Disposable Towels Research Articles

Assessment of Hospital Infection Prevention and Control Practices: Insights from Kampala International University Teaching Hospital, Ishaka, Uganda

The study aimed to identify factors affecting hospital infection prevention and control practices among medical personnel at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital in Ishaka, Uganda. The research was conducted using a quantitative descriptive research design. The result revealed that 76% of respondents felt they had sufficient knowledge about infection control and prevention practices. However, 34% of respondents found precautionary measures interfered with their work, and 70% recap needles after use. Only 32% reported a 0.3% chance of acquiring HIV after a needle stick injury. The study also showed 44% of respondents had received training on hand washing within 6 months. Most respondents 78% were able to wash hands before and after procedures. Only 44% of respondents had received training on waste segregation within a 6-month period. Policies and guidelines also influenced infection prevention and control practices. 52% of respondents considered the hospital infection prevention and control committee active, and 78% of them believed that waste segregation and post-exposure prophylaxis policies were available in their departments. The study found that hand washing is being carried out as recommended due to adequate on-the-job training. However, 54% of staff perceive hand washing as a challenge, and 78% were able to wash hands before and after every procedure as recommended. Only 30% of workers have access to a regular supply of soap and detergents for washing hands. Waste segregation is being practiced as recommended, but challenges persist for medical personnel. The management team should integrate infection prevention and control into the regular supervision of healthcare providers. The study suggests that promoting hand washing in a hospital requires adequate training, facilities, supplies, staffing, and a positive attitude. It recommends frequent hand washing training, accessible running water infrastructure, disposable towels, and soap and detergents. Staff should be trained on attitude change and proper waste segregation. Keywords: Hospital, Infection, Waste, Hand washing, supplies, training.

Hydrothermal carbonization of size-controlled carbon microspheres from waste disposable towel with correlation analyze

The utilization of one-step hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) process on disposable waste towels resulted in the production of carbon microspheres characterized by uniform particle sizes. By adjusting the concentration of reactants, temperature, and residence time during hydrothermal carbonization, precise control over the size and surface morphology of carbon microspheres can be achieved. Additionally, an in-depth analysis of the chemical structure of carbon spheres was conducted, which enabled the formulation of a comprehensive mechanism for their formation and growth. The calculation of various morphological parameters was carried out based on the examination of carbon microspheres using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) of the carbon microspheres under different hydrothermal carbonization conditions. The correlation of two experimental parameters, four size descriptors, four morphology descriptors, and the adsorption properties were also investigated for carbon microspheres, which simplified various characterization parameters of the carbon microspheres. The analysis of the correlation between various parameters holds significant guidance in simplifying the parameters and optimizing the process.

Minimum wiping pressure and number of wipes that can remove dirt during bed baths using disposable towels: a multi-study approach

BackgroundFriction irritation by wiping increases the risk of skin problems. In bed baths with cotton towels, wiping three times with weak pressure (10–20 mmHg ≈ 1333–2666 Pa) can remove dirt while maintaining skin barrier function. However, few studies have examined the appropriate frictional irritation with disposable towels. This study aimed to analyse the wiping pressure and number of wipes currently applied by nurses when using disposable towels during bed baths and propose the minimum values for removing dirt from the skin.MethodsThis multi-study approach consisted of cross-sectional and crossover design components. In Study 1, 101 nurses in two hospitals were observed by recording the wiping pressure and number of wipes when using both disposable (nonwoven) and cotton (woven) towels. Wiping pressure and number of wipes by towel materials were analysed using a linear mixed model. In Study 2, 50 adults received oily and aqueous dirt on their forearms, which were wiped six-times with disposable towels, applying randomly assigned pressure categories. We used colour image analysis and a linear mixed model to estimate the dirt removal rate for each combination of wiping pressure and number of wipes.ResultsStudy 1 showed that although wiping pressure did not differ by towel material, the number of wipes was significantly higher for disposable wipes than cotton wipes. Approximately 5% of nurses applied strong wiping pressure or wiped too often. In Study 2, wiping three times with disposable towels at least 5–10 mmHg achieved dirt removal rates of ≥80%.ConclusionsSome nurses excessively wiped using disposable towels, which might cause skin problems. However, excessive wiping is not required to adequately remove dirt, regardless of the towel material used in various clinical situations. We recommend wiping at 10–20 mmHg of pressure (just like stroking gently) at least three times to improve the quality of bed baths. These findings highlight the need to develop skin-friendly bed bath educational programmes, particularly using appropriate frictional irritation to reduce the risk of skin problems.

