What virus is known to cause outbreaks of respiratory illness among nursing home staff?

The virus that is particularly recognized for causing outbreaks of respiratory illness among nursing home staff is COVID-19. This virus, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has demonstrated a significant ability to spread in congregate settings like nursing homes, where residents and staff are in close proximity to one another. The impacts of COVID-19 are profound due to its higher transmission rates, potential for severe outcomes particularly among older adults, and the challenges associated with preventing its spread, such as asymptomatic infections.

While influenza is also a concern in nursing homes, the scale and severity of outbreaks driven by COVID-19 have been notably greater, particularly during the pandemic phases. Similarly, while human metapneumovirus and rhinovirus can cause respiratory infections, they do not have the same level of documented outbreak potential or impact in nursing homes as COVID-19 does. The recognition of COVID-19 as a major risk factor necessitates stringent infection prevention measures in these settings to protect both residents and staff from outbreaks. This helps to explain why COVID-19 is the most significant viral threat in the context of nursing home respiratory illness outbreaks.