Despite many preventive measures, outbreaks with multidrug-resistant microorganisms (MDROs) still occur. Moreover, current alert systems from healthcare organizations have shortcomings due to delayed or incomplete notifications, which may amplify the spread of MDROs by introducing infected patients into a new healthcare setting and institutions. Additional sources of information about upcoming and current outbreaks, may help to prevent further spread of MDROs.
The objective of the study by van de Belt, et al. (2018) was to evaluate whether methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) outbreaks could be detected via social media posts or online search behavior; if so, this might allow earlier detection than the official notifications by healthcare organizations.
The researchers conducted an exploratory study in which we compared information about MRSA outbreaks in the Netherlands derived from two online sources, Coosto for Social Media, and Google Trends for search behavior, to the mandatory Dutch outbreak notification system (SO-ZI/AMR). The latter provides information on MDRO outbreaks including the date of the outbreak, micro-organism involved, the region/location, and the type of healthcare organization.
During the research period of 15 months (455 days), 49 notifications of outbreaks were recorded in SO-ZI/AMR. For Coosto, the number of unique potential outbreaks was 37 and for Google Trends 24. The use of social media and online search behaviour missed many of the hospital outbreaks that were reported to SO-ZI/AMR, but detected additional outbreaks in long-term care facilities.
Despite several limitations, the researchers say that using information from social media and online search behavior allows rapid identification of potential MRSA outbreaks, especially in healthcare settings with a low notification compliance. When combined in an automated system with real-time updates, this approach might increase early discovery and subsequent implementation of preventive measures.
Reference: van de Belt TH, et al. Social media posts and online search behavior as early-warning system for MRSA outbreaks. Antimicrobial Resistance & Infection Control20187:69
Social Media Posts and Online Search Behavior May Serve as Early Warnings for MRSA Outbreaks
Despite many preventive measures, outbreaks with multidrug-resistant microorganisms (MDROs) still occur. Moreover, current alert systems from healthcare organizations have shortcomings due to delayed or incomplete notifications, which may amplify the spread of MDROs by introducing infected patients into a new healthcare setting and institutions. Additional sources of information about upcoming and current outbreaks, may help to prevent further spread of MDROs.
The objective of the study by van de Belt, et al. (2018) was to evaluate whether methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) outbreaks could be detected via social media posts or online search behavior; if so, this might allow earlier detection than the official notifications by healthcare organizations.
The researchers conducted an exploratory study in which we compared information about MRSA outbreaks in the Netherlands derived from two online sources, Coosto for Social Media, and Google Trends for search behavior, to the mandatory Dutch outbreak notification system (SO-ZI/AMR). The latter provides information on MDRO outbreaks including the date of the outbreak, micro-organism involved, the region/location, and the type of healthcare organization.
During the research period of 15 months (455 days), 49 notifications of outbreaks were recorded in SO-ZI/AMR. For Coosto, the number of unique potential outbreaks was 37 and for Google Trends 24. The use of social media and online search behaviour missed many of the hospital outbreaks that were reported to SO-ZI/AMR, but detected additional outbreaks in long-term care facilities.
Despite several limitations, the researchers say that using information from social media and online search behavior allows rapid identification of potential MRSA outbreaks, especially in healthcare settings with a low notification compliance. When combined in an automated system with real-time updates, this approach might increase early discovery and subsequent implementation of preventive measures.
Reference: van de Belt TH, et al. Social media posts and online search behavior as early-warning system for MRSA outbreaks. Antimicrobial Resistance & Infection Control20187:69
Endoscopes and Lumened Instruments: New Studies Highlight Persistent Contamination Risks
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The proposed elimination of ASPR’s Hospital Preparedness Program in the 2026 federal budget could dismantle essential emergency readiness infrastructure and jeopardize national health care safety.
NFID 2025 Report Reveals Alarming Gaps in Hand Hygiene Practices Among US Adults
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Endoscopes and Lumened Instruments: New Studies Highlight Persistent Contamination Risks
Two new studies reveal troubling contamination in both new endoscopes and cleaned lumened surgical instruments, challenging the reliability of current reprocessing practices and manufacturer guidelines.
The Chopping Block: Administration’s FY26 Discretionary Budget Proposal Targets Public Health Lifelines
The proposed elimination of ASPR’s Hospital Preparedness Program in the 2026 federal budget could dismantle essential emergency readiness infrastructure and jeopardize national health care safety.
NFID 2025 Report Reveals Alarming Gaps in Hand Hygiene Practices Among US Adults
Happy Hand Hygiene Day! Rethinking Glove Use for Safer, Cleaner, and More Ethical Health Care
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.
IP LifeLine: Finding Your Footing: Deepening Resilience in the Daily Grind of Life
Infection preventionists face relentless demands, but true resilience begins when they replace self-judgment with grace, processing emotions with acceptance and compassion—not perfection.
I Was There: An Infection Preventionist on the COVID-19 Pandemic
Deep feelings run strong about the COVID-19 pandemic, and some beautiful art has come out of those emotions. Infection Control Today is proud to share this poem by Carmen Duke, MPH, CIC, in response to a recent article by Heather Stoltzfus, MPH, RN, CIC.