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2018 Agenda and Abstracts | < Previous Next >
2018
OMIG Abstract Purpose: To describe the 5-year findings of a policy to screen for, diagnose, and isolate employees at Johns Hopkins Medicine (JHM) with adenoviral conjunctivitis in order to control spread of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC). Methods: As part of a retrospective evaluation, data were retrieved from records maintained for this ongoing quality improvement initiative in which employees with suspected adenoviral conjunctivitis were evaluated and swabbed in Occupational Health for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for adenoviral conjunctivitis. Signs, symptoms, work area, diagnosis, and disposition of employees with eye complaints as well as PCR result and adenoviral genotype were recorded. Five-year data were reviewed. Results: From 2011 to 2016, of 10,000 full-time equivalent employees, 1059 employees visited Occupational Health with clinical suspicion of adenoviral conjunctivitis; 104 (10%) were PCR-positive for adenovirus. Twenty six (25%) of these employees had EKC. Outpatient Pharmacy had the highest number of adenoviral conjunctivitis cases (9). The proportion of red eye employees having PCR-positive adenoviral conjunctivitis increased over 5 years (p<0.005, Cochrane-Armitage test for trend) as did the proportion of employees with EKC (p< 0.05) and the proportion with EKC caused by genotype 37 increased (p<0.05). Conclusion: Adenoviral conjunctivitis represents 10% of employee cases clinically suspicious for infection. Employees in patient care areas should be screened even if they have no direct patient contact. Despite increases in the proportions of adenoviral conjunctivitis and of EKC over 5 years, no outbreaks occurred. This policy may help identify incipient EKC outbreaks and help guide infection control efforts. Disclosure: N
2018 Agenda and Abstracts | < Previous Next >
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