Rotavirus outbreak on a pediatric ontology floor: Possible association with toys Journal Article


Authors: Rogers, M.; Weinstock, D. M.; Eagan, J.; Kiehn, T.; Armstrong, D.; Sepkowitz, K. A.
Article Title: Rotavirus outbreak on a pediatric ontology floor: Possible association with toys
Abstract: Background: Several outbreaks of rotavirus gastroenteritis have occurred in hospitals and day care centers. In the spring of 1997, an outbreak of rotavirus occurred on our pediatric unit. Aggressive infection control measures were instituted, and potential lapses in infection control were assessed. Methods: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center is a 434-bed cancer hospital in New York City. The pediatric unit is a 42-bed ward with both bone marrow transplant patients and non-bone marrow transplant oncology patients. Nosocomially acquired rotavirus was defined as diarrhea, vomiting, or gastrointestinal upset with onset 48 hours or more after hospital admission, accompanied by a positive enzyme immunoassay for rotavirus antigen. Results: Between February 24 and April 4, 1997, 8 patients on the pediatric unit had nosocomial rotavirus. Aggressive infection control measures were instituted. Patients with rotavirus were cohorted and placed on contact precautions (strict handwashing, gloves, and gown). Investigation by the infection control team revealed that communal toys in the playroom were not being cleaned according to the weekly protocol. Conclusions: An outbreak of nosocomial rotavirus occurred on our pediatric oncology unit. Shared toys may have served as fomites in the transmission of rotavirus.
Keywords: adolescent; adult; child; clinical article; diarrhea; united states; protective clothing; vomiting; oncology; hospital; cancer center; infant; cancer care facilities; new york city; immunoassay; hospital infection; infection control; feces; cross infection; virus transmission; pediatrics; epidemic; disease outbreaks; intensive care units, pediatric; gastroenteritis; hand washing; rotavirus; humans; human; male; female; article; ward; glove; play; play and playthings; rotavirus infections
Journal Title: American Journal of Infection Control
Volume: 28
Issue: 5
ISSN: 0196-6553
Publisher: Elsevier Inc.  
Date Published: 2000-10-01
Start Page: 378
End Page: 380
Language: English
DOI: 10.1067/mic.2000.109908
PUBMED: 11029139
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:
Notes: Export Date: 18 November 2015 -- Source: Scopus
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MSK Authors
  1. Kent A Sepkowitz
    272 Sepkowitz
  2. Maureen M Rogers
    5 Rogers
  3. Timothy E Kiehn
    101 Kiehn
  4. Janet A Eagan
    39 Eagan
  5. Donald Armstrong
    242 Armstrong
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