Emerging infectious diseases: Focus on infection control issues for novel coronaviruses (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-CoV and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-CoV), hemorrhagic fever viruses (Lassa and Ebola), and highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses, A(H5N1) and A(H7N9)

Abstract

Over the past several decades, we have witnessed the emergence of many new infectious agents, some of which are major public threats. New and emerging infectious diseases which are both transmissible from patient-to-patient and virulent with a high mortality include novel coronaviruses (SARS-CoV, MERS-CV), hemorrhagic fever viruses (Lassa, Ebola), and highly pathogenic avian influenza A viruses, A(H5N1) and A(H7N9). All healthcare facilities need to have policies and plans in place for early identification of patients with a highly communicable diseases which are highly virulent, ability to immediately isolate such patients, and provide proper management (e.g., training and availability of personal protective equipment) to prevent transmission to healthcare personnel, other patients and visitors to the healthcare facility.

Factors influencing nurses' intention to care for patients with emerging infectious diseases: Application of the theory of planned behavior

“…This might be due to the different risk perceptions about each EID (Grimes & Mendias, ; Masur, Emanuel, & Lane, ). The fatality rate of EVD is 25–90% (Weber, Rutala, Fischer, Kanamori, & Sickbert‐Bennett, ), whereas that of novel H1N1 is very low at .2–1.5% (Garske et al, ). In addition, no treatment or vaccine exists for EVD, but an antiviral agent and vaccine have been developed for novel H1N1 (Weber et al, ).…”

“…The fatality rate of EVD is 25–90% (Weber, Rutala, Fischer, Kanamori, & Sickbert‐Bennett, ), whereas that of novel H1N1 is very low at .2–1.5% (Garske et al, ). In addition, no treatment or vaccine exists for EVD, but an antiviral agent and vaccine have been developed for novel H1N1 (Weber et al, ). These disease characteristics might have affected risk perceptions and nursing intention.…”

New and emerging infectious diseases (Ebola, Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome coronavirus, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, Candida auris): Focus on environmental survival and germicide susceptibility

“…Recent articles have provided recommendations for preparedness at the health care facility, local and national levels. 10,[18][19][20]…”

“…Assessing and managing the threat of an emerging infectious disease requires an understanding of the biology of the pathogen, its epidemiology, the clinical manifestations of infection, the methods of diagnosis, and therapies (if available). 10 All health care facilities should have a highly communicable disease plan for agents that are transmitted by droplet or aerosols (eg, severe acute respiratory syndrome [SARS], MERS) or are transmitted by contact (eg, Ebola, Lassa). 10 Detailed information is best found, especially early in an epidemic, on the web pages of local and state health department, the CDC, and the WHO.…”

“…8,9 This review updates a previous article that reviewed Ebola and MERS and also reviews CRE and C auris. 10…”