This issue covers some of the most significant news from October. Topics include Halloween, nontuberculous Mycobacteria, instrument cleaning, needlesticks and fungal pathogens.

* * *

The Scariest Healthcare Infections and Threats (2022 Edition) — ICCS published its annual list of the scariest healthcare infections and threats coinciding with Halloween.

Outbreaks of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Infections Highlight Importance of Maintaining and Monitoring Dental Waterlines — CDC issued a health advisory following outbreaks of nontuberculous Mycobacteria infections in children who received pulpotomies in pediatric dental clinics.

Study Reveals Manual Cleaning of Medical Instruments Exposes Staff and Surrounding Environment to Potentially Contaminated Fluids — A study showed that manual cleaning of reusable medical instruments generates substantial splash from the source.

Accidental Needlestick Makes Florida Nurse First Case of Occupationally Acquired Monkeypox — A nurse developed monkeypox infection after a needlestick exposure in the first case of occupationally acquired monkeypox during the current U.S. outbreak.

WHO Identifies Life-Threatening Fungal Pathogens— WHO has released its first-ever list of fungal "priority pathogens" that cause severe invasive infections and have growing resistance to antifungal drugs.

APIC Urges IPs to Continue Universal Masking in Patient Care Areas — As ICCS Founder Phenelle Segal, RN, CIC, FAPIC, stated on LinkedIn: "Kudos to APIC for putting this message out to infection preventionists. Despite CDC's confused messaging, the ICCS team continues to recommend universal masking in patient care areas. … Masking in patient care areas is not a huge demand, yet it can be a huge safety difference maker."

Influx of RSV Infections Have Children's Hospitals Running Short on Space — Children's hospitals nationwide began experiencing a surge in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) patients.

A 4-Year Antimicrobial Stewardship Program Successfully Reduces Antibiotic Resistance — Investigators found that four years after implementation of an antimicrobial stewardship program at a tertiary general hospital, there were significant reductions in total antibiotics, total antibiotics and other benefits.