C. Diff Infections Abound in Nursing Homes, Putting the Vulnerable Elderly at Risk for Illness, Septic Shock, and Death
The infection C. diff—Clostridioides difficile—is shockingly common in nursing homes, exposing highly vulnerable residents to serious, deadly illnesses, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nursing homes that are not vigilant in preventing C. diff transmissions among their resident populations can be guilty of nursing home malpractice.
According to the CDC, C. diff causes symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, fever, stomach pain, and loss of appetite; common complications include dehydration and also colitis, or inflammation of the colon. More serious complications include a severe intestinal condition called toxic megacolon, and sepsis, which is a life-threatening physical response to infection. In extreme cases, death can result from C. diff. As per the CDC, one in 11 elderly people who have contracted a healthcare-related C. diff infection die within one month; when a nursing home resident dies from C. diff, it may be necessary to contact a wrongful death attorney.
While C. diff can and does appear in the general community, with an infection rate of 1.6 percent, it is far more common in nursing homes, where C. diff can affect between 20-50 percent of residents. According to the CDC, C. diff often shows up in a person who is taken, or recently finished taking, antibiotics, as antibiotics kill off germs that can defend against C. diff infections. The likelihood of getting C. diff increases by seven to 10 times while on antibiotics.
As stated in an article published in the National Library of Medicine, nursing home residents are at high risk for C. diff because of their frequent antibiotic exposure; these residents are moreover highly vulnerable to infection thanks to their age and the existence of multiple comorbidities as well as their close physical proximity to one another. Reinfection is common in nursing homes; the CDC says about one in six patients with C. diff will get it again within 2-8 weeks.
Sometimes the C. diff germs can be carried asymptomatically. It is critical that nursing home staff engage regularly in infection prevention measures to stave off infections; not doing so amounts to nursing home malpractice. C. diff transmission occurs from direct contact with the germs. C. diff is found in fecal matter, but the bacteria can also be contracted from the environment. It is the responsibility of nursing home workers to do everything possible to prevent the spread of nursing home infections like C. diff. Common preventative steps include the following measures:
- Proper hand hygiene: Not washing hands before and after handling residents increases infection risk, which equates to nursing home malpractice
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE): Wearing gloves and other types of PPE can help prevent C. diff transmission
- Clear Communication: Notifying staff, other residents, and any visitors of rooms or persons infected with C. diff can reduce the risk of transmission
It’s important for family members to be aware of nursing home infections like C. diff. If your loved one living in a nursing home becomes ill, especially if he or she has serious complications or even dies, and you suspect the nursing home staff has not abided by infection control protocols, you should contact a nursing home malpractice or wrongful death attorney right away.
Your Advocate against Neglect, Nursing Home Infections, and Wrongful Death
Attorney Brian P. Murphy is dedicated to protecting the safety and preserving the rights of residents in Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, or New Jersey nursing homes. Your loved one should not fear that nursing home negligence will result in infections and illness, especially any that result in wrongful death. Attorney Brian Murphy is experienced in taking to task negligent nursing homes in Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, and New Jersey. As a nursing home malpractice and wrongful death attorney, he holds Philadelphia/PA or NJ nursing homes accountable for all types of nursing home malpractice. Should you find yourself needing to contact a nursing home malpractice and wrongful death attorney, or if you need guidance in choosing a nursing home, call Brian Murphy today to discuss your legal options.
