Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 17, 2025
Evaluation of a Universal Nested Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction for the Detection of Lyssaviruses
Published on: May 2, 2019
Infection prevention and control measures for emerging infectious disease: lessons learned from the first case of
Yalan Peng1,2,3, Yantong Wang2, Shiyu Li2
1Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
Background:
Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic disease prevalent in West Africa. West China Hospital of Sichuan University (WCHSCU) received China's first imported case of Lassa fever from overseas. We described the epidemiological investigation and infection prevention and control measures of this case following the confirmed diagnosis.
Methods:
An emergency epidemiological team defined close contacts and implemented infection prevention and control (IPC) measures: (1) isolation in a designated isolation room, (2) environmental disinfection for high-, medium-, and low-risk areas, (3) 21-day quarantine for contacts. Data were collected via field observations and medical records.
Results:
We identified 6 close contacts and 74 general contacts, who were subsequently quarantined for 21 days. The hospital environment was classified into high, medium, and low-risk areas, and corresponding cleaning and disinfection measures were implemented. Ultimately, no new infection cases emerged.
Conclusion:
Rapid risk stratification, strict isolation protocols, and multidisciplinary coordination effectively prevented transmission, underscoring the importance of preparedness in non-endemic regions.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:20Infection
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...
01:17Transmission-based Precautions I: Contact, Enteric, and Droplets
Contact Precautions:
Contact precautions are the measures taken to prevent the transmission of infectious agents, especially epidemiologically important microorganisms such as MRSA or influenza, primarily transmitted through direct or indirect contact with an...
01:18Steps in Outbreak Investigation
01:26Standard Precaution
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
01:25Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...