This issue covers some of the most significant news from November. Topics include HAIs, dental infections in children, nursing homes, bacterial pathogens, RSV and "mpox."

* * *

National and State Healthcare-Associated Infections Progress Report — A CDC report showed significant increases in some HAIs for some facility types. As infection preventionists, we will continue to put our best efforts forward to fight for patient safety.

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. ICCS has reported on the risk of these infections in pediatric patients undergoing pulpotomy and how to best manage the lines.

A Day in the Life of an Infection Preventionist — Infection Preventionist Isis Escandon Lamphier spelled out the numerous responsibilities of an IP and demonstrates why this position is so vital to safety and maintaining compliance.

Why Infection Control in Nursing Homes is 'Inadequate,' Needs Major Change — This article explored the infection control and prevention shortcomings in U.S. nursing homes.

Most Global Bacterial Deaths in 2019 Linked to Five Pathogens — The five bacterial pathogens responsible for more than half of the bacterial deaths in 2019:

• Staphylococcus aureus

• Streptococcus pneumoniae

• Escherichia coli

• Klebsiella pneumoniae

• Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Increased Respiratory Virus Activity, Especially Among Children, Early in the 2022-2023 Fall and Winter — CDC issued an advisory about increased respiratory virus activity, especially among children.

New Yale Study Finds Promising Results With Nasal COVID-19 Vaccine — A team of researchers published their findings that a nasal booster vaccine for COVID-19 may be a key way to help prevent the infection and transmission of the virus.

Damage to Health Mounts With Each New COVID Infection — A study showed that every time a person gets infected with COVID-19, their risk of dying or suffering serious long-term health problems increases significantly.

WHO Recommends New Name for Monkeypox Disease — WHO announced it will begin using the term "mpox" as a synonym for monkeypox. The names will be used simultaneously for a year while monkeypox is phased out.