from the editor
from the editor
Infectious Disease Specialists Advise Monitoring , Screening and Communication to Improve Readiness for Avian Flu Spread
Infectious disease experts are cautioning healthcare facilities to prepare now for a potential outbreak of avian influenza . In a commentary published by the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America ( SHEA ), these experts warn that while the risk from avian influenza to humans is currently low , hospitals can ensure they are ready by closely monitoring local and national cases of bird flu and screening patients with flu-like symptoms for contact with farm animals , especially in rural areas where bird flu has been found .
These infectious disease physicians also recommend that hospitals establish strict isolation practices , prioritize protective equipment for healthcare personnel , plan for potential vaccination sites , and ensure clear communication with both healthcare teams and the community .
The experts point to a multi-state outbreak of bird flu , specifically the H5N1 virus , that was reported in dairy cows in the U . S . in March , with a number of cases found in humans . Cases in humans related to this outbreak have generally been mild and usually associated with contact with farm animals . With little to no population immunity , a human-spread outbreak of H5N1 could lead to significant morbidity and mortality , depending on the virulence of a new variant , the authors said .
“ Healthcare facilities can adopt a systematic approach to prepare to identify , confirm , and safely manage bird flu in the healthcare setting ,” says Lauren Epstein , MD , MS , co-author of the article an infectious disease specialist at the Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center and an assistant professor at Emory University School of Medicine .
Effective communication is essential for fostering trust and reducing anxiety among healthcare personnel , patients , and the public , the authors say . Hospitals are encouraged to share their plans openly and explain how and why specific precautions are being implemented . Public transparency is especially crucial if response strategies change over time based on new information .
In cases of suspected or confirmed bird flu , hospitals should use dedicated single-patient rooms with specialized ventilation to prevent airborne spread . The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) currently recommends that healthcare workers use high-filtration masks , gloves , gowns , and eye protection when treating these patients . These precautions aim to contain any spread within the facility , especially as there is a low but real risk that the virus could eventually mutate to spread more easily between humans .
Shira Doron , MD , chief infection control officer at Tufts Medicine , hospital epidemiologist at Tufts Medical Center , and professor at Tufts University School of Medicine , co-authored the paper , “ Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza : Considerations for Healthcare Settings .” The commentary was published online in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology on Dec . 5 , 2024 .
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6 • www . healthcarehygienemagazine . com • december 2024