Consecutive yearly outbreaks of respiratory syncytial virus in a haemato-oncology ward and efficacy of infection control measures. Issue 4 (August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Inkster, T.; Ferguson, K.; Edwardson, A.; Gunson, R.; Soutar, R.
• Is Part Of: Journal of hospital infection. Volume 96:Issue 4(2017)
• Page Start: 353
• Page End: 359
• Publication Date: 2017-08
• Subjects: Respiratory syncytical virus -- Outbreak -- Haemato-oncology patients; Cross infection -- Periodicals; Cross infection -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Nosocomial infections -- Periodicals; Nosocomial infections -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Cross Infection -- Periodicals; Cross Infection -- prevention & control -- Periodicals; Infection Control -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 614.44
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2017.05.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0195-6701

Abstract

Summary: Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes significant respiratory tract infection in immunosuppressed patients. Aim: To describe two consecutive yearly outbreaks of RSV in our haemato-oncology ward. Methods: Haematology patients presenting with respiratory symptoms were screened by polymerase chain reaction for viral respiratory pathogens using a saline gargle. Findings: None of our patients had undergone bone marrow transplant but all had underlying haematological malignancies. Eight patients were affected in the first outbreak (mortality rate: 37.5%) and 12 patients were affected in the second (mortality rate: 8.3%). Extensive infection control measures were implemented in both outbreaks and were successful in preventing further cross-transmission. Conclusion: There was significant learning from both outbreaks and actions implemented with the aim of reducing the likelihood and impact of future outbreaks.