Outbreak Management SUMMARY
Updated 11/03 |
 |
|
Introduction
Notify HEIC when a cluster of nosocomial infections
or communicable diseases or epidemiologically significant organism is
identified among patients, staff, or visitors.
With some diseases and infections,
one case may require a response. Diseases highlighted in red should be reported
to HEIC immediately.
- 5-8384
- pager 410-283-3855
- after hours: 410-283-3850.
| Anthrax |
Botulism |
| Chickenpox |
Group A Streptococcus |
| Hepatitis A, B,C,D,E,F,G |
Influenza A or B |
| Legionnaires Disease |
Measles |
| Meningitis |
Meningococcal |
| Pertussis |
Plague |
| Polio |
Resistant Organisms
(MRSA,VRE, VISA/VRSA) |
| Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) |
Rubella |
| SARS |
Scabies |
| Small Pox |
Tuberculosis |
| Tularemia |
Viral Conjunctivitis |
Viral gastroenteritis
(Rotavirus, Norwalk or related viruses) |
Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers
(eg. Ebola, Marburg, Lassa Fevers) |
• Top of Page
• Back to Prevention & Control
Procedures
Hospital Epidemiology
The Hospital Epidemiologist acts as the focal point for the
flow of information. He/She will coordinate the investigation, communicate
required control measures, consolidate and analyze data and prepare
a final report. This information is disseminated to a number of
departments as necessary including the HEIC Chairperson, VP for
Medical Affairs, Public Affairs, the Physician/ Nursing Director
and Unit Administrators, etc.
Outbreak Investigation Management Team (OIMT)
The Hospital Epidemiologist may convene an outbreak management team.
Physicians with expertise in the suspected disease process or organism
may be consulted when a disease with potential mass exposure is
identified in a patient or staff member and when the potential exposure
to other patients and staff members is beyond that which would normally
be addressed by routine infection control practices.
HEIC Staff Responsibilities
HEIC staff will develop a working case definition, direct Nursing
Units to identify exposed persons, identify cases, evaluate previous
hospital experiences with the disease/organism, list cases, plot
the epidemic (epidemic curve), and develop a working hypothesis
for initiating reasonable control measures. The department will also report
the cluster/organism to the appropriate public health authorities.
• Top of Page
• Back to Prevention & Control
|
