Outbreak of Common Viruses Reinforces Importance of Infection Control in Long-Term Care

​Given the vulnerability of older adults, long-term care facilities require infection control methods tailored to their needs, suggest the authors of a study published online January 9, 2017, in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology. The study assessed a 16-day outbreak of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in a dementia care ward that ultimately led the organization to improve infection control protocols for vulnerable residents. The outbreak affected 30 of 41 residents (73%), resulting in 15 hospitalizations and 5 deaths.