Oct 16, 2012
H5N1 outbreak kills 2,500 poultry in Nepal
A commercial farm in Nepal has experienced an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian flu that killed 2,500 poultry, according to a report to the World Organization for Animal Health. The outbreak began on the farm in Bagmati province in August and ended Oct 4. All 2,500 susceptible birds died. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests at a national lab confirmed H5N1 Sep 3, and an OIE reference lab in Australia confirmed the findings by PCR on Sep 21. Officials said, "Post-operative surveillance activities are being intensively carried out throughout the country."
Oct 14 OIE report
Canadian study finds 'modest' level of PPE use in febrile respiratory cases
An observational study conducted in 11 Canadian hospitals found only modest overall compliance with guidance on using personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for febrile respiratory illness patients, with PPE use in pediatric units significantly lower than other units, according to a report in the American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC). From Jan 7 to Mar 20, 2011, observers equipped with a standardized data collection tool watched hospital staff donning PPE and using hand hygiene when entering patient rooms. Overall compliance was 88% for gloves, 83% for gowns, 88% for masks, and 37% for eye protection. In pediatric units the compliance rates were 77% for gloves, 70% for gowns, 79% for masks, and 7% for eye protection. Fifty-four percent of workers removed their PPE in the correct sequence. Twenty-six percent of workers performed hand hygiene after removing their gloves, 46% after
removing their gown, and 57% after removing their mask and/or eye protection.
Oct 15 AJIC abstract
