Fifty-four Residents in Virginia Assisted Living/Skilled-Nursing Facility Become Ill in Respiratory Outbreak
Two hundred and sixty-three elder adults live in the Virginia assisted-living and skilled-nursing facility where 54 residents have become ill from a respiratory outbreak that started June 30. Two of the residents have died, and 18 have been hospitalized. Seven of those hospitalized have been able to return to the facility.
The symptoms residents have experienced “range from upper respiratory symptoms (cough) to pneumonia.” The Fairfax County Department of Health (FCDH) is investigating the outbreak, but the specific cause of the epidemic has not yet been determined. Tests are continuing in an attempt to identify the cause.
Although no new hospitalizations have occurred in the past few days, residents continue to become ill in the outbreak.
FCDH officials said that appropriate measures had been taken to reduce the risk of infection and to keep residents safe, including closing the facility to new admissions, cancelling group activities, keeping ill residents in their rooms, and increasing cleaning efforts.
A statement from the facility’s administration said that their “highest priority is the welfare of those who live and work on campus.” The facility gave assurances that it is working closely with FCDH to take “all necessary measures to fully implement proven infection prevention and control strategies.” The facility plans to provide frequent and transparent updates to residents, staff, and family members.
Compliance Perspective
Failing to have an Infection Prevention and Control Program in place to effectively prevent and stop the rapid spread of contagious organisms may be considered provision of sub-standard quality of care, in violation of state and federal regulations.
Discussion Points
- Review policies and procedures to ensure that an effective Infection Prevention and Control Program is in effect to enable immediate response to potential outbreaks.
- Train staff on the facility’s Infection Prevention and Control Program requirements and the importance of observing all protocols to limit further spread of infectious disease(s).
- Periodically audit by having mock drills to test the effectiveness of the Infection Prevention and Control Program and staff response in carrying out protocols.