Investigating particulate production in the operating suite following the use of waterless alcohol based dry scrub versus traditional hand washing and drying with commonly used surgical towels: An experimental study

An often-overlooked item that could cause contamination in the operating suite are the towels used for hand drying following surgical scrub. The purpose of this current study was to determine if there was a difference in the particulate count from different hand drying methods following surgical hand preparation. Three simulated hand drying groups were established: disposable sterilized surgical towels, reusable sterilized surgical towels, and a waterless alcohol-based dry rub. Particle size measurements of 0.3 µm, 5.0 µm, and 10.0 µm were collected at time zero and repeated every minute for 5 minutes for a total of 10 trials each. Both the reusable and disposable towels produced significantly more particle matter in all size groups compared to the alcohol scrub control group. A comparison analysis and ANOVA testing demonstrated that alcohol dry scrub produced significantly fewer particles compared to both the disposable blue towels (P < .01) and the reusable green towels (P < 0.01). Disposable towels produced significantly more particles in the 0.3 µm count compared to reusable towels (P < .05). An alcohol-based dry rub without using a towel yielded the lowest amount of particulate formation in this experimental model, while reusable surgical towels produced the highest number of particles. Level II Experimental Study.

Agritourism and Kidding Season: A Large Outbreak of Human Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli O157 (STEC O157) Infections Linked to a Goat Dairy Farm-Connecticut, 2016.

The objective of this study was to determine sources of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157 (STEC O157) infection among visitors to Farm X and develop public health recommendations. A case-control study was conducted. Case-patients were defined as the first ill child (aged <18 years) in the household with laboratory-confirmed STEC O157, or physician-diagnosed hemolytic uremic syndrome with laboratory confirmation by serology, who visited Farm X in the 10 days prior to illness. Controls were selected from Farm X visitors aged <18 years, without symptoms during the same time period as case-patients. Environment and animal fecal samples collected from Farm X were cultured; isolates from Farm X were compared with patient isolates using whole genome sequencing (WGS). Case-patients were more likely than controls to have sat on hay bales at the doe barn (adjusted odds ratio: 4.55; 95% confidence interval: 1.41–16.13). No handwashing stations were available; limited hand sanitizer was provided. Overall, 37% (29 of 78) of animal and environmental samples collected were positive for STEC; of these, 62% (18 of 29) yielded STEC O157 highly related by WGS to patient isolates. STEC O157 environmental contamination and fecal shedding by goats at Farm X was extensive. Farms should provide handwashing stations with soap, running water, and disposable towels. Access to animal areas, including animal pens and enclosures, should be limited for young children who are at risk for severe outcomes from STEC O157 infection. National recommendations should be adopted to reduce disease transmission.

The practice of hand hygiene in the maternities of the public hospitals of Lubumbashi

Introduction: The objective of this study was to evaluate the practice of hand hygiene in the maternities of the public hospitals of Lubumbashi. Method and techniques: We carried out a cross-sectional descriptive study in which the population consisted on the one hand of the technical rooms of the maternity hospitals and the operating rooms for cesarean sections and on the other hand the nurses responsible for these maternities. The observation technique using an observation guide of the WHO model allowed us to collect the data. Results: Hand hygiene was not properly carried out in the maternity wards of Lubumbashi's public hospitals. Most of the prerequisites before hand washing and hydro-alcoholic hand rubbing were not respected, the prerequisites for surgical hand washing were observed only at 21.4%:e wearing of short-sleeved clothing (43.0%),absence of jewelry (78.6%), short nails without varnish and false nails (50.0%). In the absence of hydroalcoholic solution (SHA) (71.4%) for the friction, they used denatured alcohol (28.6%). The duration of soaping and friction was in an interval between 11 to 20 seconds or 42.9% and that of hygienic hand washing was observed at 28.6%. The duration of surgical and antiseptic hand washing was 21 to 40 seconds to 35.7%. Only 21.4% of the departments surveyed had used the broad-spectrum antiseptic foaming solution, no structure had a sterile disposable brush for hygienic and surgical hand washing, 2/14 departments surveyed had sterile disposable towels, the water used had not undergone bacteriological control and only one service, ie 7.1%, which had non-manually operated bins. Conclusion: Hand hygiene is not properly carried out in maternity hospitals in Lubumbashi's public hospitals, due to a lack of equipment and knowledge on this practice, equipment must be provided and staff trained in hand hygiene.

