Nosocomial Pneumococcal Infection: An Outbreak

Abstract

When an outbreak of pneumococcal disease occurs an institution—be it a hospital, nursing home, day care center, or other facility—management includes treatment of affected cases and prevention of new cases. Patients and staff should be tested for nasopharyngeal carriage and their vaccination status ascertained. Antibiotic use should be reviewed, especially if the causative strain is resistant.