Listeriosis Infection Primer for Healthcare Providers
With the current outbreaks of listeriosis in Canada connected to deli meats and cheese, The Canadian Medical Association and the CMA Journal is releasing guidelines for healthcare professionals and the general public about symptoms, who is at risk, symptom management, and how to reduce the risk of listeriosis.
In the United States, about 20 percent to 65 percent of all foodborne-related deaths are caused by listeriosis. In people with healthy immune systems, listeriosis usually resolves without treatment after a flu-like illness. However, pregnant women are 20 times more likely than healthy adults to contract listeriosis and risk passing it on to their babies, which can result in miscarriage or infant death. The elderly and people with cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, AIDS/HIV and other illnesses that weaken immune systems are high-risk groups for contracting listeriosis.
A Helping Hand: Innovative Approaches to Expanding Hand Hygiene Programs in Acute Care Settings
July 9th 2025Who knew candy, UV lights, and a college kid in scrubs could double hand hygiene adherence? A Pennsylvania hospital’s creative shake-up of its infection prevention program shows that sometimes it takes more than soap to get hands clean—and keep them that way.
Broadening the Path: Diverse Educational Routes Into Infection Prevention Careers
July 4th 2025Once dominated by nurses, infection prevention now welcomes professionals from public health, lab science, and respiratory therapy—each bringing unique expertise that strengthens patient safety and IPC programs.
How Contaminated Is Your Stretcher? The Hidden Risks on Hospital Wheels
July 3rd 2025Despite routine disinfection, hospital surfaces, such as stretchers, remain reservoirs for harmful microbes, according to several recent studies. From high-touch areas to damaged mattresses and the effectiveness of antimicrobial coatings, researchers continue to uncover persistent risks in environmental hygiene, highlighting the critical need for innovative, continuous disinfection strategies in health care settings.