Effectiveness of bed bath methods for skin integrity, skin cleanliness and comfort enhancement in adults: A systematic review.

AimTo evaluate the effectiveness of bed bath methods for skin integrity, skin cleanliness and comfort enhancement in adults.DesignA systematic review based on the PRISMA guidelines.MethodsWe searched for quantitative studies published between 2004–2020, using the PubMed, MEDLINE and CINAHL. The remaining 25 studies were appraised by the JBI tool.ResultsOnly four of the included studies were of high quality. Studies of above moderate quality demonstrated that disposable towels were as effective as cotton towels for skin lesions and bacterial removal. Applying a hot towel maintained the skin barrier function and provided warmth; cotton towels were effective for cleaning even with weak pressure, and post‐bed bath moisturizer treatment contributed to skin integrity.ConclusionAlthough various methods have been examined, the available evidence is inadequate for establishing best practices. It is necessary to verify empirical research with rigorous methodology involving elderly inpatients and to develop instruments that measure patients' comfort.

Poziom wiedzy i nawyki personelu jako czynniki wpływające na poprawność realizacji higieny rąk w obszarze medycznym

Hand hygiene continues to be the most important part of the strategy to combat healthcare associated infections and the first step in reducing them. Hand hygiene procedures are fully performed by less than half of healthcare workers and research confirms a low compliance coefficient for hygiene (at the level of 1.4–6). The list of factors influencing the adherence to hand hygiene routine protocols (as per WHO guidelines) includes factors related to poor hand hygiene practices, poor hand hygiene practices reported by staff and additional perceived obstacles to good hand hygiene. The following are the barriers and reasons why healthcare workers do not sufficiently adhere to the correct technique of washing and disinfecting hands: forgetting to perform this procedure, excessive workload, haste during routine care activities, lack of a pattern of behavior among other employees and superiors, lack of habits, as well as a shortage of disinfectants and disposable towels in patient rooms, or irritation of the skin of the hands caused by the disinfectant. To sum up, it can be concluded that hand hygiene is and will be an issue that requires continuous action and permanent education of healthcare personnel and recipients of healthcare services. The list of factors causing poor hand hygiene is quite long. It includes, among others, the level of knowledge and habits of medical personnel and requires constant updating, as in the place of confirmed and verified reasons for low rates, newer ones which are specific for the current situation, will appear.

Reopening Your Practice During Pandemic

Back to table of contents Previous article Next article Government & LegalFull AccessReopening Your Practice During PandemicDenise Neal, B.S.N., M.J., C.P.H.R.M.Denise NealSearch for more papers by this author, B.S.N., M.J., C.P.H.R.M.Published Online:9 Jul 2020https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.pn.2020.7b20AbstractAs psychiatrists plan to reopen their offices, they first need to consult their local public health department, Board of Medicine, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and APA guidelines. Guidance from public health and government authorities is likely to change as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves. All practitioners should follow the most current information on maintaining workplace safety.In addition, consider these recommendations:Monitor state executive order expiration dates related to telemedicine, licensing, prescribing, and regulatory compliance, especially if you are providing telepsychiatry to out-of-state patients.As executive orders expire, it may be necessary to obtain licensure in the states where the patients are located.State-by-state guidance is available from APA here.Consider continuing telehealth visits when patients are high risk and do not require in-person visits and when the psychiatrist is at high risk.Follow the current CDC return-to-work guidelines for health care workers with confirmed or suspected COVID-19.Follow the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidance to determine whether and how to test and screen employees for COVID-19 during the pandemic.Consider opening the practice slowly with limited staff and rotating the staff who come into the office.Install barriers between patients and staff when possible, such as plexiglass at the registration and checkout areas.Redesign the waiting room and group therapy rooms to facilitate physical distancing, such as placing chairs six feet apart and reducing the number of patients in the office to one at a time.Create a written protocol and prescreen patients for COVID-19 symptoms and potential exposure during appointment scheduling and reminder calls and upon arrival to the appointment (may include temperature check).Require patients to sign an acknowledgement of the risks of coming into the office.Consider changes for “no contact” business operations, such as patients checking in by telephone and copays and other payments made by phone.Create structured office protocols and ensure consistency, including the following:Require that every person in the office wear a face mask.Require that patients call or text staff when they arrive for their appointment before coming into the building.Bring patients directly to the session room and space appointments to allow for confidentiality, physical distancing, and cleaning.Implement a no-visitor policy except for an adult accompanying a minor and/or unless required as reasonable accommodation. Be sure to screen visitors.Post signage at entrances and in strategic places providing instruction on hand hygiene, respiratory hygiene, and cough etiquette. You can look for those information on the C.D.C. website.Ensure there is adequate personal protective equipment available for patients, staff, and visitors in accordance with CDC and OSHA guidelines.Ensure appropriate and adequate cleaning and provide hygiene supplies in the waiting area and session rooms in accordance with guidances from OSHA and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including no-touch hand soap, alcohol-based hand rub, disposable towels, no-touch trash cans, and tissues.Clean all session rooms and frequently touched surfaces with EPA-registered disinfectants before and after each patient (such as counters, seating, door handles, pens, clipboards, phones, and computers).Educate patients about safety protocols, office procedures, physical environment, and redesign. Consider creating a video on what has changed and post information on the practice or facility website.Update policies and procedures as regulations, guidelines, and office procedures change.Update your crisis management, business continuity, and communication plans.While this is an unprecedented time in health care, these recommendations are meant to keep you, your staff, and your patients safe. ■This information is provided as a risk management resource for Allied World policyholders and should not be construed as legal or clinical advice. This material may not be reproduced or distributed without the express, written permission of Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, Ltd., a Fairfax company (“Allied World”). Risk management services are provided by or arranged through AWAC Services Company, a member company of Allied World. © 2020 Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, Ltd. All Rights Reserved.Denise Neal, B.S.N., M.J., C.P.H.R.M., is a risk management consultant in the Risk Management Group of AWAC Services Company, a member company of Allied World. Risk Management services are provided as an exclusive benefit to insureds of the APA-endorsed American Professional Agency Inc. liability insurance program. ISSUES NewArchived

