Jessica Ross, MPH, CIC
On April 3, 2014 Jessica Ross, MPH, CIC from the Texas Department of State Health Services Infectious Disease Control Unit presented on the topic of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) & Multi-drug Resistant Acinetobacter (MDR-A). OnApril 1, 2014 these organisms were added to the Texas Administrative Code as immediately reportable conditions. Ms. Ross provided an overview of the organisms including their transmission and risk factors for acquisition. She provided a history of drug resistant bacteria. Next she discussed the reporting requirement and provided examples of cases that should be reported. Additionally control measures were discussed. There was excellent representation at the meeting by local public health officers including representatives from Tarrant, Dallas, Denton and Collin Counties. Local Infection Preventionists were provided with information that will assist them in complying with these new regulations.