Workers are urged to call the University Health Center following a known or suspect peritoneal or internal contamination. For certain exposures, such as non-human primate bites or scratches, tick or insect bites, or exposure to infectious agents; the worker will be advised to come in and be evaluated at the Health Center. In situations when the Health Center is not available or if more extensive treatment is required, the worker may be referred to a local hospital and given a follow up visit with the medical center. University Health Center will provide the post-exposure evaluation and follow-up. The post-exposure monitoring periods and follow-up are dependent on the type of exposure. This time period is related to the various incubation periods of the infectious agents.
5.1 Medical Restrictions
5.1.1 Pregnancy
It is recognized that exposure to certain infectious agents may adversely affect a fetus during pregnancy if the mother is infected with the agent. Therefore, if pregnancy is possible while you are working in an infectious disease laboratory or laboratory engaged in work with infectious agents you should consult your principal investigator or supervisor. Women that are pregnant or become pregnant are encouraged to inform their supervisors or PIs and the Biosafety Officer. Employees are urged to discuss exposure issues with their supervisors or PIs regarding associated risks of research being conducted and pregnancy. The Biosafety Officer will give advice about precautions that might be necessary.
5.1.2 Reproductive Biological Hazards
Reproductive biological hazards include, but are not limited to the following:
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV)
- Hepatitis E virus
- Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Human parvovirus B19
- Rubella (German Measles)
- Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis virus
- Toxoplasma gondii (Toxoplasmosis)
- Listeria monocytogenes
- Varicella-zoster virus (chicken pox)
Whenever necessary, the Biosafety Officer will offer an opportunity to review work procedures in the lab to ensure that potential exposure is minimized. Investigators actively working with biological reproductive hazards shall explain the risks to workers and maintain documentation of this.
5.1.3 Other Restrictions
Restrictions or recommendations will be made on an individual basis after discussion with Health Services and the employee’s personal medical doctor. Examples of conditions that might warrant special precautions are HIV infection, immunosuppressive conditions and drug therapy that suppresses the immune system. Therefore, if you are suffering from any of the above conditions, you must inform your physician and Health Services about the situation.