In this Hot Topics in IPC, Saskia v. Popescu, PhD, MPH, MA, CIC, gives her expert outlook on the latest on COVID-19, UV-C, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and more.
Hot Topics in IPC Today with Saskia v. Popescu, PhD, MPH, MA, CIC
Increasing COVID-19 Cases and a New Variant
Here we are again…sort of? While recent higher rates of COVID-19 cases represent an increase in cases, I’m not sure I would call this a surge (yet). The CDC has reported increases across a few metrics: up 18.8% hospitalizations in the last week (meaning 15,067 hospitalizations) and +17.6% deaths in the previous week. Most states reported increases, with 26 noting a “substantial increase” in hospitalizations, which is worrisome. The hard part of this is that we’re substantially data. Since the US pulled back most of its testing and data reporting infrastructure, this leaves us very dependent upon a few things: CDC data reporting, local public health data (which feeds into the CDC), hospital-specific data (ie internal), and wastewater surveillance. Our hospital-based data is beneficial, and now that many aren’t doing admission testing, that translates to even less information.
Moreover, hospital-based data allow us to identify health care-onset cases. A new study reiterated this: “Our models indicated that hospital-onset SARS-CoV-2 infection rates were lower among hospitals with greater than 50% of hospitalizations tested for SARS-CoV-2 infection at admission vs those with 25% to 50% tested.” The same study found that of the 4.4 million hospitalizations reviewed, 171k involved COVID-19, and 4.4% were found to be health care-associated and health care-onset. In short, this means that we should be doing admission testing, especially during rising cases.
On top of this, we’re assessing a new variant, BA.2.86, which has seen a stark increase in cases as more efforts are made to identify how far spread it is. A tracking system has shed light on this, showing cases in Denmark (10 so far, which is the highest), the US, Sweden, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Portugal, Israel, and Canada. It’s too early to know if this will cause Omicron-level disruption or what it means for cases come this fall. In response, though, efforts are being made to increase vaccine readiness and deployment a bit earlier, likely in September instead of October.
It is time to start booster reminders for staff! This also serves as an important time to discuss respiratory virus season restrictions and how COVID-19 might be incorporated into it, given the nonemergent state we are now in with SARS-CoV-2.
Here are a few more things to consider:
Undermining Public Health: Nearly 1300 Cut From CDC With More to Come
February 14th 2025The Trump administration’s decision to terminate nearly 1,300 CDC employees weakens America’s public health defenses, jeopardizes critical research, and endangers the nation’s preparedness for future health crises.
Infection Intel: GermZapp Is the Innovative Hand Hygiene System IPC Needs
February 14th 2025GermZAPP 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.
Strengthening Infection Prevention: APIC Urges Support From HHS Secretary Kennedy
February 13th 2025APIC congratulates Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr on his appointment and urges support for infection prevention priorities, including NHSN funding, workforce development, nursing home IPC improvements, medical device cleaning standards, and global health collaboration.
Universities and States Sue NIH Over Funding Cuts, Federal Judge Temporarily Halts Policy
February 13th 2025Twelve universities and 3 education groups filed a lawsuit against the NIH and HHS, challenging a 15% cap on research grant funding. A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order, halting the cuts while litigation proceeds. A hearing is set for February 21, 2025, and states and institutions are pushing for permanent relief.