SHEA Press Release Archives
New Guidance on Contact Precautions for Hospital Visitors
Leading infectious diseases experts have released new guidance for healthcare facilities looking to establish precautions for visitors of patients with infectious diseases. The guidance looks to reduce the potential for healthcare visitors in spreading dangerous bacteria within the healthcare facility and community. The recommendations are published online in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, the journal of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA).
Ebola Planning Created Need for Unprecedented Preparedness in Hospitals
Hospitals and health systems preparing for and treating patients with Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the fall of 2015 faced unexpected challenges for ensuring safety of staff, patients and the community. The experiences are detailed in two studies published online in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, the journal of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA).
Endoscopes Linked to Outbreak of Drug-Resistant E.coli
An outbreak of a novel Escherichia coli (E.coli) strain resistant to antibiotics has been linked to contaminated endoscopes in a Washington state hospital. The study indicates that industry standard cleaning guidelines, which were exceeded by hospital staff, may not be sufficient for sterilizing endoscopes adequately. The research was published online in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, the journal of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America.
SHEA Applauds Strategies Outlined in National Task Force for Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Plan
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) applauds the National Action Plan for Combating Resistant Bacteria, released today. The plan will tackle the growing problem of antibiotic resistance on a national and international scale by advancing a variety of antimicrobial stewardship activities. Antimicrobial stewardship helps prescribers know when antibiotics are needed and what the best treatment choices are for a particular patient to help improve the use of these drugs.
International Infection Experts Selected to Support Global Efforts to Reduce Healthcare Associated Infections
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) has announced the 2015 delegation of its International Ambassadors Program, a community of emerging leaders in epidemiology, infection control and prevention from around the globe. Since 2009, SHEA has sponsored more than 78 healthcare professionals from 34 countries to foster international infection prevention and control efforts through education and collaboration.
Infection Control Experts Outline Guidance for Animal Visitations in Hospitals
New expert guidance by the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) outlines recommendations for developing policies regarding the use of animals in healthcare facilities, including animal-assisted activities, service animals, research animals and personal pet visitation in acute care hospitals. The guidance was published online in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, the journal of SHEA.
APIC and SHEA statement on infections associated with duodenoscope procedures
In light of recent reports of infections with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), a highly resistant form of bacteria, linked to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) issued the following statement.
Unnecessary Antibiotics Frequently Prescribed for Respiratory Infections in Outpatient Settings
A new study found 45 percent of patients with respiratory tract infections (RTIs) were inappropriately prescribed antibiotics in an outpatient practice of general internal medicine and family medicine. The study was published in the February issue of Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, the journal of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA).
SHEA Applauds Obama Administration's Request for Funding to Address Antimicrobial Resistance
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) welcomes President Obama's FY 2016 Budget Proposal, nearly doubling Federal funding for combating and preventing antibiotic resistance. There is no greater threat to modern medicine than losing the effectiveness of antibiotics.
CDC Report Highlights Progress Being Made in Infection Control in U.S. Hospitals
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) is optimistic about healthcare-associated infection (HAI) rates reported today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the annual National and State Healthcare-associated Infection Progress Report. For the first time, the report details state-specific data about hospital lab-identified methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bloodstream infections and Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) infections. Findings are based on data submitted by over 14,500 US hospitals through the CDC's National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN).
Infection Control Preparedness Measures Control Avian Flu in Hong Kong Hospital
A proactive infection prevention plan implemented widely in a Hong Kong healthcare system was a significant factor preventing the spread of influenza strain A H7N9, otherwise known as Avian flu. The study was published in the January issue of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, the journal of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA).
Using Wash Cloths in Jails Shows Promise for Reducing Costly Infections
New research shows providing detainees wash cloths treated with a skin cleanser could reduce the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria in U.S. jails. Researchers looked at the effect on transmission of S. aureus of using wash cloths treated with chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) compared with wash cloths with only plain water in detainees at Dallas County Jail. The study was published in the December issue of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, the journal of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA).
Superbug in SE Michigan Shows Recent Decline
A new study finds a decrease in an emergent strain of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) that is resistant to last line defense antibiotics. Researchers examined the prevalence of vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) infections in southeastern Michigan, where the majority of these infections have occurred in the U.S. The study is published in the December issue of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, the journal of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA).
SHEA Supports Scientifically Sound Approaches to Ensure Protection for Healthcare Personnel Fighting Ebola
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) is dedicated to the prevention of infection in healthcare settings, including the protection of healthcare personnel (HCP) who provide care to patients with known or suspected Ebola virus disease (EVD). SHEA supports the current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to be used by HCP caring for patients with EVD. This guidance is consistent with the established science regarding how EVD is transmitted.
HHS, APIC, and SHEA honor 2014 Partnership in Prevention Award recipient for healthcare-associated infection prevention
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) today recognized the University of Vermont Medical Center with the 2014 Partnership in Prevention Award for achieving sustainable improvements toward eliminating healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).
Antibiotic Misuse Threatens Modern Medicine
Throughout hospitals and other healthcare facilities, antibiotic overuse and misuse threatens the efficacy of one of medicine's most valuable lifesaving tools. Concurrently, research and development for new antibiotics has been limited – creating a problem for generations to come. The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) is joining the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other partners in "Get Smart about Antibiotics Week" to highlight this alarming issue and raise awareness of strategies and programs to stop and reverse these trends.
Leading Infectious Disease Medical Societies Oppose Quarantine for Asymptomatic Healthcare Personnel Traveling from West Africa
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA), the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA), the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society (PIDS), the HIV Medicine Association (HIVMA) and the Center for Global Health Policy remain opposed to mandatory quarantines being imposed on asymptomatic healthcare workers returning from Ebola-stricken countries in West Africa.
SHEA Supports Evidence-Based Measures to Prevent Ebola Transmission, Opposes Mandatory Quarantine for Healthcare Personnel
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) remains deeply concerned about the Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak. The recent news about Dr. Craig Spencer’s infection, along with the infections of the many other healthcare personnel (HCP) who have risked their lives to provide care during this tragic outbreak, illustrates how difficult it is to protect HCP serving patients with severe EVD.
Automated Tracking Increases Compliance of Flu Vaccination for Healthcare Personnel
New research found tracking influenza vaccination of healthcare personnel through an automated system increased vaccination compliance and reduced workload burden on human resources and occupational health staff. The study is published in the November issue of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, the journal of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA).
Proper Dental Care Linked to Reduced Risk of Respiratory Infections in ICU Patients
New research shows vulnerable patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) who received enhanced oral care from a dentist were at significantly less risk for developing a lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI), like ventilator-associated pneumonia, during their stay. The study was published in the November issue of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, the journal of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA).