Systematic contact investigation: An essential infection prevention skill to prevent tuberculosis transmission in healthcare settings.

A systematic approach to contact investigations has long been a cornerstone of interrupting the transmission of tuberculosis in community settings. This paper describes the implementation of a systematic 10-step contact investigation within an acute care setting during a multistate outbreak of healthcare-associated tuberculosis. A systematic approach to contact investigations might have applicability to the prevention of other communicable infections within healthcare settings.

Transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to Healthcare Personnel Resulting From Contaminated Bone Graft Material, United States, June 2021-August 2022.

A nationwide tuberculosis outbreak linked to a viable bone allograft product contaminated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis was identified in June 2021. Our subsequent investigation identified 73 healthcare personnel with new latent tuberculosis infection following exposure to the contaminated product, product recipients, surgical instruments, or medical waste.

Notes from the Field: Expanded Chemoprophylaxis Offered in Response to a Case of Meningococcal Meningitis in an Elementary School - Indiana, 2015.

On December 11, 2015, the Fort Wayne-Allen County (Indiana) Department of Health was notified by a local hospital laboratory of a suspected case of meningococcal meningitis based on Gram stain results of cerebrospinal fluid. The county health department interviewed close family members and friends of the patient to establish an infectious period, timeline of events, and possible exposures. Close medical and household contacts were offered chemoprophylaxis (1).

Meta-analysis of fall-risk tools in hospitalized adults.

Objective: The aim of the study was to identify which fall-risk tool is most accurate for assessing adults in the hospital setting.

Background: Falls can have physical, emotional, social, and financial consequences. Risk assessment affords the first opportunity in prevention.