Telling the Hospital Story: Doernbecher Children’s Hospital Oregon hospital finds that stronger NICU measures lower infant infections

Enhanced infection prevention measures in neonatal intensive care units have been shown to significantly reduce the spread of hospital‑acquired viral infections among highly vulnerable infants, according to a study led by Oregon Health & Science University.

The multicenter study examined data from more than 48,000 infants across 12 NICUs in the U.S. and Canada before and during the COVID‑19 pandemic. Researchers found that viral infection rates fell from 0.8% to 0.3% after measures such as universal masking, stricter hand hygiene and visitor health screenings were introduced, even as community viral infections increased.

The findings, published in JAMA Network Open, highlight the role of consistent infection control practices in protecting premature and medically fragile newborns. The results reinforce the importance of maintaining prevention protocols during periods of high viral activity.

“Understandably, many families have questions and concerns about how prevention measures impact bonding and early interactions with their infant,” said Robert L. Schelonka, M.D., a study author and head of neonatology at OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. “We hope these findings reassure families that these protocols are effective and important for the health and safety of their child.”

Learn more about the OHSU study.