Infection Prevention and Control Implications of Special Pathogens in Children

Special pathogens are broadly defined as highly transmissible organisms capable of causing severe disease in humans. Children's hospital healthcare personnel (HCP) should be prepared to identify patients possibly infected with a special pathogen, isolate the patient to minimize transmission, and inform key infection prevention, clinical, and public health stakeholders. Effective preparedness requires resources and practice with attention to education, policies and procedures, drills and training, and supplies. Successfully preparing for special pathogens is an important measure toward keeping communities, HCP, and patients and families safe in this global age that brings pathogens from across the world to our doorstep.