Control of an outbreak of respiratory syncytial virus infection in immunocompromized adults

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is increasingly recognized as an importan t pathogen in immunocompromized adults, particularly those receiving bone m arrow transplants, and, given the ease with which it spreads, represents a significant nosocomial problem. We describe an outbreak of RSV infection in volving eight patients on a haematology/oncology ward which was controlled by early screening of patients and staff Positive patients were cohort nurs ed on a separate ward and basic infection control measures including use of gowns and gloves were enforced. Children under age 12 were denied ward acc ess. All patients with lower respiratory tract infection, and bone marrow t ransplant recipients with upper respiratory symptoms, were treated with neb ulized ribavirin. There were no deaths. We conclude that awareness of the r isk of RSV infection in immunocompromized patients coupled with rapid diagn osis and treatment, screening of symptomatic patients and staff, cohort nur sing of cases and basic infection control procedures can prevent spread of RSV infection and reduce morbidity. (C) 2000 The Hospital Infection Society .