Effect of Partial Bed Bath Using a Disposable Towel on the Elderly

Effect of Partial Bed Bath Using a Disposable Towel on the Elderly

Stress buster sessions for nursing students

Stress buster sessions for nursing students

Break Scrub to Take That Phone Call?

The American College of Surgeons reports that 60% of the hundreds of thousands of surgical site infections occurring annually are preventable. The practice of surgeons taking phone calls while remaining sterile in the operating field is often accomplished by interposing a sterile disposable towel between the phone and their glove. After completing the call, surgeons resume operating. The purpose of our study was to test the conceptual idea of whether bacteria transmit from an inanimate object, such as a telephone, to the gloves of a surgeon through a sterile disposable towel. Glo Germ (Glo Germ Co), an ultraviolet light-enhanced particle powder sized to mimic bacteria, was placed on an inanimate surface and held with a sterile disposable operating room towel covering a sterile surgical glove. The glove was then inspected for Glo Germ using an ultraviolet light. Additionally, 18 operating room telephones were cultured and then held with a Sterile Disposable OR Towel (Medline Industries Inc) covering a sterile surgical glove. The surgical gloves were then cultured to determine if bacteria had transmitted from the telephone through the towel and onto the sterile glove. The Glo Germ powder readily transmitted through the towel to the gloves. Median colony-forming units (CFU) on the cultured telephones for the 17 samples was 10, ranging from 1 to 35 CFUs. Of these 17 samples, 47% had transmission from the telephone to the glove, which was significantly greater than 0% (95% CI 26% to 69%, p < 0.001). Sterile disposable operating room towels do not provide an effective barrier between bacteria present on operating room telephones and the otherwise sterile gloves of a surgeon.

Good hygiene practices among meat handlers in small and medium enterprise slaughterhouses in Kenya

Implementation of hygiene practices in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) poses a serious problem, which can increase food safety risks. In SME slaughterhouses, the risk posed is even higher given that meat and meat products are important in regards to foodborne illnesses. Therefore, this study determined the good hygiene practices among meat handlers (MH) in SME slaughterhouses. A cross sectional survey was carried out among 207 MH in five SME beef slaughterhouses in Nairobi County, Kenya and its environs. Five categories of hygiene practices were assessed namely hand washing, protective clothing, prohibited practices, medical examination and equipment handling. The training needs among the MH were determined by categorizing the overall hygiene practices into either poor (<70%), average (70–89%) or good (>=90%) out of a possible high score of 100%. Use of soap and disposable towels during hand washing, use of gloves, cleaning equipment between carcasses and handling the equipment when not in use were poorly practiced. MH’s overall hygiene practices significantly differed with education, experience, training, and age (p < 0.05). In terms of training needs, about 82% of the MH should be considered for training. In conclusion, hand washing and equipment handling practices in studied SME slaughterhouses were not adequate. Overall, their level of hygiene practices may be influenced by education, experience, training, and age .

