P₆ : Epidemiological Investigation in Outbreaks During Crisis
Investigation of Carbapenem Resistant Klebsiella Pneumoniae in Hospital A, Puerto Rico, 2008

 

Johnny Rullán, M.D.

 

State Epidemiologist- Puerto Rico Department of Health

 

Klebsiella is normally found ubiquitously in the human intestinal tract without causing disease in healthy people.  However, it is an important cause of hospital-acquired infection especially in the ICU setting.  Transmission is via person-to-person contact and rigorous adherence to contact precautions is the most important means to prevent further spread.

We will discuss the background of the problem, the objectives of our investigation, the time course of the epidemic with the epidemic curves, the methods used to perform two case-control studies to identify potential risk factors for acquisition of CRKP and our findings from infection control observations.

Preliminary recommendations will be given and remaining steps needed to be performed in the investigation  which will hopefully help guide a comprehensive response to this outbreak that ensures the health and safety of all patients and staff at this hospital.