The realm of infectious diseases is continually changing, leaving healthcare workers (HCWs) to stay prepared amidst the potential threat of rare, but significantly impactful pathogens. Prominent infection prevention expert, Saskia v. Popescu, emphasizes the critical importance of robust infection prevention measures, including accurate diagnostic tools, effective isolation protocols, and stringent disinfection practices, in halting the spread of such infections.
Popescu, Associate Professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and a respected member of Infection Control Today® Editorial Advisory Board, offers invaluable insights into this matter. Through an in-depth discussion about multi-drug resistant organisms like Candida auris and an array of emerging infectious diseases that are not customarily seen in the United States, such as SARS-CoV-1, Ebola, Nipah virus, Hendra virus, Marburg virus, and others, she believes all HCWs, including infection preventionists, environmental hygienists, and sterile processing personnel, need to be vigilant.
Popescu states, ‘Just because the likelihood of the Nipah virus appearing in your hospital is incredibly low, the importance of discussion and having a plan of response cannot be underestimated.’ With diseases like Ebola, even though handling them is more complex, the existence of protocols and tiered hospital system guides how to handle such situations. Her main assertion is ‘if we can handle Ebola, we can manage anything.’
One reliable channel to stay updated about rare diseases and is ProMed, a free online resource reporting global outbreaks. Besides, other useful resources include CIDRAP, ICT, CDC website, Morbidity Mortality Weekly Reports, and their social media handles.
Popescu can’t stress enough the value of training teams to recognize and deal with rare diseases. Learning how to handle Ebola, she claims, is a gold standard as it requires a high level of infection control processes. ‘If your teams can manage this, they can handle anything less burdensome,’, she says.
Lastly, Popescu insists that it would be an oversight to assume that a disease not common in the US can’t occur here. On that note, she puts emphasis not only on preparing professional advice but also to avoid complacency. ‘Remember,’ she says, ‘we should strive to live prepared, not in fear.’