Bloodborne Pathogens

“Without thinking about possible consequences, I helped a student who had a bloody nose without wearing gloves. I had scratches on my hands from pruning rosebushes the previous weekend. As a result, I contracted Hepatitis B, an infection of the liver caused by the Hepatitis B virus with an incubation period of 2-6 months from exposure to the illness. The doctor said that 50% of infected people do not become ill. I asked her how the disease was spread and she told me through (1) sexual activity, (2) blood transfusions, (3) sharing needles, (4) from direct contact with blood and other potentially infectious materials, and (5) from mother to baby. She told me it even spreads more easily than HIV. I was shocked to find out that just from helping with a bloody nose, I was now faced with possibly months of recuperation.“

To protect yourself from contracting this or other bloodborne diseases, read and study the following life-saving information. Your first line of defense, however, for protecting yourself against bloodborne pathogens and flu-like illnesses is proper hand washing techniques. Click here to learn these proper procedures.

Enduring Understanding:
In today’s environment it is critical that school professionals plan a safe response to children and adults in need. All school employees must know the potential danger of bloodborne pathogens.

Do you know which of these diseases are bloodborne pathogens? Click on them and see if you are correct. Then read on to find out more.

Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Chicken Pox Syphilis

Measles HIV Cancer Hepatitis C

Essential Questions:

1.What are bloodborne pathogens?
2.How can I become infected?
3.How can I protect myself and others from infection
If I am exposed to body fluids, what do I do to protect myself?

What are bloodborne pathogens?

Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms carried by human blood and other body fluids. The most contagious is the:

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) S S S S S
S	The most common bloodborne pathogen (in 2001, approximately 78,000 new infections were reported in the US)
S	No cure, but most will heal in approximately 6 months. It can be life threatening and lead to cirrhosis and almost certain death if not treated.
S	Hepatitis means “inflammation of the liver”
S	30% of people with the disease show no signs or symptoms
S	Blood tests are necessary to diagnose the disease
S	Virus can live in dried blood up to 7 days
S	Blood, saliva, and other body fluids may be infected
S	If you have symptoms, they might include fatigue, weight loss, fever, diarrhea, darkened urine, jaundice
S	HBV vaccination series is available & effective
	http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/slideset/hep_b/slide_1.htm

Another highly-contagious and deadly bloodborne pathogen is:

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
S	Approximately 4,600 people in Texas became infected in 2002* S
S	Virus attacks the body’s immune system
S	Those infected with the virus will eventually develop AIDS
S	The virus will not survive long outside of the human body
S	No vaccine currently exists to prevent AIDS
S	HIV is transmitted mainly through sexual contact, but also may be spread by contact with blood and body fluids
S	HIV is NOT transmitted by touching or working around people who carry the disease
S	Many contagious people with the disease show no signs or symptoms for several years
S	Flu-like symptoms may include fever, diarrhea, fatigue, weakness, sore throat, nausea, headaches, white coating on the tongue, swollen lymph glands	http://www.luc.edu/depts/biology/hiv.jpg

Other bloodborne pathogens include:

Hepatitis C
S	A disease of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV)
S	S4 times more common than HIV
S	Not spread by kissing, hugging, sneezing, coughing, food or water, sharing eating utensils or drinking glasses, or casual contact
S	Occupational transmission 10 times lower than for HBV infection
S	No vaccine available
	(http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/c/index.htm)
Syphilis
S	A sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum
S	SAlthough not as efficient as Hepatitis B or HIV, syphilis can be passed through a blood transfusion or by sharing syringes, needles or needle sharing equipment (works)
S	SMay be cured with antibiotic treatment
	(http://www.tdh.state.tx.us/hivstd/pie/edmat/facts/syphilis.htm)

BBPs may be present in body fluids containing visible blood, semen and vaginal secretions, or torn or loose skin.

S Workplace transmission—BBPs can enter your body through:
S	Open cuts and nicks
S	Skin abrasions
S	Dermatitis
S	Acne
S	Mucous membranes of the mouth, eyes, or nose
Accidental injury—you can become infected with a contaminated sharp object like:		*Contaminated surfaces are a major factor in the spread of HBV.*
S	Broken glass
S	Sharp metal
S	Needles
S	Knives
S	Exposed ends of orthodontic wires
Indirect transmission—when you touch a contaminated object or surface and then transfer the infection to your:
S	Mouth
S	Eyes
S	Nose
S	Non-intact skin

How can I protect myself and others from infection?

