Outbreak

What is a C. difficile outbreak?

Definitions have been developed to assist hospitals and public health units in determining when there is an outbreak.

Outbreak:

Six or more new nosocomial cases of C difficile infection within a 30-day period on a single ward or unit.

Hospital Acquired Infection:

Infection acquired during the delivery of health care within a particular health care facility. See also, Nosocomial.

Infection Risk:

The probability that a patient/client will acquire an infection based on the characteristics of the individual, the inherent risks associated with a procedure, or other factors that might put the individual at risk for a health care-associated infection.

Nosocomial Infection:

Infection acquired during the delivery of health care within a particular health care facility. See also. Hospital-Acquired Infection.

Surveillance:

The systematic ongoing collection, collation and analysis of data with timely dissemination of information to those who require it in order to take action.

Cluster:

Three or more new nosocomial cases of C difficile infection associated with a single ward or unit within a seven-day period. (From the Provincial Infectious Diseases Advisory Committee)