Tag

Infection Control

All articles tagged with #infection control

health5 days ago•11 min saved

Pharmacies Identified as High-Risk Viral Hotspots During Cold Season

Experts warn that pharmacies are significant hotspots for cold and flu viruses during the fall season. Because many customers are already sick or have been exposed to illness, high-touch surfaces like sign-in screens and payment terminals become contaminated. Microbiologist Jason Tetro and gastroenterologist Supriya Rao advise that even brief visits can lead to infection. They recommend using hand sanitizer immediately after touching these surfaces, applying a quarter-sized amount and rubbing for 15 seconds, to reduce the risk of contracting pathogens like rhinovirus and COVID variants.

via HuffPost|

#health #hygiene #infection-control

health7 days ago•4 min saved

New York Health Facilities Fail 40% of Unannounced Pandemic Preparedness Drills

A regional study in New York found that 40% of healthcare facilities failed basic pandemic response drills. Actors simulating H5 bird flu infections revealed slow isolation times, inconsistent PPE use, and poor screening for avian exposure across 73 sites.

via Ars Technica|

#h5-bird-flu #health #hospital-safety

health7 days ago•7 min saved

Crown Heights Hatzalah Issues Urgent Meningitis Alert After Young Man Hospitalized

Hatzalah of Crown Heights issued a public health alert on October 2, 2026, warning residents about a recent case of meningitis in a young man. The organization emphasized that meningococcal meningitis is a serious bacterial infection spread through saliva droplets and prolonged close contact. They urged anyone experiencing fever, headache, or rash to seek immediate medical attention, noting that prompt treatment is critical. Hatzalah members are prepared to assist those in need with medical referrals. The alert coincided with the Jewish holiday of Simchas Torah, prompting community discussions about hygiene practices and vaccination efficacy.

via COLlive|

#crown-heights #hatzalah #health

health-and-safety14 days ago•4 min saved

Colorado suspends Monument dentist’s license over infection-control lapses and out-of-scope med spa services

The Colorado Dental Board suspended Dr. Scott Hirsbrunner’s license on Sept. 11 after finding he violated infection-control standards and performed medical spa procedures outside his dental scope. An unannounced inspection of his Monument practice revealed nine deficiencies, including a lack of spore testing and sterile gloves. Hirsbrunner acknowledged some issues but disputed others, claiming documentation gaps rather than safety failures. He is barred from practicing or employing dental staff until further proceedings.

via KRDO|

#colorado-dental-board #el-paso-county #health-and-safety

science1 month ago•3 min saved

Toilet Flushing Releases Bioaerosols; Closing the Lid Reduces but Doesn’t Eliminate Risk

A review of 22 studies finds toilet flushing can eject microbes as aerosols into the air for at least 20 seconds, and closing the lid does not fully prevent exposure, though it may reduce it. Turbulent flushes generate more particles, and higher microbial loads increase bioaerosol release, with potential pathogens including Legionella, influenza and norovirus. Ventilation effects remain unclear, but the findings underscore implications for building design and infection control—especially in hospitals and care settings—advocating lower-volume flushes and lid use as precautionary measures rather than guarantees of safety.

via The Guardian|

#aerosols #bioaerosols #infection-control

public-health1 month ago•2 min saved

Candida Auris: Drug-Resistant Fungus Spreads Through Arizona and 27 States

A drug-resistant fungal infection caused by Candida auris is spreading across Arizona and other states, with Arizona reporting over 300 cases since 2022 and Pima County cases rising from 31 in 2024 to 59 in 2025. The fungus spreads through contact with affected patients or contaminated surfaces, and its symptoms vary by infection site, making detection challenging. Hand washing is the best prevention, and nationwide data show rising infections in 27 states.

via KJZZ|

#candida-auris #drug-resistant #fungal-infection

health2 months ago•2 min saved

Michigan Confronts Surge of Drug-Resistant Candida Auris in Hospitals

Michigan hospitals report a surge of Candida auris, a drug-resistant fungus, with over 500 cases this year and more than 3,000 since 2021; the CDC lists it as an urgent threat. It can spread on surfaces in healthcare settings and cause severe infections, including bloodstream infections. Hospitals say increased testing and strict contact precautions are helping, but the risk to people outside hospitals remains low, and patients should follow discharge guidance to reduce exposure.

via WILX|

#candida-auris #drug-resistant #health

health2 months ago•2 min saved

Drug-resistant fungus Candida auris spreads to 26 states, 3,437 cases reported

The CDC reports 3,437 cases of Candida auris, a drug-resistant fungus, across 26 states as it continues to spread in healthcare settings. Infections range from skin to bloodstream and can be difficult to treat due to antifungal resistance. Transmission occurs via contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces, and effective containment hinges on screening patients and strict infection-control measures, including hand hygiene, room isolation, and proper use of protective gear.

