Communicable Disease Flashcards
Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV) – AIDS
The virus that causes AIDS is HIV. The
infection is not considered to be AIDS. (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) until the
latent period is over and the patient displays symptoms of two or more opportunistic diseases.
Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV) – AIDS
Newly infected individuals generally display flu-like symptoms within three (3) to six (6) weeks of exposure for a short time, then appear to be normal. It can take from three weeks to one year to convert and test positive for the virus
The virus then enters a latent period which may last up to ____ years of more, during which time the infected person may be symptom free.
10 years
The HIV virus is easily killed with_____ and not known to live outside the body more than several hours (unless in blood). Recent studies suggest that the virus can survive in dried blood for In addition to blood, several body fluids also carry the HIV virus.
(soap and water, alcohol, most antiseptics)
In addition to blood, several body fluids also carry the HIV virus. They are in order of
infectiousness:
a. Blood
b. Semen
c. Vaginal secretions
d. Cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF; brain and backbone)
e. Synovial fluid (joints)
f. Pleural fluid (lining / lung)
g. Peritoneal fluid (lining / abdomen)
h. Pericardial fluid (lining / heart)
i. Amniotic fluid (embryonic fluid)
j. Laboratory specimens that contain HIV (e.g., suspensions of concentrated virus)
7. Saliva, vomit, feces and urine, although potentially infectious for Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and
other infectious diseases, are not considered significant for HIV, unless mixed with blood or
any of the above listed body fluids.
8. Human bites are not considered significant for HIV transmission, unless blood is present in the
saliva
Hepatitis
1. There are several varieties of the hepatitis virus. All of them attack the liver. They are:
a. Hepatitis A – transmitted by fecal oral route.
b. Hepatitis B – transmitted through blood and body fluids.
c. Hepatitis C – transmitted mainly through blood transfusions.
Symptoms of contracting Hepatitis include
Symptoms include:
a. Yellowing of eyes.
b. Fever.
c. Fatigue.
d. Headache.
e. Upset stomach / possible vomiting.
f. Abdominal pain.
g. Dark colored urine.
h. Skin rashes.
i. Muscle and joint pain.
j. Pale stool.
k. Some individuals may not display any symptoms.
Blood-borne Hepatitis is transmitted the same as HIV / AIDS. The same precautions must be
followed..
Hepatitis B being the most contagious.
4. The hepatitis viruses are hearty and are believed capable of surviving outside the body, on
hard surfaces, for a week or more. This makes this virus highly contagious.
5. Sanitary conditions prevent the spread of these viruses;
a. Hepatitis A (HAV).
b. Hepatitis E (HEV)
What is Tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis is caused by an airborne bacterial that primarily infects the lungs
What are the symptoms of Tuberculosis?
Persistent coughing.
2) Fatigue.
3) Unexplained weight loss.
4) Night sweats.
5) Unexplained fever.
6) Coughing up blood.
What is a significant exposure to TB?
occurs when the blood or body fluid of one person comes in
contact with another. This transfer can occur in three ways.
a) Through needle sticks (i.e., accidental needle stick while searching people or
places).
b) Through human bites, or openings in the skin (i.e., cuts, sores, abrasions, etc.)
which are exposed to blood or body fluids, or prolonged or extensive exposure
to blood on the skin.
c) Through fluids which splashed into the eyes, nose or mouth.
d) Transfer fluids include: blood, saliva, tears, vomitus, semen, urine and feces, or
any other bodily fluids.
Infectious Control
A. The precautionary measures found in this SOP minimize the risk of infection to employees. There
is no medical evidence which indicates that either Hepatitis B or HIV can be transmitted by casual
contact, according to the U.S. Public Health Service. The kinds of non-sexual person to person
contact that generally occurs between an employee and an arrestee, or victim of a crime, does not
pose the high risk of disease transmission. The routine handling, transporting and detention of
persons should continue according to present policy and procedure. However, gloves should be
used when conducting “pat downs” or body searches.
- Department employees have the duty to protect themselves from communicable diseases by
utilizing universal precautions recommended by the Center for Disease Control (C.D.C.) and
wearing their personal protective equipment. - The Department will issue OSHA approved personal protective equipment and provide training
in its use.
Evidence Handling
1. Suspect or contaminated evidence or other materials that comes into custody of the police
department shall be treated as such.
All materials contaminated with blood or other body fluids, or its residue precipitate, shall be
handed with disposable gloves.
3. Sharp objects shall be packaged in puncture resistant containers. To prevent needle stick
injuries, needles should not be capped, bent broken, removed from syringe or otherwise
manipulated by hand.
