Nosocomial carbapenem-non-susceptible Enterobacteriaceae are moderately spread in Lebanon and the predominant mechanism is OXA-48 production.

This survey established baseline evidence of OXA-23 and GES-11-producing A. baumannii in Lebanon, indicating the need for further surveillance.

Objective To identify the perceived barriers to the implementation of the Australian national guidelines on influenza outbreak management with Sydney Local Health District ( SLHD ) residential aged care facility ( RACF ) staff. Methods All SLHD RACF s were invited to participate in a telephone interview. The questionnaire collected information about demographic characteristics and participants' level of agreement with statements regarding perceived barriers to implementing the national guidelines for influenza outbreak management. Results Twenty‐eight of 61 RACF s (46%) participated in the study. The three most common barriers identified were as follows: scepticism towards staff influenza vaccination (n = 13, 46%); the effort required to read the national guidelines (n = 11, 39%); and lack of infrastructure to physically separate residents during an outbreak (n = 10, 36%). Conclusions We recommend implementing and evaluating programmes which address misconceptions about influenza vaccination amongst RACF staff. Further, all RACF staff, including care staff, should receive targeted education on the role of infection control in influenza outbreak management.

Objective: To explore factors associated with adverse outcomes during influenza outbreaks in residential aged care facilities.Methods: A retrospective cohort study of all outbreaks reported to three Sydney metropolitan Public Health Units during 2017.Results: A total of 123 outbreaks affected 1,787 residents and 543 staff. Early notification to a Public Health Unit was associated with shorter outbreak duration (p<0.001; B=0.674). Resident attack rates and resident mortality rates were lower in outbreaks notified early, on univariate analysis (p=0.034 and p=0.048 respectively) but not on an adjusted model. Staff attack rates were significantly associated with resident attack rates (p=0.001; B=0.736). Data on staff vaccination rates was incomplete and reported coverage rates were low (median 39%). Resident vaccination coverage ≥95% was associated with shorter outbreak duration in univariate testing but not on an adjusted model. Conclusions:Early public health notification is associated with improved outbreak parameters; sick staff may pose a risk to residents, yet vaccination rates are low. Resident vaccination may also be valuable. Implications for public health:Measures that facilitate early PHU involvement in influenza outbreaks should be implemented, such as compulsory reporting requirements and processes that permit easier notification through technology. Actions that enhance staff and resident vaccination coverage should also be undertaken.

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