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Author Spotlight: Advancements in Multiplex Detection of Respiratory Viruses
Published on: November 10, 2023
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.
Objective:
MERS-CoV infection is uncommonly identified among patients visiting healthcare facilities & we were vigilant in screening all patients entering our hospital to prevent cross infection among patients, visitors & healthcare providers and aiming to prevent potential outbreaks with MERS-CoV infection. In spite of our efforts on practicing Failure Mode Effect Analysis for MERS-CoV infection management we ended up having an outbreak with MERS-CoV. Based on our experience, we actively implemented policies, procedures & practices on early identification & appropriate isolation practices along with supplemental infection prevention & control measures for preventing future outbreaks at our healthcare facility.
Methods:
Retrospectively we analyzed our failure in preventing the outbreak of MERS-CoV infection among our hospitalized patients by identifying the outbreak & actively intervening as a team to control the outbreak with the support of Hospital Higher management, Administrators, Quality improvement team, Infection prevention & control team & the active support of all healthcare workers of the facility.
Results:
Following the early identification of MERS-CoV outbreak, we could successfully prevent large scale outbreak both in the hospital & the community.
Conclusion:
Continuous implementation of infection prevention & control standards along with early clinical diagnosis of MERS-CoV infections based on the case definition as laid out by the Ministry of Health will prevent infectious outbreaks at healthcare facilities.
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.
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