Infection Control
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Staffing Shortages Create Moral Dilemmas, Injuries
As part of the research for her dissertation, Denise Waterfield, PhD, APRN-NP, CCRN, AGACNP-BC, interviewed and observed 25 critical care nurses. Many seemed upset and frustrated during their shifts due to an overwhelming workload, and there was not much in the way of resources to provide relief.
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Global Health Officials Announce Updated Name for Monkeypox
The traditional name will be phased out in favor of “mpox.”
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Evidence of Clinical Efficacy of Bebtelovimab in COVID-19
In a retrospective study, bebtelovimab demonstrated efficacy similar to Paxlovid in high-risk outpatients with recent onset of COVID-19 who reported mild to moderate symptoms.
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Increasing Incidence of Stage IV Cervical Cancer
The incidence of stage IV cervical cancer in the United States between 2001 and 2018 increased. Rates were highest among Black women, but the annual rate of increase was highest among white women in the South age 40-44 years.
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Doxycycline Plus a Beta-Lactam to Treat Inpatients with Community-Acquired Pneumonia
In this retrospective study of an elderly male population hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia, the combination of doxycycline with a beta-lactam was at least as effective as a respiratory fluoroquinolone or a combination of a beta-lactam with azithromycin.
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The Great Imitator Imitates Again
This case report serves as a reminder that even though pancolitis from secondary syphilis is rare, syphilitic proctitis is a not-uncommon manifestation of syphilis — and that syphilis can present as almost anything — even long COVID.
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Occupational Monkeypox in Healthcare Workers
Although the overall risk of transmission is low, at least two healthcare workers have been occupationally infected with monkeypox virus (MPXV) in the United States. In an unusual case, two caregivers were infected by environmental fomites in the home of a patient in Brazil. Although rare, healthcare workers have been infected in previous outbreaks, and there likely are a fair number of unreported cases, given the stigma associated with MPXV.
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Reassuring Monkeypox Findings from Colorado
Although vigilance with infection control is critical, Colorado public health investigators concluded the risk of healthcare workers acquiring occupational monkeypox is “very low.” They meticulously identified and followed more than 300 medical staff that cared for patients who were later diagnosed with monkeypox.
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Endemic Monkeypox, Fear of U.S. Animal Reservoir
The United States continues to report the most cases of monkeypox of any country in world, with 27,884 cases and six deaths as of Oct. 21. However, the outbreak is receding compared to earlier spikes in cases, as that case count represents only a small increase over the 26,049 reported Sept. 30. In a disturbing scenario, the CDC raised the possibility monkeypox could establish an animal reservoir in the United States.
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Vaccine Second Shot, Boosters Kick in Protective Effect
A study of healthcare and other frontline workers with COVID-19 showed a history of two or three mRNA vaccine doses significantly reduced the severity of illness. Workers who received two or three doses of vaccine reported less fever and chills, less need for medical care, and lower viral load than in the non-vaccinated cohort.