To the Editor: We describe here some of the difficulties in managing and investigating outbreaks of viral respiratory infection in aged care facilities (ACFs) in the context of an influenza pandemic. This adds to the previous report on logistics in a hospital setting.1
The full article is accessible to AMA members and paid subscribers. Login to read more or purchase a subscription now.
Please note: institutional and Research4Life access to the MJA is now provided through Wiley Online Library.
- 1. Devi U, Buising KL. Infection control of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza in hospitals — a logistic challenge. Med J Aust 2010; 192: 164-165. <MJA full text>
- 2. Communicable Disease Network Australia. A practical guide to assist in the prevention and management of influenza outbreaks in residential care facilities in Australia. Canberra: CDNA, 2009. http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/52FBCA168C422F70CA2575D3001 301D8/$File/A%20practical%20guide%20Seasonal %20Flu%20in%20RCFs%2012%20Jun%2009.pdf (accessed Jul 2009).
- 3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Outbreaks of 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) among long-term-care facility residents — three states, 2009. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2010; 59: 74-77.
- 4. Marchand-Austin A, Farrell DJ, Jamieson FB, et al. Respiratory infection in institutions during early stages of pandemic (H1N1) 2009, Canada. Emerg Infect Dis 2009; 15: 2001-2003.
Online responses are no longer available. Please refer to our instructions for authors page for more information.
We acknowledge the assistance of Dr Jeremy McAnulty, Director of Communicable Diseases Branch, NSW Health; all the residents and staff of the ACF; and the laboratory staff at the Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Westmead Hospital.
Robert Booy has received occasional funding from CSL, Roche, Sanofi-Aventis, GlaxoSmithKline and Wyeth to attend and present at scientific meetings, but all such funding is directed to a research account at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and not accepted personally. The Moran Health Care Group, the Australian Research Council and Roche provided funding to undertake a study relating to influenza in aged care facilities from 2006 to 2008.