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Viral gastroenteritis – a danger to the patient, a danger to the staff
Author(s) -
Appelboam R.,
Hammond E.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
anaesthesia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.839
H-Index - 117
eISSN - 1365-2044
pISSN - 0003-2409
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2044.2003.03621.x
Subject(s) - medicine , limiting , outbreak , complication , infection control , self limiting , intensive care medicine , medical emergency , nursing staff , nursing , surgery , virology , mechanical engineering , dermatology , engineering
Summary Viral gastroenteritis is usually a mild, self‐limiting illness. We report a case of a previously well 74‐year‐old woman who suffered a grave complication of this common condition, and caused a significant outbreak of illness amongst staff involved in her care. This case highlights the risks of Hospital Acquired Infection and raises important infection control issues. It illustrates the hazards associated with exposure to potentially infectious secretions and presents a clear message to medical and nursing staff involved in the care of the acute surgical emergency.