CDC Recognizes Two States Making Progress in the Fight Against Drug-Resistant Bacteria
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released a report and updated recommendations that detail how states and healthcare facilities should deal with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), deadly pathogens that cause healthcare-associated infections. CRE are resistant to almost all drugs and can contribute to death in 40 percent of patients who become infected. In response to this emerging threat, CDC has urged state health departments to find out how common CRE are in acute-care facilities in their states and to follow several key steps to protect patients.
Many states are actively working to prevent CRE from spreading within their healthcare facilities, for example:Â
- Wisconsin implemented statewide surveillance of CRE to find out how common these infections are, identify where and how they spread, and guide control efforts to prevent CRE from becoming widespread in healthcare settings. They were the first state to mandate public reporting of CRE to CDCs National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN). Currently, 137 Wisconsin hospitals are searching for CRE and have detected CRE in seven hospitalized patients.
- Minnesota developed recommendations to guide their healthcare facilities in CRE prevention. To date, no outbreaks or transmission of CRE have been detected among Minnesota facilities that have conducted active surveillance testing. Â
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See what your state is doing to prevent healthcare-associated infections: http://www.cdc.gov/HAI/state-based/index.html.
The Guardians of Animal Health: Who Are Veterinary Infection Preventionists?
March 21st 2025Veterinary infection control experts Leslie Kollmann, BS, AAS, CVT, CIC, Denise Waiting, LVT, and Leslie Landis, LVT, BS, discuss challenges, zoonotic disease risks, and the importance of education, collaboration, and resource development in animal care facilities.
The Latest on CLABSIs and CAUTIs: Evidence-Based Approaches for Infection Prevention
February 27th 2025Health care–associated infections like CLABSIs and CAUTIs threaten patient safety. Learn evidence-based strategies, new technologies, and prevention protocols to reduce these infections and improve outcomes.
Resilience and Innovation: The Pivotal Contributions of Black Americans to Health Care and Medicine
February 24th 2025During Black History Month, we honor the resilience and contributions of Black medical professionals in health care. Despite barriers, they have led transformative changes, advocating for equitable access and medical excellence. Recognizing their impact ensures a more inclusive health care future for all.
Glove Usage Guideline: From The Joint Commission, CDC, and World Health Organization
February 17th 2025Proper glove use is crucial in health care settings to prevent infections. Guidelines from TJC, CDC, and WHO stress correct selection, usage, and disposal to minimize health care–associated infections (HAIs) and cross-contamination risks. Infection preventionists (IPs) play a key role in educating staff, enforcing compliance, and improving patient safety through standardized glove practices.
