Norovirus Outbreak Management Applied to Pandemic Influenza Planning

Abstract

PROJECT: The EOC was activated by the Infection Control Practitioner (ICP) and the Emergency Preparedness Coordinator (EPC) when clusters of ill patients and employees with similar symptoms were reported in multiple patient units and the hospitals nursing home (NH). EOC consisted of the hospital director, ICP, EPC, NH director, managers from Occupational Health (OH), inpatient units, patient and employee food services, housekeepers, police, human resources (HR), and public relations (PR). The EOC met daily to assess new cases and determine additional interventions. An all staff electronic bulletin was posted after each meeting to communicate recommendations. Contact Precautions were used with all suspected patients. A bleach solution was used for cleaning areas with symptomatic patients. The NH closed to new admissions and visitors. Employees called OH if ill or if family members were ill. HR supported 48 hours of paid time off after last symptom for self or family member. PR communicated with local media. An inpatient isolation unit was established to cohort symptomatic patients with designated staff. Outpatients were screened at check in for symptoms to triage ill patients to an isolation room. Group eating was discouraged. The EPC provided Incident Command management expertise during EOC meetings and recorded decisions to analyze post outbreak to determine applicability to influenza planning activities.