Nevada State Health Division

Last Updated: 09/29/11 12:25:49 PM

Hospital-Associated Infections

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are infections that patients acquire during the course of receiving treatment for other conditions within a healthcare setting. HAIs are one of the top ten leading causes of death in the United States. As the nation’s health protection agency, CDC is committed to helping all Americans receive the best and safest care when they are treated at a hospital or other healthcare facility. HAIs are one of the top ten leading causes of death in the United States, accounting for an estimated 1.7 million infections and 99,000 associated deaths in 2002.

How They Occur

In 1987, CDC introduced the definitions in the National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance System (NNIS) and were modified based on comments from infection control personnel in NNIS hospitals and others involved in surveillance, prevention, and control of nosocomial infections. The definitions were implemented for surveillance purpose in NNIS hospitals in January 1988 and are the current CDC/NHSN definitions for HAIs.

Best Practices

Basic infection prevention measures are based on knowledge of the chain of transmission and the application of best practices in all settings at all times

The elements of best practices include:

Hand Hygiene

Risk Assessment of clients

Risk Reduction Strategies through use of personal protective equipment, cleaning the environment and equipment, laundry, disinfection and sterilization of equipment or use of single use equipment, waste management, sharps handling, client placement and healthy workplace initiatives.

Education of health care providers, clients and families/visitors/caregivers

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Nevada State Health Division
4150 Technology Way
Carson City NV 89706-2009
Monday - Friday
8 am - 5 pm