Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are infections that occur after a person
enters the hospital or has a medical procedure. A wide range of infections can
occur in the hospital, from mild to life threatening. HAIs can include infections
of the blood, urinary tract, lungs, or surgical sites. According to the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, HAIs account for 1.7 million infections
and 99,000 associated deaths each year. 
Hospitals and other healthcare facilities have policies and procedures designed to reduce HAIs. Many programs and initiatives are in place to improve patient safety (see Internet Resources for more information). Despite this, it is not possible to prevent all HAIs. However, when healthcare workers and patients know about HAIs and take proven steps to prevent them, the risk of HAIs can decrease.
For more information on HAIs, go to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Web site.
Virginia Department of Health
Office of Epidemiology
109 Governor Street, Suite 516 East
Richmond, Virginia 23219
Contact us by Email
Phone: 804-864-8141 - Fax: 804-864-8139