Infection Prevention

Infection Prevention Infection Prevention is everyone’s responsibility. Protecting patients, staff, and communities through evidence-based practice.

This page was created to increase the awareness of both the public and private sectors on infection prevention.

Antimicrobial resistance in ECMO patients requires closer scrutiny.A recent report highlights growing concern about anti...
04/19/2026

Antimicrobial resistance in ECMO patients requires closer scrutiny.

A recent report highlights growing concern about antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)—a life-saving therapy for critically ill patients.

Key points:

* ECMO patients are at high risk for infections, often requiring prolonged and broad-spectrum antibiotic use 
* Resistance patterns may be more severe compared to other ICU populations, increasing treatment challenges
* ECMO circuits and critical illness can alter drug levels, making antibiotic dosing unpredictable and less effective.

Antimicrobial-resistance-in-ECMO-patients-may-be-higher-specialized-antibiograms-can-improve-infection-management-and-outcomes

Clinical microbiology + infection prevention = stronger patient safetyClinical microbiology laboratories and infection p...
04/19/2026

Clinical microbiology + infection prevention = stronger patient safety

Clinical microbiology laboratories and infection prevention teams must work closely together to effectively prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).

Key points:

* Microbiology labs detect and identify pathogens, guiding accurate diagnosis and treatment
* Infection prevention teams use this data to monitor, prevent, and control infections
* Collaboration supports early outbreak detection, surveillance, and rapid response

⚠️ Challenges:

* Lab consolidation and cost-cutting may weaken collaboration
* Increasing infectious threats and antimicrobial resistance demand stronger coordination

✔️ Why it matters:

* Improved patient outcomes, safety, and quality of care
* Faster diagnostics and more effective infection control

Bottom line: Infection prevention relies on a strong clinical microbiology partnership to stay ahead of evolving infectious threats.

Infection Control Today serves infection control, facility, and C-suite leaders with strategies on HAIs, patient care, safety, and quality outcomes

Drug-resistant Shigella is a growing global threat—especially for young childrenA new global study highlights alarming f...
04/19/2026

Drug-resistant Shigella is a growing global threat—especially for young children

A new global study highlights alarming findings: nearly 1 in 4 children under age 2 in low- and middle-income countries experience Shigella-related diarrhea severe enough to need medical care—and many of these infections are resistant to common antibiotics. 

Shigella spreads easily through contaminated food, water, and surfaces, causing severe diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. It’s already a leading cause of diarrheal illness worldwide and is responsible for ~100,000 deaths annually, mostly in children under 5. 

⚠️ The biggest concern:

* Increasing antibiotic resistance limits treatment options
* High transmission makes it a serious global public health threat
* Even high-income countries are seeing drug-resistant outbreaks 

Experts emphasize the urgent need for:
✔️ Improved prevention (hygiene, sanitation)
✔️ Better surveillance
✔️ Development of an effective Shigella vaccine

This is a critical reminder that antimicrobial resistance continues to impact vulnerable populations—especially young children worldwide.

News and information for journalists

A recent study highlights that survivors of Nipah virus infection can experience significant long-term neurologic effect...
04/11/2026

A recent study highlights that survivors of Nipah virus infection can experience significant long-term neurologic effects, even after recovering from the acute illness. Findings show that a substantial proportion of survivors develop persistent issues such as fatigue, cognitive impairment, and other neurologic deficits.

The analysis found that about 24% of all Nipah survivors—and up to 45% of those who had encephalitis—experience ongoing neurologic complications. In addition, around 10% may develop late-onset or relapsing neurologic symptoms after initial recovery, underscoring the virus’s lasting impact. 

These results emphasize that Nipah infection is not only an acute, high-fatality disease but also one with significant long-term health consequences. The study reinforces the need for continued surveillance, long-term follow-up of survivors, and further research to better understand and manage post-infection outcomes.

A systematic review and meta-analysis finds residual neurologic effects in 45% of Nipah encephalitis survivors and 24% of those who had Nipah virus infection.

