[The risk of contagious epidemics in geriatric facilities].
THE RISKS OF EPIDEMICS IN INSTITUTIONAL SETTINGS: An epidemic must be suspected when an increase in the number of cases of a same type of infection is observed. Numerous microorganisms are responsible for epidemics in geriatric facilities: viruses, bacteria and parasites. In the case of an epidemic, a certain number of specific measures must be taken in order to prevent the transmission of infection and eradicate the epidemic. IN THE CASE OF INFLUENZA: Other than the vaccination of elderly institutional residents, that of the nursing staff appears essential. If a severe epidemic occurs, specific antivirals can be used, three of which are already available. IN THE CASE OF PNEUMOCOCCI: Examples of epidemics of pneumococcal infections in elderly institutional residents in the United States underlines the interest of pneumococcal vaccines, particularly since the strain responsible corresponded to a serotype contained in the 23 valence vaccine. WITH REGARD TO SCABIES: All the patients and all the staff must be treated on the same day and at the same time their clothing and bed linen. All persons in contact with the patient, the families and friends of the staff, their clothes and the environement must be treated.
Trivalle
Christophe
C
Service de gérontologie et de soins palliatifs Hôpital Paul Brousse 14, avenue Paul-Vaillant Couturier 94804 Villejuif. christophe.trivalle@pbr.ap-hop-paris.fr
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001428:Bacterial Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003234:Conjunctivitis, Bacterial / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D003236:Conjunctivitis, Viral / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D004066:Digestive System Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000517:prevention & control; D005517:Foodborne Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control; D007239:Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D009735:Nursing Homes; D010356:Patient Isolation; D011008:Pneumococcal Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D012307:Risk Factors; D012532:Scabies / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D013997:Time Factors; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D001428:Bacterial Vaccines