Direct costs associated with a nosocomial outbreak of adenoviral conjunctivitis infection in a long-term care institution

Background: In October 2000, 41 people were infected during an outbreak of adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis. Such nosocomial outbreaks are frequently reported in long-term care institutions, even though simple measures to prevent or limit such occurrences are well documented. This study describes the significant direct costs incurred as a result of this nosocomial outbreak that involved patients and staff. Methods: The costs measured in this study were grouped into the following 4 categories: medical, investigative, preventive, and lost productivity. Information about costs incurred by the hospital was gathered from a number of sources. Results: The outbreak cost the hospital US $29,527 ($1085 for medical costs, $8210 for investigative costs, $3048 for preventive measures, and $17,184 for lost productivity). Conclusion: This study demonstrates the substantial expense incurred by 1 hospital as a result of an outbreak of a preventable disease. The measures necessary to prevent such a costly outbreak are simple and, therefore, cost-effective.