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Infectious diseases and child day care
M T Osterholm1, R R Reves, J R Murph
1Acute Disease Epidemiology Section, Minnesota Department of Health, Minneapolis 55440.
The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|August 1, 1992
Summary
Millions of children in out-of-home child care face health risks due to inadequate facilities and training. Promoting hygiene and supervising unregulated day-care facilities can reduce infection risks.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Disease
Background:
- Over 5.3 million children in the US attend out-of-home child care.
- Millions of children are in unregulated settings lacking adequate hygiene facilities and trained staff.
- Infants and preschoolers are often intermingled in child care environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the health risks associated with out-of-home child care.
- To emphasize the need for improved hygiene and infection control in child care settings.
- To suggest strategies for mitigating infection risks in child care.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of child care attendance statistics in the United States.
- Identification of deficiencies in child care facilities regarding hygiene and staffing.
- Review of potential infection control strategies.
Main Results:
- A significant number of children attend unregulated day-care homes.
- Inadequate toilet and hand-washing facilities are common.
- Staff often lack training in infection control.
Conclusions:
- Out-of-home child care should not compromise child or community health.
- Implementing hygiene education is crucial.
- Supervision of unregulated facilities and judicious antibiotic use can prevent bacterial resistance.