A potential measles exposure at its neonatal intensive care unit has prompted Danville, Pa.-based Geisinger to tighten the unit’s visitation rules.
Effective Aug. 21, only parents or legal guardians without measles symptoms may visit patients in the NICU, and all visitors are encouraged to wear a surgical mask before entering the unit.
The infected visitor was on the Geisinger Medical Center campus from Aug. 14-17, visiting only the NICU and Ronald McDonald House Danville during that window. Geisinger said it is working with the families of NICU patients who may have been exposed to discuss care options.
“We understand how important it is for parents and immediate family members to be present with loved ones in the NICU, and we did not make this change in visitation policy lightly,” Michael Fitzpatrick, MD, Geisinger’s Central Region chief medical officer, said in an Aug. 21 news release. “We carefully considered the impact on families before determining that these temporary restrictions were necessary to protect our most vulnerable patients.”
The change comes four days after Geisinger implemented broader entrance screenings across its facilities, a move in line with CDC and state health guidance amid rising measles activity in the state. As of Aug. 19, the Pennsylvania Department of Health has confirmed 340 total cases this year, including 75 over the previous seven days.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
