Infection Control Policy

Infection Control and the CF Community

Cystic Fibrosis Canada's Infection Control Policy

Infection Control Webinar

To learn about preventing the spread of germs, read:
Infection Control and Cystic Fibrosis

Also read:

Transmissible Infections in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis – Frequently Asked Questions

Infection Control Guidelines for Cystic Fibrosis Canada-Hosted Events and Meetings 

Infection Control Policy Update

Infection Control Implications Update

 

Infection Control and the CF Community

Some adults and children with cystic fibrosis who acquire Burkholderia cepacia complex suffer very serious health consequences. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and some strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa may also be associated with increased morbidity among individuals with CF. Furthermore, these bacteria can be transmitted from one individual to another. Although it is not possible to eliminate the risk that persons with CF may acquire these transmissible bacteria, Cystic Fibrosis Canada is seeking to reduce this risk as much as possible. The Infection Control Policy outlined below was adopted after considerable discussion and review of all available scientific data, as well as the policies of other jurisdictions and countries. Please note that testing for these bacteria is NOT undertaken by Cystic Fibrosis Canada.

We want to say clearly to adults and children colonized with transmissible bacteria that you are valued members of our organization and the CF community. Cystic Fibrosis Canada is committed to exploring all possible means of permitting your continued participation – short of personal attendance – in Cystic Fibrosis Canada-sponsored meetings and events.
 

CYSTIC FIBROSIS CANADA'S INFECTION CONTROL POLICY

Adults and children with cystic fibrosis should be aware that Burkholderia cepacia complex, MRSA or other potentially harmful bacteria can be passed between persons with CF by talking, shaking hands, touching contaminated items, coughing or sneezing. As a result, some individuals with CF can experience a serious decline in health if they become infected with certain harmful bacteria.

The possibility of cross-infection between CF individuals observing proper infection control measures may be very low; nonetheless it is the policy of Cystic Fibrosis Canada that persons with CF who have tested positive in the last 12 months for B. cepacia complex and/or Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) should not attend, in person, any Cystic Fibrosis Canada-sponsored meeting and event where persons with CF may be in attendance. Individuals without CF, who are colonized with MRSA in the nasal cavity or on the skin, but who are not actively sick may attend.

Furthermore, persons with CF should not attend Cystic Fibrosis Canada-sponsored meetings and events held indoors since the risk of close or prolonged contact between persons with CF is increased. Participation is encouraged through alternative methods, such as teleconferencing, webconferencing, or other remote applications.

If individuals with CF attend meetings or events hosted by Cystic Fibrosis Canada, despite this policy or without knowing that they have B. cepacia complex, MRSA or other potentially harmful or transmissible bacteria, then they do so at his or her own risk; there is always risk associated with in-person contact, and discretion must be exercised. Cystic Fibrosis Canada accepts no responsibility for any risk to health involved in attendance, or in any social contact between persons with CF. Please contact your CF Clinic or Cystic Fibrosis Canada for further information.

Approved June 2011
 

Reviewed/updated: 2011-10-28