Infectious Art

The University of Iowa College of Public Health has a fascinating new fund raising event - Infectious Art.  The College collaborated with a local design group to create jeweled representations of a wide variety of human pathogens and vectors. The aim was "to present the dichotomy between the aesthetic beauty of pathogens and the havoc they wreak on humanity." Ever wanted a Borrelia ring (one ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them), Influenza A cufflinks, or HIV earrings? Me too. All proceeds will go to support the College of Public Health. Items may be viewed and purchased online or at American Public Health Association Annual Meeting Nov. 2-6 in Boston, Mass., at the University of Iowa College of Public Health's booth (#1331).

Aspergillus Pin

h/t Cassie Cunningham

CDC goes OOPS!

How does the CDC really feel about infection control?  Perhaps we can get a hint by looking at the cover of their new Guide to Infection Prevention for Outpatient Settings: Minimum Expectations for Safe Care.  How many fundemental breaks with basic infection control do you see? I guess we know there is a new low in minimum expectations!

Oh, by the way, the CDC has just released their new Guide to Infection Prevention for Outpatient Settings.

h/t Jan Kluytmans

Religion vs. infection control, part 2

Last month I blogged about a phlebotomist in the UK who was facing disciplinary action because she wore a crucifix while working. Today, British newspapers are reporting that she has resigned her position because she refused to comply with an order to remove it. She reports that she wore it under her clothes. If this is true, the claim that the crucifix represents an infection control risk is baseless, and such heavy handed treatment only serves to undermines infection control efforts.

When infection control and religion collide

The BBC News reports today that a healthcare worker in the UK is facing disciplinary action because she wears a cross around her neck on a chain, which is reported to impose an infection control risk. This is not the first time that infection control and religion have crossed paths in the UK. Last year a female Muslim healthcare worker was fired becaused her faith does not allow women to show their arms in public and her long sleeves violated the hospital's bare below the elbow policy. While the UK's serious attitude about infection control is noteworthy, the actions beg the question as to whether some reasonable accomodations could be made for observant workers (e.g., plastic isolation gowns for patient contact, ensuring that necklace chains are short to prevent jewelry from coming into contact with patients). If the UK's National Health Service continues its strident approach, then infection control will have become a religion unto itself.