An outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome among hospital workers in a community hospital in Hong Kong

Article Abstract:

Background: During outbreaks, hospital workers are at high risk for nosocomial infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-associated coronavirus. Objective: To examine how hospital workers became infected and whether they transmit the virus to their families. Design: Retrospective descriptive study. Setting: 529-bed community hospital in Hong Kong. Patients: 40 hospital workers infected with SARS-associated coronavirus over a 6-week period (25 March through 5 May 2003). Measurements: Percentage of infected hospital workers according to job category. Results: The cumulative incidence was highest among health care assistants, followed by physicians and nurses (8%, 5%, and 4%, respectively). Most hospital workers were infected from direct contact with patients with SARS, who primarily were in general wards and had unsuspected infection. At the time of contact, all hospital workers had used masks but not necessarily other protective devices. Affected hospital workers did not infect their families. Conclusion: Before isolation of all patients with clinically confirmed or suspected SARS, routine use of several protective devices, and training of staff in infection control, many health care workers were infected with SARS from patients with unsuspected cases.

Author Abstract

---

Listening to SARS: lessons for infection control

Article Abstract:

All hospitals should set aside several rooms next to each other that can be put under negative air pressure and used to isolate and treat patients with serious communicable infections such as SARS. Health care workers who treat these patients should have special training in infection control procedures. Health care workers who are exposed should stay home for at least 10 days before returning to care for other patients.

Care and treatment, Editorial, Methods, Communicable diseases, Disease transmission, Infection control

---

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in health care workers

Article Abstract:

Health care workers who have close contact with SARS patients should wear proper infection control garments to protect themselves from contracting the infection. In one of the Hong Kong hospitals were many SARS patients were treated, 40 doctors, nurses, and assistants developed SARS. Most had direct contact with a SARS patient.

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Update: outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome -- worldwide, 2003. Outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome -- worldwide, 2003
• Abstracts: Update: severe acute respiratory syndrome -- United States, 2003. Update: severe acute respiratory syndrome -- Toronto, Canada, 2003
• Abstracts: Severe acute respiratory syndrome -- Singapore, 2003. Severe acute respiratory syndrome -- Taiwan, 2003
• Abstracts: Updated interim surveillance case definition for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) -- United States, April 29, 2003
• Abstracts: Using your time more effectively. Improving your communication skills

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.