Hepatitis B Vaccinations S School nurses and trainers employed by the district receive the Hepatitis B vaccine at no cost S Series of 3 shots—2nd shot given 1 month after first shot; 3rd shot follows 5 months after 2nd shot S Builds up the body’s immunity to the Hepatitis B virus Standard precautions S Treat all blood and body fluids as if they were potentially infectious S Remember that victims of HBV and HIV come from all age groups, every socioeconomic class, every state, and both rural areas and inner cities.
Engineering controls—use appropriate containers for disposing of regulated waste and towels soaked with blood or body fluids
S S	Look for the biohazard label Warning labels must be placed on containers of regulated waste. Regulated waste includes: Blood or other potentially infectious material Contaminated items that would release blood or other potentially infectious materials in a liquid or semi-liquid state if compressed Items that are caked with dried blood or other potentially infectious materials.
Work practice controls—specially-trained employees will handle first-aid treatment and body fluid spill cleanups

S	Hand washing—the most important work practice control
Wash hands or other exposed skin thoroughly as soon as possible following an exposure incident Use antibacterial soap, not harsh, abrasive soaps
S	Personal hygiene
Minimize splashing, spraying, spattering and generating droplets when attending to an injured student or co-worker, especially where blood is present SDon’t eat, drink, smoke, apply cosmetics or lip balm, or handle contact lenses where there is likelihood of exposure Don’t keep food and drink in refrigerators, freezers, shelves, cabinets or on countertops or bench tops where blood or other potentially infectious materials are present
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/training/index.htm

Personal protective equipment (PPE)—protective wear appropriate for the task and exposure to include:

Gloves

S Made of latex, nitril, rubber, or other water impervious materials
S    Bandage cuts or sores on hands before donning gloves
S    To remove gloves,

With both hands gloved, peel one glove off from the top to bottom and hold it in the gloved hand

With the exposed hand, peel the second glove from the inside, tucking the first glove inside the second

S    Don’t touch the outside of used gloves
S After removing gloves, wash your hands with soap and running water as soon as possible

Goggles, face shields and aprons if there is a risk of splashing or vaporization of contaminated fluids

Personal Protective Equipment

http://www.ehs.umaryland.edu/osh/images/ppe.jpg

If I am exposed to body fluids, what do I do to protect myself?

S Wash the exposed area thoroughly with soap and running water S S
S Use non-abrasive, antibacterial soap
S Flush mouth, nose, eyes for 15 minutes if blood is splashed in mucous membranes
S Report the exposure to your supervisor
S Fill out an exposure report form		http://www.palmerohealth.com/photos/tbbottles.jpeg
S Contact the Risk Management Department at (281) 897-3882
Surface Decontamination
S	All surfaces, tools, equipment and other objects that come in contact with blood or potentially infectious materials must be decontaminated and sterilized as soon as possible.
S	Use a solution of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (household bleach) diluted between 1:10 and 1:100 with water. Use at least ¼ cup of bleach per one gallon of water.
S	Allow the bleach solution to sit on the spill for 10 minutes before collecting and disposing of waste.
S	Use Lysol or some other EPA-registered tuberculocidal disinfectant.

Check-up Questions:

(Choose one) The most contagious bloodborne pathogen in the workplace is (Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C).
(Choose one) A vaccine is available for (HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C).
(True/False) Bloodborne pathogens are transmitted through inhaling germs from an infected person.
(Choose one) The most effective prevention against bloodborne pathogen transmission in the workplace is (isolation, hand-washing with an antibacterial soap, wearing masks).
(True/False) If you are exposed to body fluids in the workplace, wash the exposed area thoroughly and report the exposure to your supervisor.

Have questions about bloodborne pathogens?
Your CFISD contact person is:
Jan Jones at jan.jones@cfisd.net

Hepatitis A	Hepatitis B	Chicken Pox	Syphilis
Measles	HIV	Cancer	Hepatitis C

Bloodborne Pathogens

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Hepatitis C

Syphilis

Check-up Questions: