Outbreak of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, Saudi Arabian experience

A Kumar1, Souranshu Chaterjee1

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Infection Prevention & Control, Almana General Hospital, Hofuf, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.

Current Medicine Research and Practice
|June 6, 2020
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Despite initial efforts, a MERS-CoV outbreak occurred. Early identification and isolation, alongside enhanced infection control, successfully prevented wider spread, highlighting the importance of continuous vigilance.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology
  • Healthcare Management

Background:

  • Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infections are rare in healthcare settings.
  • Proactive screening and Failure Mode Effect Analysis (FMEA) were implemented to prevent MERS-CoV transmission.
  • Despite preventative measures, a MERS-CoV outbreak occurred within the healthcare facility.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the failure in preventing a MERS-CoV outbreak.
  • To detail the implementation of new policies and procedures for early identification and isolation.
  • To enhance infection prevention and control (IPC) measures to prevent future outbreaks.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of the MERS-CoV outbreak.
  • Team-based intervention involving hospital management, administration, and IPC teams.
  • Focus on identifying outbreak triggers and implementing control strategies.

Main Results:

  • Early identification of the MERS-CoV outbreak was achieved.
  • Swift intervention successfully contained the outbreak within the hospital.
  • Large-scale community transmission was prevented.

Conclusions:

  • Continuous adherence to IPC standards is crucial for preventing infectious outbreaks.
  • Early clinical diagnosis based on established case definitions is vital.
  • Robust infection control strategies are essential for healthcare facility safety.

Related Concept Videos

Acute Respiratory Failure-II01:21

Acute Respiratory Failure-II

Type I Respiratory Failure, or hypoxemic respiratory failure, occurs when the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) in arterial blood falls below 60 mmHg while breathing room air without a corresponding increase in arterial carbon dioxide levels (PaCO2). This condition highlights a significant impairment in the lungs' capacity to oxygenate the blood.
The underlying physiological abnormalities that contribute to hypoxemic respiratory failure include:
900
Acute Respiratory Failure-I01:21

Acute Respiratory Failure-I

Acute respiratory failure is a condition characterized by the inability of the lungs to perform their primary function: gas exchange. This failure leads to insufficient oxygen levels (hypoxemia) in the blood, elevated carbon dioxide levels (hypercapnia), or both, causing critical impairment in organ function.
Definition: It is defined by specific criteria based on blood gas measurements. Hypoxemia happens when the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) falls below 60 mmHg. At the same time,...
688
Acute Respiratory Failure-V01:29

Acute Respiratory Failure-V

The treatment for acute respiratory failure varies based on factors like the underlying cause, overall health, and severity. A collaborative healthcare team is essential for early detection, often through arterial blood gas analysis. Identifying the cause is the primary goal, with treatment strategies adjusted for ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) mismatch, shunting, or diffusion impairment.
Ensure that patients are monitored continuously for their response to therapy, including changes in...
360
Acute Respiratory Failure-III01:30

Acute Respiratory Failure-III

Hypercapnic respiratory failure, also known as Type 2 or ventilatory respiratory failure, is a severe condition characterized by the body's inability to effectively remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the bloodstream. It leads to an arterial CO2 pressure (PaCO2) exceeding 45 mmHg and a blood pH above 7.35. This situation indicates that the body's ventilatory demand, or the ventilation needed to maintain normal PaCO2 levels, surpasses its supply or the maximum gas flow achievable without...
647
Steps in Outbreak Investigation01:18

Steps in Outbreak Investigation

In the ever-evolving field of public health, statistical analysis serves as a cornerstone for understanding and managing disease outbreaks. By leveraging various statistical tools, health professionals can predict potential outbreaks, analyze ongoing situations, and devise effective responses to mitigate impact. For that to happen, there are a few possible stages of the analysis:
414
Common Respiratory Disorders01:31

Common Respiratory Disorders

Respiratory disorders, a prevalent health concern globally, are generally divided into two primary categories: upper and lower respiratory tract disorders. The categorization is based on the area of the respiratory system they affect.
Upper respiratory disorders impact the airways above the vocal cords, encompassing areas like the nose, sinuses, and throat. Various conditions fall under this category, including the common cold and allergic rhinitis. These disorders can stem from several causes,...
1.2K