| Abstrakt: |
Background: In response to an outbreak of mumps in the Kansas City area, a multidisciplinary task force quickly formed in our hospital with the goal of protecting patients, families, and employees from the spread of this highly-communicable disease,Methods: The clinical laboratory provided proactive mumps lgG testing for all hospital employees. A plan was executed to identify non-immune staff that may be susceptible to mumps. Additionally, the hospital provided immunizations for those employees whose titers were negative,Results: Approximately 4,000 blood specimens were drawn from hospital personnel, and immunity was evaluated by measuring mumps-specific antibody. This information assisted in decisions that avoided a significant outbreak in a hospital setting.Conclusion: The plan and how it was accomplished, along with costs, successes, and pitfalls, is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
