash, MA. In this insightful Q&A, learn about the origins of this remarkable anthology, the challenges faced in capturing raw, unfiltered narratives of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the lasting impact of these stories on readers and communities alike.
Rare Disease Day 2024: Spotlight on Rare Infectious Diseases
February 29th 2024Rare Disease Day on February 29, 2024, shines a global light on the impact of rare diseases, including rare infectious diseases. With a focus on early diagnosis and treatment access, this day highlights the struggles of those with rare conditions.