The prevalence of diseases transmitted by tick bite have increased in recent years, within the UK. And it is now recognised that there are 3 main infections
- Lyme Disease
- Tick-Bourne Encephalitis
- Babesia
Category: Infection Control
Legionnaires Disease
There has been a resent increase in cases of Legionnaires Disease in the North West. So remember to request Urine Legionella Antigen test, if you have suspicions.
Measles
Suspected/Confirmed patients should be ISOLATED & wear PPE
Treating Staff – (should not be; non-immunised, pregnant or immunocompromised)
- single-use, disposable gloves
- single-use, disposable apron (or gown if extensive splashing or spraying, or performing an aerosol generating procedure (AGP))
- FFP3 – respiratory protective equipment (RPE)
- eye/face protection (goggles or visor)
Patient
- Surgical face mask
Background
- Measles is highly infectious – (4 day prior to and after rash appears) suspected patients should be isolated within the ED
- Measles Immunisation – 1 dose 90% effective, 2 doses 95% effective
- Measles is a notifiable disease
Meningitis – Adults
- Keep your suspicions high – early signs it may not be clear
- Sepsis Kills – give antibiotics & fluid early
- Consider Acyclovir
- Give Dexamethasone with Antibiotics – it can reduce neurological sequelae
- Consider indications for CT before LP
- Get SENIOR support early
OPAT – Cellulitis 2023
Our OPAT service can provide IV antibiotics for cellulitis for those patients that can be managed as out patients but either require IV antibiotics or have failed oral therapy.
Avian Flu – 2022
Avian flu is droplet spread and can sometimes effect humans as well as birds. Severity varies in human cases varies widely from mild to severe and deaths have been reported.
Case Definition = Clinical Criteria + Exposure Criteria
Gentamicin – Prescribing on EPR
Do NOT use this regime for:
- Pregnant women
- Children under 16 years
- Urology surgery prophylaxis patients
- ANY patient who has ascites, limb amputation, cystic fibrosis, endocarditis, major burns, Cisplatin Chemotherapy, renal transplant.
Be #urosceptical
Ditch the Dipstick – for patients >65Yrs or Catheterised!
Approx. 50% of over 65’s and most of those with catheters have asymptomatic bacteriuria. The patient will not benefit from treatment and often gives us premature closure (i.e. we blame a fictitious UTI for the patients symptoms and stop thinking). Read more
Notifiable Diseases
Registered Medical Practitioners in England and Wales have a statutory duty to notify Public Health about the following diseases. To facilitate rapid treatment and control of outbreaks. (Links to Wikipedia for illustrative purposes) Read more
