HOSPITAL in Seattle implemented an entry screening program that proved easy to implement and was well-received by patients after a measles outbreak, according to a recent study.
A study presented at the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology annual meeting (APIC) described a screening program initiated after a measles outbreak in Seattle. The Seattle Children’s Hospital indicated the program to prevent individuals with measles from entering the facility and potentially spreading the virus. This proactive measure came in response to concerns about measles transmission within the hospital, which can occur up to two hours after an infected person has left the area. With symptoms taking one to two weeks to appear and 90% of susceptible individuals developing the disease after exposure, the need for effective prevention strategies was clear.
In January 2024, the CDC issued an alert to healthcare providers to be vigilant for measles cases after several outbreaks across the United States. The number of global measles cases also rose by 20% in 2022, underscoring the urgency of addressing transmission issues.
The study highlighted the success of the screening program. Implementing simple signs at hospital entrances to ask visitors about symptoms and recent travel proved effective and more efficient than post-infection contact tracing. This approach helped to mitigate the spread of the virus within the hospital. The hospital also implemented these signs in translated versions in English, Chinese, Somali, Spanish and Vietnamese. Forms were also used listing measle symptoms, potential exposure locations, and instructions for patients. Specific entrances were designated for potentially exposed individuals, escorted by security to prevent further exposure.
This screening program proved straightforward to implement, but it still requires comprehensive operational planning and an established phone line to contact clinicians. Providing a framework for screening potential measles patients before entry. However, the screening program still demonstrated a large success at Seattle Children’s Hospital and demonstrates its potential as a model for other healthcare facilities to prevent the spread of infectious diseases with minimal resources.
Reference
D’alo A et al. Abstract EP 61. APIC; 3-5 June, 2024.
