Bug of the Month: Water Baby

Infection prevention is everyone’s responsibility, but environmental services (EVS) professionals are often overlooked. At AHE’s Exchange25, Shannon Simmons, DHSc, is on a mission to change that.

The Association for the Health Care Environment (AHE) is set to host its largest event of the year—Exchange Summit 2025—from June 8 to 11 in Columbus, Ohio. With over 600 environmental services (EVS) professionals expected to attend, this year’s conference focuses heavily on infection prevention, interdepartmental collaboration, and education that empowers frontline health care support leaders to improve patient safety and operational efficiency.

The Bug of the Month helps educate readers about existing and emerging pathogens that are clinically important in today's health care facilities.

Manual cleaning gaps on shared hospital equipment can undermine infection control efforts. New research shows far UV-C light can serve as a safe, automated backup to reduce contamination in real-world clinical settings.

This article explores why it is essential to train housekeeping staff and leaders in health care facilities, emphasizing key reasons and evidence-based practices to back this necessity.

Despite their protective role, gloves are often misused in health care settings—undermining hand hygiene, risking patient safety, and worsening environmental impact. Alexandra Peters, PhD, points out that this misuse deserves urgent attention, especially today, World Hand Hygiene Day.