State and federal health officials investigate potential adverse reactions from steroid injections

Federal and state health officials are conducting an investigation of adverse reactions associated with steroid injections from Main Street Family Pharmacy in Tennessee. State health officials in Tennessee, Illinois, and North Carolina have issued media releases on the investigations.

The FDA has received seven reports of adverse events from patients who received preservative free methylprednisolone acetate (80 mg/mL) by injection. FDA is working closely with the CDC and state authorities on the exact source of these adverse events, but the cases are associated with a potentially contaminated medication.

Tornado aftermath: disaster resources

APIC is here to help with disaster preparedness resources for infection preventionists, first responders, and other healthcare professionals.

Chlamydia: What you need to know

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STD) in the United States, with 3 million infections occuring each year. This bacterial disease can infect the penis, vagina, anus, urethra, eye, or throat and may result in serious health problems. The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology provides a consumer backgrounder on chlamydia including risks, prevention, detection, and more. 

Targeted screening for C. difficile upon hospital admission could potentially identify most colonized patients

Testing patients with just three risk factors upon hospital admission has potential to identify nearly three out of four asymptomatic carriers of C. difficile, according to a new study published in the May issue of the American Journal of Infection Control, the official publication of APIC. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not currently recommend testing of asymptomatic patients for C. difficile, and has provided a few FAQs on this issue. 

Unstoppable Superbugs: Closer Than We Think?

The Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy's Extending the Cure initiative released a new video about antibiotic resistance: Unstoppable Superbugs: Closer Than We Think? Watch and share the video.

Join the WHO “Save Lives: Clean Your Hands” campaign – May 5, 2013

Each year, the World Health Organization (WHO) organizes a global hand hygiene event on May 5. This year’s event features hand hygiene monitoring and feedback and patient participation in hand hygiene promotion. Visit the WHO website to learn more and register. 

Hepatitis C screening for baby boomers

More than 15,000 Americans, most of them baby boomers, die each year from hepatitis C-related illness. The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology presents a consumer backgrounder on the risk factors for hepatitis C, health problems related to this infection, early detection, and more. 

Early bird deadline extended to April 22

Download new Guide to Infection Prevention in Emergency Services

The Guide to Infection Prevention in Emergency Medical Services is designed to help EMS system responders apply current scientific knowledge and best practices to improve targeted outcomes and enhance patient safety. Developed by a team of experts in infection prevention, the guide is now available as a free online download.

CRE: The ‘nightmare bacteria’

CRE (carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae) infections come from bacteria that are normally found in a healthy person’s digestive tract. When a person is receiving serious medical care (for example, involving urinary catheters, intravenous catheters, or surgery) these bacteria can end up where they don’t belong—for example in the bladder or blood. Because these bacteria have become resistant to antibiotics these infections are very difficult to treat. Learn how consumers can play an active role in stopping the spread of CRE.

C. diff prevention activities fail to halt spread of deadly infection: survey

Activities to stop the spread of the intestinal superbug Clostridium difficile are on the rise, but they are not yielding large improvements, according to a nationwide survey of infection preventionists released today by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC).

Download new Guide to Preventing Clostridium difficile Infections

The new edition of the Guide to Preventing Clostridium difficile Infections has been revised and expanded by a team of experts in the field of infection prevention and is now available as a free online download. It features up-to-date research and guidance on the prevention and treatment of Clostridium difficile infections (CDI), and incorporates current regulations. Included are an overview of CDI, strategies for prevention, considerations for specific patient populations, and evolving practices. 

March issue of AJIC highlights multidrug-resistant organisms

The March issue of the American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC), now available online, includes a major article on carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), as well as several others on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). 

CDC issues Vital Signs report on CRE and urges action to stop their spread

On Tuesday, March 5, 2013, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a Vital Signs report on carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) with a call to action for the entire healthcare community to work urgently to protect patients from these life-threatening bacteria.

Superbug CRE may endure in patients one year after initial infection: study

Patients who tested positive for carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) took an average of 387 days following hospital discharge to be clear of the organism, according to a new study published in the March issue of the American Journal of Infection Control, the official publication of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC). 

Outbreaks, epidemics and pandemics—what you need to know

What is the difference between outbreaks, epidemics and pandemics? What do consumers need to know to be best prepared? The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) presents some practical information so everyone can feel most prepared. 

CDC: Hospitals report reductions in some types of HAIs

Study: Infection preventionists know safe care

There is general agreement among hospital infection preventionists (IPs) with respect to which practices have weak or strong evidence supporting their use to prevent healthcare-associated infection, according to a new study published in the February issue of the American Journal of Infection Control, the official publication of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC). 

February issue of AJIC highlights prevention of CLABSI

The February issue of the American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC), now available online, includes articles that focus on prevention of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) and other important topics.

Trace the history of APIC

Trace the history of APIC