A Multidisciplinary Approach toward Successful Bed Bug Elimination in a Homeless Domiciliary Setting

process from the APIC Text and EPI 201 was utilized to investigate and successfully control the outbreak. Results: Infection Control immediately initiated an Oubtreak Investigation after being notified of the situation. Control measures were implemented that included cohorting patients, enhanced environmental cleaning, education for staff, patients and visitors and controlling access to the unit. As the number of cases continued to increase additional control measures were taken. These included hand hygiene posters, disposable meal trays and supplies, implementing a vistor check-in process, and finally closing the unit to new admissions. Initial investion led to the hypothesis that Norovirus was the leading suspect as the cause of the illness. Within a week the number of new cases dropped and the unit was re-opened. Lesson Learned: This was the first time than an outbreak had occurred in this facility. Use of the 13 step Outbreak Investigaton process from the APIC Text and the reference material from the EPI 201 course had a dramatic effect in sucessfully controlling the outbreak. Several weeks later the State Department of Health Laboratory confirmed the cause as Norovirus.