CDC OSHA Outline Precautions to Prevent On-the-Job Zika Infections

Healthcare and laboratory workers should use standard infection control precautions to prevent the spread of the Zika virus, the CDC and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration said in interim guidance issued Friday.

"Standard precautions include, but are not limited to, hand hygiene and the use of PPE [personal protective equipment] to avoid direct contact with blood and other potentially infectious materials, including laboratory specimens/samples," according to the guidance. "PPE may include gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection."

In addition to urging the use of PPE and hand hygiene -- washing with either soap or alcohol-based hand rubs -- the guidance also warns healthcare workers not to "bend, recap, or remove contaminated needles or other contaminated sharps. Properly dispose of these items in closable, puncture-resistant, leak-proof, and labeled or color-coded containers. Workers should use sharps with engineered sharps injury protection to avoid sharps-related injuries."

Healthcare research laboratories "should ensure that their facilities and practices meet the appropriate Biosafety Level (BSL) for the type of work being conducted (including the specific biologic agents -- in this case, Zika virus) in the laboratory," the agencies said.

The guidance, which also includes recommendations for mosquito control workers, general outdoor workers, and business travelers, will be updated as new information becomes available, the agencies said.

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CDC, OSHA Outline Precautions to Prevent On-the-Job Zika Infections