Increase in &lt;i&gt;Bacillus&lt;/i&gt; spp.-positive Blood Culture Specimens Linked to Inadequate Linen Management

Bacillus cereus is a gram-positive rod-type bacterium that forms endospores and is distributed throughout various environments. It rarely causes disease in humans except for cases of food poisoning. However, infection with B. cereus in newborns and immunocompromised individuals can cause severe sepsis. Inappropriate catheter insertion and environmental contamination, including that of linen, are thought to be routes of transmission. Pseudo-outbreaks of B. cereus caused by poor hospital linen management have been reported and are important issues in hospitals. The number of Bacillus spp.-positive blood culture specimens increased in "A" ward of our hospital. Consequently, the hospital's infection control team was asked to determine the cause of the increase. We performed environmental research in the "A" ward and the entire hospital. In addition, we investigated the current status of B. cereus derection in five core hospitals in the North Tohoku region. In our hospital, B. cereus was detected in towels before use. When the timeline of contamination was investigated, we found that the towels had already been contaminated at the time they were delivered to our hospital. The linen washing contractor was unconcerned with laundry disinfection. As a result of our findings, disposable towels were introduced. This resulted in a decrease in Bacillus spp.-positive blood culture specimens. Among the five core hospitals in the North Tohoku region, the hospitals outsourcing laundry to contractors without bacteriological monitoring had a significantly higher rate of B. cereus-positive blood cultures than those of three other hospitals with infection control policies for towel management. The increase in Bacillus spp.-positive blood culture specimens in our hospital was a result of towel contamination. Based on these findings, we suggest that proper linen management(including that of towels) is crucial for infection control as well as the quality control of bacteriological tests.

Potential Exposure to Ebola Virus from Body Fluids due to Ambulance Compartment Permeability in Sierra Leone

Prehospital care, including patient transport, is integral in the patient care process during the Ebola response. Transporting ill persons from the community to Ebola care facilities can stop community spread. Vehicles used for patient transport in infectious disease outbreaks should be evaluated for adequate infection prevention and control. An ambulance driver in Sierra Leone attributed his Ebola infection to exposure to body fluids that leaked from the patient compartment to the driver cabin of the ambulance. A convenience sample of 14 vehicles used to transport patients with suspected or confirmed Ebola in Sierra Leone were assessed. The walls separating the patient compartment and driver cabin in these vehicles were evaluated for structural integrity and potential pathways for body fluid leakage. Ambulance drivers and other staff were asked to describe their cleaning and decontamination practices. Ambulance construction and design standards from the National Fire Protection Association, US General Services Administration, and European Committee on Standardization (CEN) were reviewed. Many vehicles used by ambulance staff in Sierra Leone were not traditional ambulances, but were pick-up trucks or sport-utility vehicles that had been assembled or modified for patient transport. The wall separating the patient compartment and driver cabin in many vehicles did not have a waterproof seal around the edges. Staff responsible for cleaning and disinfection did not thoroughly clean bulk body fluids with disposable towels before disinfection of the patient compartment. Pressure from chlorine sprayers used in the decontamination process may have pushed body fluids from the patient compartment into the driver cabin through gaps around the wall. Ambulance design standards do not require a waterproof seal between the patient compartment and driver cabin. Sealing the wall by tightening or replacing existing bolts is recommended, followed by caulking of all seams with a sealant. Waterproof separation between the patient compartment and driver cabin may be essential for patient transport vehicles in infectious disease outbreaks, especially when chlorine sprayers are used for decontamination or in resource-limited settings where cleaning supplies may be limited.