via WTVG|

#antifungal-resistance #candida-auris #cdc

health2 months ago•2 min saved

Drug-Resistant Fungus Candida auris Spreads Across 26 States

The CDC reports 3,437 cases of Candida auris—a drug-resistant yeast—across 26 states as of July 25, 2026. Infections range from skin to bloodstream and can be difficult to treat due to antifungal resistance. Case numbers have risen over the past decade, though the growth rate is slowing. Prevention focuses on screening patients, strict hand hygiene, isolating infected individuals, and thorough disinfection and use of protective equipment in healthcare facilities.

via WKYT|

#antifungal-resistance #candida-auris #cdc

health2 months ago•2 min saved

Drug-Resistant Candida auris Expands to 26 States, CDC Reports

The CDC says the drug-resistant fungus Candida auris has spread to 26 states with 3,437 reported cases in 2026, mainly in hospitals and nursing facilities. Infections can range from skin infections to bloodstream infections and may be hard to treat due to antifungal resistance. Transmission occurs via contact and contaminated surfaces; prevention focuses on patient screening, strict hand hygiene, thorough disinfection, patient isolation, and using gloves and gowns during care.

via ksnblocal4.com|

#candida-auris #cdc #drug-resistant

health2 months ago•3 min saved

CDC Warns: Drug-Resistant Candida Auris Spreads to 23 States

Candida auris, a drug-resistant fungus, has spread to 23 states with more than 3,000 cases in 2026 (3,130 reported by July 18). It mainly threatens people with serious underlying conditions and is difficult to treat due to multi-drug resistance. Transmission occurs in healthcare settings via direct contact, contaminated surfaces, or medical equipment; airborne spread is not believed to occur. Early detection, patient screening, and strict infection-control measures are essential to preventing outbreaks.

via WCVB|

#candida-auris #cdc #drug-resistant

health2 months ago•37 min saved

Salon Safety: How manicure tools can spread hepatitis B and C—and how to prevent it

Hepatitis B and C spread mainly via infected blood. The piece warns manicure/pedicure can pose a small transmission risk if tools are contaminated and not properly sterilised. To reduce risk, demand single-use needles, proper sterilisation (autoclave where possible), and gloves between clients; salons should follow infection-control procedures. If exposure is suspected, seek medical advice promptly; HBV has a vaccine (HBIG in some cases) but there is no vaccine for HCV, so prevention and early screening are vital.

via Hindustan Times|

#health #hepatitis-b #hepatitis-c

health2 months ago•7 min saved

Philly dentist reopens after HIV/hepatitis scare with tightened safeguards

A Philadelphia dental office owned by Dr. Kirti Chopra reopened two months after a regulator-identified infection-control probe led to a May license suspension and a public health alert urging patients to get HIV and hepatitis testing. Chopra will operate under a four-year probation, a $14,000 fine, and stricter infection-control protocols, staff training, and surprise inspections. Officials say there have been no confirmed transmissions of HIV or hepatitis linked to the practice, and Chopra says safeguards are now in place as she resumes care.

via NBC10 Philadelphia|

#health #hepatitis #hiv

health4 months ago•4 min saved

Philadelphia dental clinic closure prompts HIV and hepatitis testing for patients

Philadelphia health officials urge patients of Smiles at Rittenhouse Square to get tested for HIV and hepatitis after investigators found unsanitary practices; the clinic is closed and the dentist's license suspended; potential exposure window is April 2025 through May 2026; no linked cases identified yet, but risk is considered low but real; officials expect hundreds of patients may be affected and have set up a helpline at 215-685-5488; hepatitis B vaccination offers protection if exposed, while there are no vaccines for HIV or hepatitis C; testing may require multiple blood draws depending on timing.

via ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos|

#dental-clinic #health #hepatitis-b

local4 months ago•2 min saved

Philly dental clinic shut over unsanitary conditions; patients urged to test for HIV and hepatitis

Philadelphia health officials suspended the Smiles at Rittenhouse Square license and closed the clinic after unsanitary conditions were found. Former patients who visited from April 2025 through May 2026 will be notified by mail to seek testing for HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C; a hotline (215-685-5488) is available for questions. No infections have been confirmed, and the clinic will not reopen until infection-control remediation is completed and the dentist’s license is reinstated. A separate investigation by the Pennsylvania Department of State is underway, and Dr. Kirti Chopra is cooperating with authorities.

via CBS News|

#hepatitis-b #hepatitis-c #hiv