Early use of genomic surveillance, combined with strong infection prevention measures, has been shown to significantly r...
04/11/2026

Early use of genomic surveillance, combined with strong infection prevention measures, has been shown to significantly reduce cases of Candida auris within a healthcare system. By rapidly identifying and tracking the genetic patterns of this highly resistant fungus, facilities were able to detect potential transmission early and prevent in-hospital outbreaks.

This proactive approach allowed for targeted interventions—such as enhanced screening, isolation, and environmental cleaning—before widespread transmission could occur. Despite rising Candida auris cases nationally, the health system highlighted in the report successfully controlled spread through early detection and coordinated infection control strategies.

The findings reinforce the critical role of advanced diagnostics and surveillance in strengthening infection prevention programs and protecting patients from emerging multidrug-resistant organisms. 

Early adoption of genomic surveillance and rigorous infection prevention protocols has enabled one health system to prevent in-hospital outbreaks of Candida auris despite rising cases nationwide. Shaun Yang, PhD, D(ABMM), FIDSA, MLS(ASCP) provides insights on how his institution is handling testing....

Building resilience in infection prevention across Europe requires shifting from reactive responses to consistent, syste...
04/11/2026

Building resilience in infection prevention across Europe requires shifting from reactive responses to consistent, system-wide practices embedded in everyday healthcare. The focus is on strengthening routine processes—such as standardized patient discharges, better coordination across care settings, and sustained infection control behaviors—rather than relying only on crisis-driven measures.

A key priority is improving collaboration across sectors, especially in antimicrobial stewardship. Coordinated efforts between hospitals, community care, and public health systems help reduce inappropriate antibiotic use and combat antimicrobial resistance more effectively.

Digital transformation also plays an important role. Integrated electronic health records and data-sharing systems can improve continuity of care, enhance surveillance, and support faster, more informed decision-making in infection prevention.

Ultimately, resilience is built through sustainable systems, workforce engagement, and everyday practices that maintain high standards of infection prevention—ensuring healthcare systems are better prepared for both routine challenges and future public health threats.

Build resilience against infections through everyday routines: standardized discharges, cross-sector antibiotic stewardship, digital records, and regional networks to shorten response times.

🌍 World Health Day & National Public Health Week ReminderInfection prevention isn’t just a policy—it’s everyday action t...
04/11/2026

🌍 World Health Day & National Public Health Week Reminder

Infection prevention isn’t just a policy—it’s everyday action that keeps patients and communities safe.

This article highlights how Infection Prevention (IP), Environmental Services (EVS), and Sterile Processing (SPD) are the backbone of safe, resilient health systems. When these teams work together, they reduce infections, prevent outbreaks, and protect lives.

The COVID-19 pandemic reinforced that healthcare and public health are deeply connected—what happens in hospitals impacts the community and vice versa. Prevention must move across all settings.

EVS and SPD play a critical role in closing the loop—through proper cleaning and instrument reprocessing, they stop transmission at its final point.

Key takeaway:
Safe patient care depends on strong, supported teams. Investing in training, staffing, and recognition for IP, EVS, and SPD is essential to building safer health systems for all.

Infection Control Today serves infection control, facility, and C-suite leaders with strategies on HAIs, patient care, safety, and quality outcomes

Measles Update: South Carolina & Chicago AlertSouth Carolina’s measles outbreak may be nearing its end, with cases stabi...
04/01/2026

Measles Update: South Carolina & Chicago Alert

South Carolina’s measles outbreak may be nearing its end, with cases stabilizing after months of rapid spread. The outbreak—one of the largest in recent U.S. history—has mainly affected unvaccinated populations, highlighting ongoing gaps in community immunity. 

At the same time, Chicago health officials have issued an alert following a potential measles exposure at an airport, underscoring how easily the virus can spread through travel and public settings.

Measles continues to resurge across the U.S., with most cases linked to outbreaks and largely occurring in unvaccinated individuals. 

Key reminder: Vaccination remains the most effective protection against measles and helps prevent future outbreaks.

The largest measles outbreak in the United States seems to be winding down. The South Carolina Department of Public Health says the state has now gone two full weeks without a new infection. Also, no one in the state is in quarantine or isolation for measles at this time, according to Brannon Traxle...

