52 Recommendations for the Prevention and Control of Norovirus Gastroenteritis Outbreaks

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a comprehensive guideline for the prevention of norovirus outbreaks in healthcare settings.

The guideline includes a summary of 52 recommendations, broken up by categories such as patient cohorting and isolation precautions, hand hygiene, patient transfer and ward closure, diagnostics and more. Each recommendation is accompanied by a strength categorization based on strength of evidence, benefits and harms.

 



A sampling of the 52 recommendations includes the following:

•    Actively promote adherence to hand hygiene among healthcare personnel, patients and visitors in patient care areas affected by outbreaks of norovirus gastroenteritis.
•    Remove all shared or communal food items for patients or staff from clinical areas for the duration of the outbreak.
•    Use a surgical or procedure mask and eye protection or a full face shield if there is an anticipated risk of splashes to the face during the care of patients, particularly among those who are vomiting.
•    During outbreaks, change privacy curtains when they are visibly soiled and upon patient discharge or transfer.

To view a full list of the CDC's 52 recommendations on how to prevent norovirus outbreaks, click here.

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