4. Packages containing contaminated items or items suspected of being contaminated shall be
clearly labeled. The warning label “BIO-HAZARD” shall be prominently displayed on the
outside of the packaging materials in such a fashion that anyone coming into contact with the
item will be aware of the risk
Exposure Protocol
1. In the event that an employee sustains an exposure, the following protocol shall be followed:
a. IMMEDIATELY remove any contaminated clothing and place in a biohazard bag.
b. IMMEDIATELY flush the contaminated area with water, then gently wash with soap and
water. Wash away from any wounds. Do not scrub vigorously, as harsh rubbing may
compromise the integrity of the skinc. IMMEDIATELY apply an antiseptic.
d. Don fresh attire. Officers should carry a casual change of clothes in their assigned
vehicle, and keep a change of work clothes (or a second uniform, if in Patrol) in their
locker. This is mandatory.
e. Notify your supervisor.
f. Notify Public Works to decontaminate City property other than the police building or public
areas where blood or body fluid spills occur.
g. Advise property owner, manager or tenant to decontaminate their property.
h. Complete an Offense, Incident Report, Injury Report and Exposure Incident Rep
In the field when soap and water is not available, apply _____ the immediately
and let the area air dry. As soon as you can, wash with soap and water and reapply
the antiseptic.
antiseptic
Exposure Protocol
1. In the event that an employee sustains an exposure, the following protocol shall be followed:
Go to designated medical facility, or the emergency room of the closest hospital, if after
hours.
j. Ask your supervisor to initiate HIV blood testing on the subject.
k. If the subject is being transported to a medical facility by a Fire Rescue unit or an
ambulance, the officer will request that his name and badge number be added to the Fire
Department’s rescue summary at the bottom of the narration or on the Ambulance Run
Report. A copy of this document will remain at the receiving hospital, where it will be used
by the hospital to contact all persons, including the officer, who had immediate contact
with the patient if he is diagnosed as having HIV virus, Hepatitis B, TB, or any other
infectious disease. This notification must be within forty-eight (48) hours after diagnosis of
the disease, in accordance with Florida Statute 395.0147.
l. It is the officer’s responsibility to follow up on any incident where he believes he may have
been exposed to an infectious disease from a hospitalized person by calling the receiving
hospital to determine the outcome of the diagnosis on the suspected disease carrier.
m. If the subject is hospitalized, obtain the results of any diagnosis of a communicable
disease through the hospital.
n. If any employee is off duty and acting in the line of duty, he shall notify an on duty
supervisor, who will report to the Shift Commander. All of the above procedures apply.
o. When entering the Police Department after a significant exposure, go directly to the locker
room. All contaminated clothing and equipment should be in biohazard bags. If shoes are
contaminated, either put them in a separate bio-bag or wear boot covers.
There are ____ biohazard receptacles in the Men’s and Women’s locker rooms
3
Supervisor’s Responsibility once advised of an exposure.
Ensure that the officer has followed the Exposure Protocol (wash, antiseptic, change
clothes, etc.).
b.Ensure the following reports are made:
1) OIR.
2) Notice of Injury Report.
3) Supervisor’s Report.
4)Exposure Incident Report.
c. Advise officer to go to designated medical facility or the closest emergency room if after hours.
d. Obtain HIV blood testing on the person who was the source of the exposure.
e. Ensure that the officer receives all required medical treatment and has the opportunity to
notify his family.
f. Ensure that an employee stays with the exposed employee to assist him and provide transportation or other assistance as needed.
g. Ensure that the exposed employee, if released from the hospital, is either transported
home and / or given another vehicle if his is contaminated..
Ensure the following reports are made:
1) OIR.
2) Notice of Injury Report.
3) Supervisor’s Report.
4) Exposure Incident Report.
Attempt to obtain consent for voluntary HIV blood testing.
1) Have subject sign a consent form.
2) Transport subject to designated medical facility.
a) The designated medical facility, or emergency room, will require subject to sign
the hospital’s consent form.
b) The hospital is required to counsel the subject prior to and subsequent to HIV
blood testing.
Mandatory Blood TestingIf the subject does not voluntarily submit to a blood test, the following procedure shall be
followed:
1) FSS 796.08 provides for a Warrant for Examination to be issued when a police officer
or paramedic has experienced a significant exposure
A significant exposure is
defined as
a) Exposure to blood and / or body fluids through needle stick, instruments, or
sharps.
b) Exposure of mucous membranes to visible blood or body fluids.
c) Exposure of skin to visible blood or body fluids when the exposed skin has open
sores or scabs or is chapped, abraded, or afflicted with dermatitis or the contact
is prolonged or involving an extensive area
A significant exposure is defined as:
a) Exposure to blood and / or body fluids through needle stick, instruments, or
sharps.
b) Exposure of mucous membranes to visible blood or body fluids.
c) Exposure of skin to visible blood or body fluids when the exposed skin has open
sores or scabs or is chapped, abraded, or afflicted with dermatitis or the contact
is prolonged or involving an extensive area
If the subject does not voluntarily submit to a blood test, the following procedure shall be
followed:
A physician must sign a statement indicating that the employee experienced a
significant exposure.
Complete affidavit for Warrant to Conduct Examination and Warrant for Examination.
4) Take documents 2 and 3 above, along with the completed OIR, to a County or Circuit
Judge.
5) The following forms are used:
a) Authorization to Release Information. (Form 002-D).
b) The Physician’s Statement (Form 002-E).
c) Affidavit for Warrant to Conduct Examination. (Form 002-F).
d) Warrant for Examination (Form 002-G)
FSS 796.08 provides for a _____ for Examination to be issued when a police officer
or paramedic has experienced a significant exposure.
Warrant for Examination
If the offender is not in custody, the Warrant authorizes the offender to be taken into
custody and transported to a designated examination facility. The only designated
facility presently authorized to conduct nonconsensual examinations is the _______. A _____ must accompany an officer taking a person
into custody under these conditions.
Dade
County Health Department
supervisor
