MDH Source Control Recommendation for Healthcare Settings
January 5, 2026
We are writing with an update on respiratory viruses in Maryland and a reminder of the MDH recommendations for the use of broad-based source control in all healthcare settings during respiratory virus season.
As of today, December 31, 2025, Maryland’s statewide respiratory virus associated hospitalization rates for influenza and RSV exceed 10 hospitalizations per 100,000 residents. Therefore, at this time, MDH recommends the implementation of facility-wide source control in patient care areas and patient-facing healthcare settings. This includes the use of masks by all individuals in patient-facing areas, including non-clinical staff and visitors.
There is currently a data feed missing temporarily from the statewide respiratory virus associated hospitalization rate dashboard, specifically, the COVID-19 hospitalizations are not being accounted for. The statewide hospitalization rates will significantly increase as the additional data feed representing COVID-19 hospitalizations is restored.
As a reminder, MDH recommends that broad facility-wide source control should be implemented in all patient care areas and patient-facing healthcare settings, including outpatient and long-term care, when the statewide combined weekly respiratory virus-associated hospitalization rate meets or exceeds 10 hospitalizations per 100,000 residents.
Please ensure contingency staffing plans are up to date to accommodate increased patient volume or staff absences, and adequate PPE supply is available in patient-facing areas. Wash your hands frequently, and encourage vaccination, testing, and treatment to those who are eligible.
Please let us know if you have any questions.