Consecutive yearly outbreaks of respiratory syncytial virus in a haemato-oncology ward and efficacy of infection control measures.

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Consecutive yearly outbreaks of respiratory syncytial virus in a haemato-oncology ward and efficacy of infection control measures.

J Hosp Infect. 2017 May 06;:

Authors: Inkster T, Ferguson K, Edwardson A, Gunson R, Soutar R

Abstract
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.

PMID: 28554834 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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