Cyclospora: Keeping Our Residents Safe

Illustration of various microorganisms in a petri dish on a yellow paper background.

At Trinity Healthcare Services, protecting the health and well-being of our residents is our highest priority. While there have been no known cases of Cyclospora at our facility (as of this post), we believe the best approach to infectious disease is prevention, education, and vigilance.

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that can cause gastrointestinal (GI) illness. It is most commonly spread through fresh produce or water and is not typically spread through person-to-person contact. As reports of Cyclospora increase across parts of the country during the summer months, our team has taken proactive steps to reduce risk and ensure the safety of everyone in our care.

What We're Doing

Our interdisciplinary team has implemented several preventive measures. Including but not limited to:

• Enhanced monitoring for residents who develop gastrointestinal symptoms, allowing for prompt assessment and intervention.

• Strict hand hygiene practices for all staff, residents, and visitors, with ongoing education reinforcing proper handwashing techniques.

• Careful food safety oversight, including safe food handling, preparation, and storage practices within our Dietary Services Department.

• Collaboration with healthcare providers and public health officials to stay informed of current recommendations and emerging outbreaks.

• Continued environment cleaning and disinfection throughout our facility using established infection prevention protocols.

• Ongoing staff education to ensure caregivers recognize symptoms and understand appropriate infection prevention practices.

How You Can Help

Families and visitors also play an important role in protecting our residents. We encourage everyone to:

• Wash hands thoroughly before and after visiting.

• Postpone visits if experiencing diarrhea, vomiting, or other symptoms of illness.

• Follow any infection prevention guidance provided by our staff during your visit.

Our Commitment

Our Infection Prevention and Clinical teams continually monitor guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the West Virginia Department of Health. As recommendations evolve, we will continue to adapt our practices to provide the highest level of protection for those entrusted to our care.

We appreciate the trust our residents and families place in us every day. By working together and remaining proactive, we can continue to provide a safe, healthy, and compassionate environment for everyone at Trinity Healthcare.