Portugues

The hygienic practices must be maintained in any kind of establishment, handlers and environments must abide by ANVISA regulation. From the analysis of the charts there is a great number of handlers, following the criteria of the Health Surveillance Agency, which can be damaging to consumers due to the lack of hygiene in the preparation of food and inefficient site cleaning. We aim to qualify the importance of food handlers and environmental hygiene. Objective: Verify the hygienic sanitary practices of the handlers and environment where food is manipulated, co-relating Law demanded care with the observed. We are able then to evaluate the profile of the handlers, along with their work environment. Methods: It's a transversal research with an observational study, in which factor and effect were visualized at the moment of data colleting, descriptive and quantitatively. A specific food commercial establishment, based on the handled foods public health. Materials: Check list for the data colleting, must abide by regulation, and proven by photography. Results: It was observed that 60% of the food handlers wear improper attire; only 40% wear hairnets, 49% wear tennis shoes and varied types of props. Referring to the handling area 13% of the diners were completely clean; cleaning products were found in 78%; wood or cardboard was found in 38%; a metal or steel brush was found in 37%; dish rags were found in 80%; torn, pierced and dirty packages were found in 55%. Only 72% had their own ventilation system; scrap, garbage and animals were found in 66%; clean surface were found in 67%; proper lighting was found in 44%; proper wiring installation was found in 71%. Lidded sanitary facilities in 80%; trash can with pedal and lid was found in 77%; sink with liquid soap was found in 53% and disposable towels were found in 62%.Conclusion: The results suggest that the snack bars, as well as the handlers, aren't in accordance with current legislation.

Effect of pre-partum habituation to milking routine on behaviour and lactation performance of buffalo heifers

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect pre-partum habituation in the milking parlour on behaviour and lactation performance of buffalo heifers. Sixteen buffalo heifers in late gestation were used for this study. The animals, with an age ranging from 30 to 44 months at the start of the study, were equally allocated into two treatments and balanced for estimated calving date. Eight animals received pre-partum habituation for 10 days before the estimated calving date (group H), while the eight others received no treatment and served as the control (group C). During the pre-partum habituation sessions, group H animals were moved to the milking parlour and left for 10min in the milking stall once each day, where the udder was thoroughly washed with warm water, wiped with a disposable towel and massaged. The behaviours, registered from entrance into the milking stall to exit, were step and kick. After calving milk flow profiles, milk yield and milk quality variables were determined along with behavioural recordings. The H animals during the habituation procedure showed a reduction in the number of steps (P<0.001) and kicks (P<0.01). After calving the H animals performed fewer steps than the control animals at 0 (P<0.001), 3 (P<0.01), 6 (P<0.01), 13 (P<0.01) and 20 (P<0.01) days after calving. Animals from group H also performed fewer kicks than control animals at 0 (P<0.001), 3 (P<0.01), 6 (P<0.01) and 13 (P<0.01) days after calving. In the C group a reduction in the number of steps (P<0.001) and kicks (P<0.001) was observed as lactation proceeded, whereas for group H only a tendency for a reduction over lactation was detected. Pre-partum habituation did not significantly affect milk quality or milk flow variables. Milk yield in the first 3min of milking (P<0.001), and average milk flow (P<0.001), increased throughout the experimental period, whereas the duration of the pre-milking phase decreased as lactation proceeded (P<0.001). This study shows that buffalo heifers exposed to a pre-partum habituation programme performed fewer steps and kicks than control animals during milking. Therefore, it is concluded that using this treatment can reduce the level of restlessness in buffalo heifers during milking.

Putting Patient Safety First: The Sterile Processing Department and Healthcare Technology Management

<i>Putting Patient Safety First:</i> The Sterile Processing Department and Healthcare Technology Management

Outbreak of Shigella sonnei infections in the Orthodox Jewish community of Antwerp, Belgium, April to August 2008

In the beginning of April 2008 three cases of Shigella sonnei infection were identified among the Orthodox Jewish community of Antwerp, Belgium. We conducted a descriptive study and a household cohort study to identify potential risk factors. Stool samples were cultured and antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates was determined. Between April and August 2008, 42 cases were registered. All characterised isolates (n=20) shared an identical pulsed-field gel electrophoresis profile and were indistinguishable from one of the twelve main strains detected in Israel in 2008, where the index case's father had stayed before the outbreak. The secondary attack rate in households was 8.5% (95% confidence interval (CI): 4.3–12.7). Multivariate analysis identified the following risk factors for secondary spread: households with more than three children (adjusted relative risk (RR): 9.17; 95% CI: 1.21–69.13), children younger than five years (adjusted RR: 5.45; 95% CI: 2.44–12.62), and children younger than 12 years assisting in washing younger siblings (adjusted RR: 5.45; 95% CI: 2.44–12.17). Rigorous hand washing, use of disposable towels, information for parents and caregivers, and exclusion of symptomatic children from day care, preschool and school for a minimum of 48 hours were implemented.

Probe of Norovirus Outbreaks Yields LTC Clues

Probe of Norovirus Outbreaks Yields LTC Clues