Nine cases of the infection had occurred at the hospital since 1993, but six cases occurred between August 2008 and July 2009, with five resulting in serious skin infections in patients ranging in age from newborn to 13 years. Hospital textiles were identified as the only common element among all the cases.

Environmental sampling performed at the hospital on the textiles and areas in contact with textiles revealed a 40% presence of the pathogen, and only a 4% presence in items and areas not in contact with textiles. The hospital changed its laundry provider, replaced all of its linen, and disinfected its linen storage areas. Cultures taken at the hospital three weeks later were all negative.

The CDC concluded that the textiles likely acted as the vector for bringing susceptible patients into contact with the pathogen. They also concluded that "hospital linens should be laundered, shipped, and stored in a manner that minimizes exposure to environmental contaminants." 

HLAC Standards require healthcare laundries incorporate a thorough and routine cleaning and disinfection program in the facility, including storage areas, carts and delivery vehicles. Laundries should exert due diligence to prevent inadvertent environmental contamination during clean textile packaging, storage and delivery back to the customer.

Click here to read the full CDC abstract.