The rising global incidence of natural disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires is increasing infection risks for those taking refuge in emergency shelters. Recognizing this reality, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) has reformed its infection prevention guidelines, ranging from federal to local scales, specifically for emergency coordinators. The revamped guide, ‘Infection Prevention and Control for Shelters during Disasters,’ is a comprehensive resource compiled by APIC’s Emerging Infectious Diseases task force. It aims to help emergency coordinators protect displaced persons and shelter staff from common infectious diseases, including skin-related, gastrointestinal, and respiratory ailments.
Infection Control Today® (ICT®) invited Terri Rebmann, PhD, RN, CIC, FAPIC, a figurehead of APIC’s special task force and lead author of the updated guidelines, to elaborate on the shifts seen from the previous document and to alert coordinators about what they should know when traditional infection preventionists may not be available. Rebmann also leads the Institute for Biosecurity and is an adjunct professor in the Epidemiology & Biostatistics department at the College for Public Health & Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Missouri.
Through an engaged discussion with ICT, Rebmann explained the modifications in the 2024 edition of the APIC guidebook compared to the initial 2009 document, focusing particularly on personal protective equipment (PPE) optimization and procedures for infection prevention in medical aid areas. They decided not to include the CDC’s most recent guidelines on optimizing PPE usage in the revised APIC guidebook, instead referring readers directly to the CDC website for the most updated guidelines, anticipating the prospect of the information quickly becoming outdated after the guidebook’s release.
Additionally, the 2024 guidelines take a more targeted approach to infection prevention within medical areas in shelters, something that the original 2009 document didn’t sufficiently address. Other new additions cover detailed guidance on different topics like managing linens, universal masking, ventilation considerations, quarantine, and sanitation planning. These sections serve to enhance emergency disaster coordinators’ preparedness and response capabilities, supporting them in their primary role of safeguarding displaced individuals during crises.
In summary, the updated APIC guidelines offer a well-rounded toolbox, preparing emergency coordinators to face the unique challenges of managing infectious diseases in temporary shelters in the wake of natural disasters. They are designed to provide crucial guidance, especially when onsite infection prevention professionals are not available. Thus, the guidebook ultimately ensures the creation of safer spaces within emergency shelters and potentially saves countless lives during times of crises.