Injection safety lapses led to New Jersey's septic arthritis outbreak, investigators say

Investigators found 41 patients developed septic arthritis, a rare joint infection, after receiving injections at a New Jersey outpatient facility, according to a study published July 17 in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology.

Thirty-three of the 41 cases required surgical removal of damaged tissue, reported Science Daily. The investigators also found the facility had multiple violations of recommended infection prevention and injection safety practices, including inadequate hand hygiene, exposed syringes, and inappropriate handling and re-use of single-use and multi-dose vials.

The investigation began after three patients reported cases to state and local health departments and several others complained directly to the facility in March 2017. The facility voluntarily halted its procedures. A state infection prevention assessment team inspected the facility, interviewed staff, observed infection prevention practices and reviewed medical records.

The facility reopened after state officials provided it with recommendations on infection prevention in outpatient settings. No cases have been reported since the facility implemented changes.

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