Shigematsu Clarifies N95 Donning Instructions
Shigematsu Works Co., Ltd. posted a user notice to clarify the donning instructions described in their User Instructions. Updated instructions apply to the Lambda-Line series N95 respirator.
CDC Alert: Increase in Invasive Subgroup Y Meningococcal Disease
The CDC issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to alert healthcare providers to an increase in invasive meningococcal disease, mainly attributable to Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y. As of March 25, 2024, 143 cases have been reported to CDC for the current calendar year. CDC recommends that healthcare providers: 1) have a heightened suspicion for meningococcal disease, … Continue reading “CDC Alert: Increase in Invasive Subgroup Y Meningococcal Disease”
Be on Alert for Travel-Related Measles — Webinar March 28
Join CDC and AMA as they discuss the current trends in measles epidemiology, recognition of measles, travel-associated risks, core healthcare infection prevention measures, and the importance of vaccination. This webinar will be on March 28 at 1 PM ET. Click here to register and submit questions in advance.
Inter-Hospital Transfer Identified as Risk Factor for HAIs
The AHRQ Patient Safety Network (PSNet) highlighted a study showing an increased risk-adjusted rate for HAI in transferred surgical patients compared with non-transferred patients, which in turn results in an increased financial burden on regional hospitals that accept these patients. Learn more.
New NHSN Reporting Requirements
Please read the March 2024 NHSN E-Newsletter for important updates, including:
EPA Updates EtO Emissions Standards
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rule that will require significantly reduced emissions from commercial facilities that sterilize medical devices and other equipment using ethylene oxide (EtO) gas. See the EPA website for more information on the rule, including an updated fact sheet.
Tips for Patients to Avoid HAIs
Read the CDC Safe Healthcare Blog to learn about tips for patients to avoid HAIs.
AHRQ Safety Program: Improving Antibiotic Use
The AHRQ Safety Program for Telemedicine: Improving Antibiotic Use is recruiting primary and urgent care practices and retail clinics that use telemedicine for a no-cost, 18-month national program to strengthen antibiotic prescribing practices. Learn more about how to participate in this program.
CDC AMR Exchange Webinar April 9
The next CDC Antimicrobial Resistance Exchange webinar, “Impacts of Antimicrobial Resistance on Cancer Care,” will be held on Tuesday, April 9 at 10 a.m ET. Learn more and register for the exchange.
FDA Announces Additional Recalls Associated with Nurse Assist Recalled Products
In November, 2023, the FDA warned consumers, healthcare providers, and healthcare facilities not to use recalled saline (0.9% sodium chloride) and sterile water medical products manufactured by Nurse Assist, LLC, and sold under various brands because they may not be sterile. Recalled products were sold under the following brands: Nurse Assist, Cardinal, Covidien, Halyard Owens … Continue reading “FDA Announces Additional Recalls Associated with Nurse Assist Recalled Products”