50,000 People Killed Each Year from Hospital Infections

A study from the Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics and Policy at Resources for the Future showed that approximately 50,000 people die each year from hospital acquired infections. Experts note many of the deaths could be prevented with better infection control, including hand washing, improved hygiene and better screening of patients when they arrive. The report noted that the hospital acquired infections cost society more than $8 billion due to longer hospital stays. Rosemary Black, New York Daily News 02/23/2010