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Infectious Diseases

in Jails:

’
It s Time for a New Normal

CHarLES HaMMond

In 2002, healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)—that is, infections acquired during a patient’s
stay in a healthcare facility—were among the top 10 causes of death in the United States (Klevens et
al., 2007). HAIs still contribute to mortality in this country, but rates have declined significantly in
recent decades. Why? Armed with new guidance and support from the Centers for Disease Control
(CDC), hospitals have created a new normal around HAIs—one in which the healthcare community
regards them as both rare and unacceptable.

AMERICANJails JULY | AUGUST 2021 | 13