A Guide to Investigating Suspected Outbreaks of Mucormycosis in Healthcare

Abstract

This report serves as a guide for investigating mucormycosis infections in healthcare. We describe lessons learned from previous outbreaks and offer methods and tools that can aid in these investigations. We also offer suggestions for conducting environmental assessments, implementing infection control measures, and initiating surveillance to ensure that interventions were effective. While not all investigations of mucormycosis infections will identify a single source, all can potentially lead to improvements in infection control.

Keywords: cluster; healthcare; hospital; infections; mold; mucormycetes; mucormycosis; outbreak.

Figure 1

Invasive mold surveillance histopathology case-finding algorithm to search the free text of pathology reports.

Figure 2

Sample epidemic curve, showing the number of proven and possible cases by month.

Figure 3

Sample timeline of inpatient locations and outpatient visits. Each of the five lines represents a different patient. Outpatient visits are depicted with a triangle color-coded by location. Days in each inpatient unit are depicted by color-coded bars. The lines under the bars show days the patient was immunosuppressed and received antifungal medication.