Hospital Infection Control & Prevention – February 1, 2008
February 1, 2008
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Quest for excellence hits ethical impasse; landmark prevention program shut down
A recent controversial move by a federal health agency to shut down a highly successful infection prevention program because it appeared to be involved in human research rather than quality improvement has ominous implications for traditional infection control activities, a leading epidemiologist tells Hospital Infection Control. -
UTIs create a danger field, but they get no respect
Though they are the most common infectious complication in hospitals, urinary tract infections (UTIs) get no respect. -
Healthcare Infection Prevention: Hib vaccine lots recalled, production stopped
Recall of a dozen lots of two Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccines and suspension of production by a major manufacturer will result in a national shortage that could put children at risk and will certainly trouble physicians and parents in the short run, Julie Gerberding, MD, MPH, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, warns. -
Healthcare Infection Prevention: Which lots of vaccine are being recalled?
Merck & Co. has initiated a voluntary recall in the United States for 10 lots of PedvaxHIB® [Haemophilus b Conjugate Vaccine (Meningococcal Protein Conjugate)] and two lots of COMVAX® [Haemophilus b Conjugate (Meningococcal Protein Conjugate) and Hepatitis B (Recombinant) Vaccine]. -
Keystone provides keys to preventing UTIs
The Michigan Health & Hospital Association's Keystone Center for Patient Safety & Quality has created a "bladder bundle" of measures to prevent urinary tract infections. Some of the key recommendations for implementation of the bundle are summarized as follows: -
In body or mind? CDC studying mystery disease
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in conjunction with Kaiser Permanente's Northern California Division of Research will formally investigate an unexplained but persistently reported skin condition known as Morgellons.