CDC’s Updated Website. CDC launched its updated website (still CDC.gov) on May 15. Here’s what partners should know:

• All URLs are changing, but most links will still work via smart redirects.
• If you can’t find the information you’re looking for, visit archive.cdc.gov for archival content or snapshot2024.cdc.gov to see CDC.gov as it was right before the update. 

Modernizing Medical Device Instructions for Use (IFUs): Infection Preventionists Speak Up for Patient Safety. The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) recently published a report issuing a call to action regarding medical device instructions for use. These instructions are often overly complex, time consuming, unclear, out of date, or difficult to locate. APIC calls for:

• Developing tools to help IPs navigate the current process for cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of medical instruments;
• Bringing problematic IFUs to the attention of manufacturers and the FDA;
• Educating policymakers and healthcare organizations about flaws in the current regulatory framework that limit the ability to protect patients from transmission of HAIs via medical devices;
• Proposing a new regulatory framework for cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilization of medical devices.  

Influenza

• H5N1 Bird Flu: Current Situation Summary. H5 bird flu is widespread in wild birds worldwide and is causing outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows with four cases of H5 in U.S. dairy workers. While the current public health risk is low, CDC is watching the situation carefully and working with states to monitor people with animal exposures. CDC is using its flu surveillance systems to monitor for H5N1 activity in people.  
• Enhanced Flu Surveillance. The Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) and VDH request that laboratories in Virginia support increased influenza monitoring by sending positive specimens to the state lab this summer. For more information see: 
  • DCLS Dear Colleague Letter 
  • DCLS Influenza Testing Helpful Reminders 
  • CDC Guidance to Commercial Laboratories on Increasing Submission of Influenza A and B Positive Samples to State and Local Public Health Laboratories for Additional Subtyping (including H5) 

Respiratory Virus Snapshot. The CDC’s Respiratory Virus Weekly Snapshot provides an update on how COVID-19, influenza, and RSV may be spreading nationally and in your state. Check back every Friday for the latest data.  

Mpox Clade-Specific Testing. As of June 4, 2024, the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) can perform mpox clade-specific testing on human specimens for surveillance purposes only. Updated testing instructions will be posted on the DCLS Hot Topics & Updates website.   

• Providers should contact their local health department to coordinate clade-specific testing if they have a patient who is suspected of having mpox who:  
  • Has traveled to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) or  
  • Had contact with someone who traveled to DRC in the 21 days before symptom onset
• For more information about the two main clades (types) of Monkeypox virus, see the CDC’s About Mpox website.  
  

VDH Injection Safety Educational Poster. VDH has published a new poster on injection safety tips when preparing and giving injections. This resource is great for education fairs or staff refreshers. 

CDC Project Firstline. The American Hospital Association, CDC's Project Firstline, and the League for Innovation in the Community College collaborated to create Essentials for Teaching Infection Control, including a free video series and manual. The series covers key topics like pathways for germ spread and strategies for minimizing transmission in healthcare settings. The final module focuses on Source Control in Healthcare, emphasizing the importance of source control and team members' roles in disease prevention. 

• What diseases must be reported to the health department 
• Who is required to report 
• How the report should be shared 
• Access additional information such as the updated reportable disease list, laboratory reporting, outbreak reporting and more. 

Virginia Long-Term Care Clinician Network (LTC-CN). Join an organized network of medical directors, physicians, and advanced practice providers who work in long-term care facilities and other congregate care settings across Virginia with the purpose of sharing best clinical practices. 

• Monthly Newsletter: Receive a monthly newsletter that focuses on updates pertinent to long-term care in Virginia, including infection prevention guidelines, treatment options, and other updates. 
• Monthly Forum: Access to monthly virtual forums where issues can be discussed with a group of peers practicing in the same care setting. 
• Resources: Access to a central website with free resources. 

Cuppa Tea with an IP.  Cuppa Tea with an IP is a weekly chance to chat live with a VDH IP and subject matter experts about your infection prevention and control questions. We can’t wait to hear your questions and see how we can help. Register once for the Cuppa Tea with an IP meetings and attend whenever you have questions or need a little IP peer boost.