Nosocomial pertussis in neonatal units.

Pertussis remains a public health concern in many countries despite high vaccination coverage rates. Nosocomial outbreaks of pertussis continue to occur in neonatal units. Neonates and young infants admitted to neonatal intensive care units constitute a pool of susceptible high-risk patients given their prematurity, inadequate immune response and the fact that they are too young to have completed their primary vaccination series against pertussis. This article reviews nosocomial pertussis in neonates and infants, focusing on the role of healthcare workers (HCWs). Outbreaks in neonatal units are often traced to HCWs and are associated with serious morbidity or even a fatal outcome among susceptible young infants. A high index of suspicion is required for early recognition and isolation of patients admitted with suspected or proven pertussis, as well as for HCWs with a compatible clinical syndrome, regardless of vaccination status. Contact investigation is also essential in order to guide administration of post-exposure prophylaxis. Recommendations for a booster vaccination for HCWs are in place in several countries; however, the need of HCWs for lifelong immunity against pertussis cannot be fulfilled by the current vaccine.

Viral haemorrhagic fevers in healthcare settings.

Viral haemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) typically manifest as rapidly progressing acute febrile syndromes with profound haemorrhagic manifestations and very high fatality rates. VHFs that have the potential for human-to-human transmission and onset of large nosocomial outbreaks include Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, Ebola haemorrhagic fever, Marburg haemorrhagic fever and Lassa fever. Nosocomial outbreaks of VHFs are increasingly reported nowadays, which likely reflects the dynamics of emergence of VHFs. Such outbreaks are associated with an enormous impact in terms of human lives and costs for the management of cases, contact tracing and containment. Surveillance, diagnostic capacity, infection control and the overall preparedness level for management of a hospital-based VHF event are very limited in most endemic countries. Diagnostic capacities for VHFs should increase in the field and become affordable. Availability of appropriate protective equipment and education of healthcare workers about safe clinical practices and infection control is the mainstay for the prevention of nosocomial spread of VHFs.