CDC links UPMC mold infections to improper use of negative-pressure rooms

CDC releases findings from its investigation into a cluster of fatal mold infections at two Pittsburgh hospitals


The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released findings from its investigation into a cluster of mold infections at two UPMC hospitals in Pittsburgh that contributed to the deaths of four organ transplant patients, according to an article on the Becker's Infection Control & Quality website.

The agency's findings included:

• The three patients with probable cases received care in the same room. That room was the only negative-pressure isolation room in the unit, and none of the three patients needed negative-pressure isolation.

• The room had a door leading to a carpeted hallway and family room. "Frequent use of this door might have disturbed airflow, allowing dust and mold spores, if present, to enter the room," according to the CDC report.

Read the article.

 

 



May 20, 2016


Topic Area: Industry News


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