Here is the email Infection Control sent out today regarding the virus. It's laughable at best.

Dear Colleague:
As we recently communicated, the University of Maryland Medical Center has identified a small number of patients who were colonized and/or infected by an antibiotic-resistant bacterium (Acinetobacter baumannii) in our Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU). This unusual event was detected using our sophisticated, infection control surveillance system. Since the time that the Medical Center first became aware of this situation in late December, we have intensified our infection surveillance of patients who had spent time in the SICU. To date, we know of three critically ill patients who had the organism and have died and five additional patients who have the organism and are being isolated in the surgical ICU and treated. We are not aware of any additional patients that have been exposed to this particular cluster but intensive surveillance is ongoing. Patient inquiries regarding potential exposure should be referred to Infection Control @ 8-5757.

As always, patient and staff safety is the top priority of the Medical Center and all of the necessary steps to prevent the further spread of this bacterium have been taken. These precautions require the use of gown and gloves for entry into the patient room, meticulous hand hygiene before and after removal of gloves, frequent disinfection of all reusable medical equipment and thorough environmental cleaning of all surfaces. We have been in constant communication with the Department of Mental Health and Hygiene and they are in agreement with our plan. Since January 11th, new patients have not been admitted to the SICU and this policy will remain in effect until further notice.

Like many bacteria, Acinetobacter baumannii can be spread through direct contact, exposure in the environment or contact with contaminated surfaces. Infected patients can exhibit a variety of illnesses, ranging from pneumonia to serious blood or wound infections. Acinetobacter has been identified in many other hospitals in Maryland as well as wounded military personnel returning from overseas. Acinetobacter baumannii is a bacterium that poses virtually no risk to healthy people. However, patients with weakened immune systems, chronic lung disease or diabetes are more susceptible to infection; therefore it can cause severe infections in critically ill patients and is difficult to treat due to resistance to multiple antibiotics.

We will continue to keep you informed as the situation warrants.