Description

Shane et al identified risk factors associated with spread of Shigella sonnei during an outbreak in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 2001. These can help identify possible interventions to contain the infection in day care centers. The authors are from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).


 

Diaper-related:

(1) soiled clothing and diapers accessible to (within reach of) children, often associated with improper disposal

(2) diapered children played with nondiapered children

 

Sharing of resources between children of different ages:

(1) playground

(2) playroom and toys

(3) toilets

(4) classes

(5) supplies

 

Handwashing:

(1) supplies not within reach of children

(2) not supervised by an adult

(3) lack of formal training of staff in proper handwashing techniques

 

Family-related:

(1) failure to comply with screening with stool culture

(2) resistance to exclusion criteria (not allowed to return until stool negative) if the child was asymptomatic

(3) failure to comply with treatment

 

Other:

(1) use of a kiddie pool during the outbreak

(2) presence of volunteers assisting at the center (possibly due to the lack of training in handwashing)

 

I would add:

(1) poor hygiene in the diaper changing area

(2) failure to wash hands before eating and drinking

(3) handling of pacifiers or toys placed in the mouth

 


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