Rats! Infection prevention's journey during a hospital kitchen infestation

Am J Infect Control. 2023 Dec;51(12):1441-1443. doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2023.06.009. Epub 2023 Jun 10.

Abstract

Infection Prevention and Control programs have the inherent authority to institute extreme measures when an infection is a threat to wellness. This report describes an Infection Prevention and Control program's collaborative approach when a hospital kitchen was closed due to rodents, how infection risks were mitigated, and practice revisions were made to avoid future infestations. Learnings from this report can be adopted across health care settings to encourage reporting vectors and promote transparency.

Keywords: Health care; Rodents; Vectors.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Food Service, Hospital*
  • Infection Control*
  • Pest Control*
  • Rats