Question

If a hospital administrator notes a rise in the number of cases of Legionnaires' disease among patients admitted overnight at the hospital, what should the administrator do next?

Answer 1

In response to a rise in Legionnaires' disease cases, a hospital administrator should report to public health authorities, investigate potential sources, implement control measures, and maintain surveillance to prevent further infections.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a hospital administrator observes a rise in the number of cases of Legionnaires' disease among patients admitted overnight, the administrator should take immediate action. The steps involve:

1. Contacting local public health authorities to report the increase and seeking guidance on outbreak control measures.
2. Initiating an epidemiological investigation to identify potential sources of Legionella pneumophila within the hospital environment, such as cooling towers, water systems, or air-conditioning units. This should be performed in coordination with infection control specialists and environmental health professionals.
3. Implementing control measures to eliminate the source of the bacteria, which may include disinfection of water systems and maintenance or replacement of air-conditioning units.
4. Ensuring continued surveillance of Legionnaires' disease cases to monitor the effectiveness of implemented interventions.

Legionnaires' disease is associated with man-made water systems, where the bacteria can thrive and be aerosolized, making it inhalable. Proper maintenance and disinfection of these systems are crucial in preventing the spread of the disease. Additionally, educating hospital staff on recognizing symptoms and risk factors associated with Legionnaires' disease can aid in timely detection and treatment.