Infection prevention starts with consistency—every action, every time, for every patient. Small, evidence-based practice...
03/30/2026

Infection prevention starts with consistency—every action, every time, for every patient. Small, evidence-based practices create a safer healthcare environment and better outcomes.

“If it dried too fast… it didn’t work.” That’s the part we don’t like to say out loud. In health care, we rely on disinfectants every single day — wipes, sprays, solutions — trusting they’re protecting our patients. But here’s the reality: If the surface doesn’t stay visibly we...

🦠 Tuberculosis & Infection Prevention — World TB Day 2026 Key Points• TB remains a major global health threat with ~10.7...
03/27/2026

🦠 Tuberculosis & Infection Prevention — World TB Day 2026 Key Points

• TB remains a major global health threat with ~10.7 million cases and ~1.23 million deaths annually
• Rising concerns due to drug resistance, immunosuppression, global travel, and post-COVID public health gaps

• Transmission is airborne via respiratory droplet nuclei
• High risk in healthcare settings if proper controls are not followed

• Key IPC measures:
• Early identification and prompt isolation of suspected TB patients
• Use of airborne infection isolation rooms (AIIR)
• Proper use of N95 respirators or equivalent PPE
• Adequate ventilation systems
• Administrative controls (screening, triage, protocols)

• Healthcare workers are at increased occupational risk
• Ongoing education, training, and compliance monitoring are essential

• TB prevention requires a layered approach:
administrative + environmental + respiratory protection

Tuberculosis affects 10.7 million annually. IPC professionals prevent health care-associated TB through respiratory isolation, staff screening, and contact investigation. World TB Day 2026 affirms TB elimination is achievable through dedicated infection prevention.

Emerging oral antibiotics are bringing new hope in the treatment of gonorrhea—but they also raise important concerns abo...
03/23/2026

Emerging oral antibiotics are bringing new hope in the treatment of gonorrhea—but they also raise important concerns about antimicrobial resistance.

Recent developments highlight agents like zoliflodacin and gepotidacin, which could make oral treatment a viable alternative to injections, improving access and patient convenience. However, challenges remain. These oral options show lower effectiveness in treating pharyngeal infections and may carry a higher risk of resistance if not used carefully.

Currently, injectable ceftriaxone remains the gold standard due to its strong efficacy, especially as gonorrhea continues to evolve resistance to multiple antibiotics worldwide.

The key takeaway:
While oral therapies could expand access and simplify treatment, careful stewardship is essential to prevent accelerating resistance.

Zoliflodacin and gepotidacin make oral therapy viable again for urogenital gonorrhea, yet lower pharyngeal efficacy and weak resistance surveillance mean clinicians must adopt cautious, targeted use.

🌬️ From Droplets to “Through the Air”: Why Ventilation & Respirators MatterA recent Infection Control Today article high...
03/23/2026

🌬️ From Droplets to “Through the Air”: Why Ventilation & Respirators Matter

A recent Infection Control Today article highlights a major shift in infection prevention—moving beyond the traditional “droplet vs airborne” model to a “through the air” approach that recognizes how pathogens spread across a continuum of particle sizes.

This means infections like COVID-19, influenza, and measles can all spread through the air more than previously emphasized, making environmental controls more critical than ever.

Key insights:
• Everyday activities like breathing, talking, or coughing can generate infectious aerosols
• Smaller particles stay airborne longer and increase exposure risk
• Infection risk depends on the dose of particles inhaled—not just exposure alone

Why ventilation matters:
Improving air exchange (ACH) reduces the concentration of airborne pathogens. It takes multiple air changes to significantly clear contaminants, making ventilation a frontline defense in healthcare settings.

Why respirators matter:
Because many pathogens spread through the air, respirators (e.g., N95s) provide better protection than surgical masks, especially in high-risk environments.

Key takeaway:
Infection prevention is evolving—clean air + proper respiratory protection are just as important as hand hygiene and surface cleaning.

👉 The future of IPC isn’t just about contact precautions—it’s about controlling the air we breathe.

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated a shift away from droplet-based precautions toward a “through the air” framework that recognizes aerosol transmission across a continuum of particle sizes. As measles, SARS-CoV-2, and influenza circulate simultaneously, this article explains why ventilation,...

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