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Shigellosis Occurring in Newborn Nursery Staff

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 June 2016

Lorraine M. Beers
Affiliation:
Infection Control Cooperative, Traverse City, Michigan
Timothy L. Burke*
Affiliation:
Infection Control Cooperative, Traverse City, Michigan
David B. Martin
Affiliation:
Infection Control Cooperative, Traverse City, Michigan
*
201 S. Madison, Traverse City, MI 49684

Abstract

Shigellosis is uncommon in the newborn nursery. We describe a case of Shigella sonnei gastroenteritis occurring in a newborn. Three of 32 health care providers caring for the infant acquired shigellosis. The neonate probably acquired the infection from its mother via vertical transmission. All six members of the infant's family had gastroenteritis and two siblings had stool cultures positive for Shigella. Transmission of Shigella in the newborn nursery is potentially great. Emphasis on handwashing and glove use, aggressive case finding, notification of contacts, and a liberal “forced paid sick time” policy may halt the spread.

Type
Original Articles
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America 1989

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