Hand Hygiene News and Research

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Nationwide safety program successfully cuts hospital-onset MRSA infections

A large-scale, federally funded quality improvement program developed in collaboration with infection prevention experts at the Johns Hopkins Armstrong Institute for Patient Safety and Quality was associated with a 65% reduction in hospital-onset bloodstream infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) among participating hospital units.

15 Sep 2026

Review highlights challenges in managing childhood enterovirus infections

Enteroviruses (EVs) are a diverse group of viruses and a common cause of multiple infections in children.

1 Sep 2026

Traveling for cosmetic surgery may carry hidden infection risks

A CDC review highlights serious infection risks linked to cosmetic surgery tourism, emphasizing the need for improved safety and infection control measures.

9 Jun 2026

DRC and WHO reaffirm strong partnership to contain Ebola outbreak in Ituri Province

The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) reaffirm their strong partnership and shared commitment to protect the health and well-being of the people of Ituri Province and the nation at large, following the joint mission to Bunia led by Dr Samuel Roger Kamba, Minister of Health, Mr. Patrick Muyaya Katembwe, Minister of Communication and Medias, and the visit of WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

1 Jun 2026

Health workers face hidden exposure to cancer-linked hazards

A study reveals high exposure to cancer risk factors among health and social care workers in Europe, underscoring the need for enhanced protective measures.

1 Jun 2026

Hantavirus scare on cruise ship prompts WHO response

Hantavirus infections among cruise ship passengers have sparked a global health response, highlighting the need for effective outbreak management strategies.

7 May 2026

Cruise ship-linked hantavirus cases highlight zoonotic infection risks

The Global Virus Network (GVN), representing eminent human and animal virologists from more than 90 Centers of Excellence and Affiliates in over 40 countries dedicated to advancing research, collaboration, and pandemic preparedness, is closely monitoring reports of a hantavirus cluster linked to a cruise ship traveling in the Atlantic, which has resulted in multiple severe cases and fatalities.

5 May 2026

Training game helps nurses spot fungal infections in breastfeeding

This educational game simulates breastfeeding complications, equipping nurses with skills to detect and manage fungal infections in the nipple-areola area.

11 Mar 2026

Regional crises and climate shocks drive global resurgence of cholera

Cholera, caused by Vibrio cholerae, spreads through contaminated water and thrives where sanitation systems have collapsed. Once inside the body, it dehydrates victims within hours, but with prompt treatment, nearly every life can be saved.

27 Nov 2025

Simple hospital program reduces severe maternal infections by 32%

The APT-Sepsis program significantly reduced infection-related outcomes in maternal care, demonstrating the impact of coordinated interventions in hospitals.

24 Nov 2025

Structured infection prevention program can save mothers’ lives in low-resource settings

A landmark multi-country clinical trial has shown that a structured, sustainable approach to infection prevention and treatment can save women's lives, cutting severe maternal infections and deaths by about one-third (32%) compared to usual care.

19 Nov 2025

Preparing for the respiratory virus season: A guide for families

As respiratory virus season begins, pediatric experts are preparing for an expected rise in cases of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), which can cause cold-like symptoms in most people but serious illness in infants and older adults.

17 Nov 2025

E. coli in retail meat linked to thousands of urinary infections

Research reveals a significant link between E. coli in meat and urinary tract infections, particularly in vulnerable communities in Southern California.

28 Oct 2025

Botched Botox: Study uncovers severe malpractice behind botulism cluster

A rapid investigation in North East England uncovered 25 cases of iatrogenic botulism linked to cosmetic injections using unlicensed, highly potent botulinum products. The study exposes critical safety failures in practitioner conduct and highlights urgent regulatory gaps in the booming cosmetic injectables industry.

13 Oct 2025

Nurses urged to ditch gloves for IV antibiotics

A scoping review reveals non-sterile glove use during IV antibiotic preparation lacks evidence, potentially harming infection control and increasing costs.

13 Oct 2025

Advancing patient safety for children: building safer systems from birth

Laís Junqueira discusses patient safety challenges in pediatric care and the need for system-level innovations to protect children and newborns effectively.

2 Oct 2025

Soap shortages undermine global hand hygiene efforts

A lack of soap is the most often reported barrier to effective hand hygiene-key to curbing the spread of infection-in shared community spaces, such as households, schools, and public places, finds a systematic review of the available research, published in the open access journal BMJ Global Health.

17 Sep 2025