In emergency and medical admission departments (EDs and MADs), prompt recognition and appropriate infection control management of patients with highly infectious diseases (e.g. viral hemorrhagic fevers and SARS) are fundamental for avoiding nosocomial outbreaks.
Â
The EuroNHID (European Network for Highly Infectious Diseases) project collected data from 41 EDs and MADs in 14 European countries, located in the same facility as a national/regional referral centter for highly infectious diseases, using specifically developed checklists, during onsite visits from February to November 2009.
Isolation rooms were available in 34 facilities (82.9 percent); these rooms had anteroom in 19, dedicated entrance in 15, negative pressure in 17, and HEPA filtration of exhausting air in 12. Only six centers (14.6 percent) had isolation rooms with all characteristics. Personnel trained for the recognition of highly infectious diseases was available in 24 facilities; management protocols for highly infectious diseases were available in 35.
Francesco Fusco, of the National Institute for Infectious Diseases in Rome,Italy, and colleagues conclude that the preparedness level for the safe and appropriate management of highly infectious diseases is "partially adequate" in the surveyed EDs and MADs. The research was published in BMC Infectious Diseases.
Reference: Fusco FM, et al. Infection control management of patients with suspected highly infectious diseases in emergency departments: data from a survey in 41 facilities in 14 European countries. BMC Infectious Diseases 2012, 12:27 doi:10.1186/1471-2334-12-27.
Â
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.
COVID-19 Realities: Beyond a Respiratory Virus, Addressing Optimism in Pandemic Management
February 28th 2024A recent commentary by Dr. Amesh Adalja in MedPage Today challenges the perception of COVID-19 as solely a respiratory virus, highlighting its broader impact on the body. This analysis questions the notion that COVID-19 should be managed like common respiratory infections, urging a closer look at vaccine effectiveness, the rise of long COVID, and the need for enhanced measures to curb the virus's spread. Let's explore the complexities of COVID-19 management and the pressing realities faced by the US and the world.