CDPH reminds GACHs and SNFs of requirements to report outbreaks and unusual infectious disease occurrences to the local public health officer and CDPH and provides definitions of an outbreak and unusual infectious diseases and updated examples of reportable incidents.

CDPH is aware that SNFs are interpreting these requirements differently. It revises examples of incidents that should be reported relative to the usual frequency of the MDRO in the same facility, region or LHJ. Consult with the LHJ for information about the local epidemiology of a given MDRO to determine whether incidents should be reported. It refers to recommended pathogen-specific outbreak reporting thresholds, definitions and other resources provided by CORHA, where available.

Unusual Occurrences - Occurrences such as epidemic outbreaks, poisonings, fires, major accidents, death from unnatural causes or other catastrophes and unusual occurrences which threaten the welfare, safety or health of patients, personnel or visitors.

Outbreaks of any condition should generally be reported regardless of the results of genetic-relatedness testing, if performed. If in doubt, report.

Upon receipt of a report of an outbreak or unusual occurrence, the LHD recommends control actions and may conduct an epidemiologic investigation. The L&C DO makes a determination on regulatory follow-up action, which may include an onsite survey. The CDPH HAI Program is available to local public health authorities and L&C for consultation on infection control and containment measures.

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