[Control of hospital infection of influenza: administration of neuraminidase inhibitor and cohort isolation of influenza patients].

Influenza can spread rapidly to patients and staff in hospitals when influenza is introduced by visitors, staff, or patients. In order to prevent and control outbreaks of influenza in hospitals, systematic management is important. This consists of a rapid diagnostic test, cohort isolation and administration of neuraminidase inhibitor. In the 2002-2003 season, 53 elderly patients were admitted to our hospital under the control of the system. The mean age was 78.8 years. We set 2 isolation rooms (10 beds) for influenza patients. Patients were isolated in the room for three days, administered oseltamivir immediately. Oral oseltamivir was well tolerated. Mean hospital stay was 10.7 days. 36 cases developed complications requiring antibiotics, and one patient developed a catheter related infection. Under the system, we could avoid cross infection of influenza. In two cases, nose swabs were taken for virus isolation every 12 hours and a rapid decline in virus shedding was observed after treatment.

[An epidemic of rotavirus infection in a nursing home for the elderly in Japan].

An outbreak of diarrheal disease in a Japanese home for aged is reported. Out of 202 residents, 47 cases complained of diarrhea (23.3%) during a month. Clinical symptom were diarrhea (100%) vomiting (40.4%) and fever (31.9%). Fecal examination of 9 cases revealed positive A-group rotavirus antigen. Bacterial and small round shaped virus infection was excluded. Examination of rotavirus antibody, CF titer was positive in about 50% in each age group but the titer decreased year by year. In Japan, rotavirus infection has been epidemic only in nursing home for baby and titer of antigen has been believed to be sustain by repeated provocation. However, Japanese situation is changing to be west Europe and north America.