Consecutive yearly outbreaks of respiratory syncytial virus in a haemato-oncology ward and efficacy of infection control measures

J Hosp Infect. 2017 Aug;96(4):353-359. doi: 10.1016/j.jhin.2017.05.002. Epub 2017 May 6.

Abstract

Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes significant respiratory tract infection in immunosuppressed patients.

Aim: To describe two consecutive yearly outbreaks of RSV in our haemato-oncology ward.

Methods: Haematology patients presenting with respiratory symptoms were screened by polymerase chain reaction for viral respiratory pathogens using a saline gargle.

Findings: None of our patients had undergone bone marrow transplant but all had underlying haematological malignancies. Eight patients were affected in the first outbreak (mortality rate: 37.5%) and 12 patients were affected in the second (mortality rate: 8.3%). Extensive infection control measures were implemented in both outbreaks and were successful in preventing further cross-transmission.

Conclusion: There was significant learning from both outbreaks and actions implemented with the aim of reducing the likelihood and impact of future outbreaks.

Keywords: Haemato-oncology patients; Outbreak; Respiratory syncytical virus.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cross Infection / epidemiology*
  • Cross Infection / prevention & control*
  • Disease Outbreaks*
  • Disease Transmission, Infectious / prevention & control
  • Female
  • Hematologic Neoplasms / complications*
  • Humans
  • Infection Control / methods*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / epidemiology*
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / prevention & control*
  • Survival Analysis
  • Young Adult