Outbreak investigation in a neonatal intensive care unit.
Outbreaks of healthcare-acquired infection can be devastating in neonatal intensive care units. Neonates are especially susceptible hosts because of prematurity of organ systems, low birth weight, and the use of invasive devices. This article outlines methodologies for infection surveillance and recognition of outbreak events. Principles of infection control in the neonatal intensive care unit are reviewed in reference to an outbreak setting, and a multidisciplinary team approach to developing a plan of action to halt the outbreak and find the source is discussed. Epidemiologic methods for determining the geographical extent and timeline of an outbreak, potential reservoirs or a common source of infection are reviewed.
Haas
Janet P
JP
Department of Epidemiology, New York Presbyterian Hospital, and Columbia University School of Nursing, New York, NY 10032, USA.
Trezza
Laurie Anne
LA
D003428:Cross Infection / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology