Consecutive yearly outbreaks of respiratory syncytial virus in a haemato-oncology ward and efficacy of infection control measures

BACKGROUND: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes significant respiratory tract infection in immunosuppressed patients. AIM: To describe two consecutive yearly outbreaks of RSV in our haemato-oncology ward. METHODS: Haematology patients presenting with respiratory symptoms were screened by polymerase chain reaction for viral respiratory pathogens using a saline gargle. FINDINGS: None of our patients had undergone bone marrow transplant but all had underlying haematological malignancies. Eight patients were affected in the first outbreak (mortality rate: 37.5%) and 12 patients were affected in the second (mortality rate: 8.3%). Extensive infection control measures were implemented in both outbreaks and were successful in preventing further cross-transmission. CONCLUSION: There was significant learning from both outbreaks and actions implemented with the aim of reducing the likelihood and impact of future outbreaks.