Nosocomial Cluster Infection of Novel Influenza A (H1N1) in a Hospital in Taipei City, 2009

Ching-Chi Chang, Mei-Chen Peng, Shih-Hao Liu, Wan-Chin Chen, Wang-Chin Cheng

2010 Vol.26 NO.24

Correspondence Author： Ching-Chi Chang

Abstract：

In late August 2009, a cluster infection of influenza A was reported with 11 health care workers (2 nursing students, 2 physicians and 7 nursing staffs) and 2 inpatients infected in a hospital ward in Taipei City. One of them was laboratory-confirmed novel influenza A (H1N1) infection and 4 health care workers were tested positive for influenza A on rapid test. Since most cases contracted influenza A in the same hospital, it is considered as a nosocomial cluster infection of novel influenza A (H1N1). With regard to the global influenza A (H1N1) pandemic and subsequent cluster infection in hospitals, the health authorities need to prepare well and implement infection control in healthcare facilities, strengthen hygiene etiquette, and flexibly adjust the hospital workforce as soon as possible.