Infection control practices implemented to reduce transmission risk of MERS-CoV in a tertiary care institution, Saudi Arabia

5^th International Conference on Family Nursing

June 13-15, 2016 Philadelphia, USA

Taimur S Butt

King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Saudi Arabia

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Nurs Care

Abstract :

Transmission of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) among health care workers (HCWs) and patients has been documented with mortality rate approximating 36%. We propose �Advanced-Infection Control Measures� (A-IC) used in conjunction with �Basic-Infection Control Measures� (B-IC) which help to reduce pathogen transmission. B-IC include standard and transmission based precautions. A-IC are initiatives implemented within our center to enhance effectiveness of B-IC. Our objective is to study effectiveness of combining B-IC and A-IC to prevent transmission of MERS-CoV to HCWs. A retrospective observational study was undertaken. A-IC measures include; administrative support with daily rounds, infection control risk assessment, timely screening, isolation, and specimen analysis, collaboration, epidemic-plan, stock-piling, implementation of contingency plan, full PPE use for advanced airway management, real-time electronic isolation flagging system, IC team on-call, pre-transfer MERS-CoV testing and education. Total of 874 real-time PCR MERS-CoV tests were performed from July 1st, 2013 to January 31st, 2015. 694 non-HCWs were tested; of these 16 were MERS-CoV positive and community-acquired. 69% of the confirmed MERS-CoV positive cases were male, with an average age of 56 years (range: 19-84 years). Of the total tested for MERS-CoV, 180 were HCWs with zero positivity. In conclusion, adhering to a combination of B-IC and A-IC reduces the risk of MERS-CoV transmission to HCWs.

Biography :

Email: tbutt@kfshrc.edu.sa