Research
Respiratory syncytial virus outbreak in neonatal intensive care unit: Impact of infection control measures plus palivizumab use
1 Infection Control, Hospital e Maternidade Santa Joana, Rua do Paraíso 432, São Paulo, SP, 04103-000, Brazil
2 Neonatology, Hospital e Maternidade Santa Joana, Rua do Paraíso 432, São Paulo, SP, 04103-000, Brazil
Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control 2012, 1:16 doi:10.1186/2047-2994-1-16
Published: 2 May 2012Abstract
Background
The occurrence of a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) outbreak in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is related to unfavorable outcomes, as this infection can lead to respiratory distress and death in premature in infants. Report the successful control of an outbreak that occurred in April 2010 in a NICU.
Methods
After the index case, of 18 premature infants placed in the same room 10 infants were infected. Of those 10, 6 developed mild to moderate respiratory symptoms, 4 persisted asymptomatic and no death occurred. Contact and respiratory precautions were rapidly initiated, the infants were cohorted in 3 different rooms and palivizumab was administered to all contacts.
Results
The outbreak was controlled and no new cases were subsequently indentified.
Conclusion
Standard infection control measures plus palivizumab prophylaxis were efficient in rapid control of the outbreak.
