Emergency Preparedness

Kern Medical Bioterrorism Response Guide Section 2-C-2 – Viral Hemorrhagic Fever

Visitors Visitors should be limited to immediate family or significant others. Family members should be instructed to wear PPE appropriate to the potential risk of blood and body fluid exposure. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) The physical properties of PPE should be appropriate to the degree of exposure and the task(s) to be performed. Infection control practitioners should evaluated existing PPE to determine if the physical properties maximize protection. Respirators Disposable, NIOSH-approved, fit-tested N-95 respirators should be worn when entering the room and removed after leaving the room. If the respirators become soiled with blood they should be removed and disposed of before leaving the room. Face Shields Disposable, face shields, in addition to N-95 respirators, should be worn when entering the room. If face shields become soiled with blood they should be removed and disposed of before leaving the room. Gowns Disposable, long sleeve, fluid-proof (impervious) gowns or coveralls with rib or elastic cuffs should be worn when entering the room. The gown should be removed before leaving the patient’s room. After removal, clothes should not have contact with the patient or potentially contaminated surfaces or equipment. Fluid-resistant gowns or coveralls can be worn if there is little or no soiling of the environment . Gloves Disposable gloves should be worn when entering the room. All jewelry including rings should be removed. Gloves should completely cover the cuff of the gown or coverall. Reinforced or double gloves should be worn for procedures that involve handling of sharp devices (e.g. phlebotomy). Gloves should be removed before leaving the room and hands should be washed immediately. Shoe and head covers Fluid-proof, ankle or calf high shoe covers should be worn when blood or body fluids visibly soil the floor. Shoe covers should be removed before leaving the room.

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