MCRFD
• Infection Control Training• Bloodborne and Airborne Pathogens
Definitions
• Pathogen – Microorganisms that cause infections – such as viruses and bacteria.
Definitions
• Bloodborne pathogens – transmitted through blood or other potentially infectious material such as certain bodily fluids (semen, breast milk, etc.) or tissues.
• Airborne pathogens – transmitted by airborne droplets such as those from coughing, sneezing, or breathing close to someone’s face.
First Responder Concerns - Bloodborne
• AIDS/HIV – can result from blood splash onto mucous membrane (eyes, nose, and mouth) or by blood coming into contact with open skin
First Responder Concerns - Bloodborne
• Hepatitis B – transmitted same as HIV, but there is some risk in mouth to mouth rescue breathing
• Hepatitis C
First Responder Concerns - Airborne
• Tuberculosis – spread when people with untreated TB germs in their lungs cough, sneeze or speak
• Meningitis – risk of on the job exposure minimal
Infected Blood Can Enter Your System through
• Open Sores• Cuts• Abrasions• Acne• Any sort of damaged or broke skin such as
sunburn or blisters• Mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and
mouth
Four Diseases Most Likely to Encounter
• HIV/AIDS• Hepatitis B• Hepatitis C• Tuberculosis
HIV/AIDS
• HIV – Human Immunodeficiency Virus – attacks a type of white blood cells – T cells which is a part of the immune system. The body is left without a line of defense against infection. Person becomes susceptible to opportunistic diseases such as pneumonia.
• Initially no signs of having the virus.
HIV/AIDS
• The virus lives outside the body only a few hours.
• Four modes of transfer – blood, semen, vaginal secretions, breast milk.
HIV/AIDS
• AIDS - Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome – Once a person is HIV positive and contracts an opportunistic disease, they are considered to have AIDS.
• There is no vaccination for HIV.
AIDS Statistics – United States
• At the end of 2005, the CDC estimated there were 437,982 people living with AIDS.
• At the end of 2005, the CDC estimated there were between 1,039,000 and 1,185,000 living with HIV.
AIDS Statistics – United States
AIDS Statistics – United States
Hepatitis B (HBV)
• Potentially life threatening
• CDC estimates there are about 280,000 HBV infections each year in the US
• Approximately 8,700 health care workers contract HBV each year, and about 200 will die.
Hepatitis B Symptoms
• Weight loss
• Malaise
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal Pain
• Jaundice (yellow skin)
• Skin Rashes
• Aching Joints
• Incubation period for Hepatitis B ranges from 45 to 180 days with an average of 120 days.
• Some people will be asymptomatic, but can be carriers.
Concentration of Hepatitis B Virus in Various Body Fluids
High Moderate Low/Not Detectable
blood semen urine
serum vaginal fluid feces
other fluids from wounds
saliva sweat
tears
breastmilk
HIV vs. Hepatitis B
HIV Hepatitis B
10 – 50 virus particles per ml of blood
At lest 1,000,000 virus particles per ml of blood
Virus lives outside the body for only a few hours
Virus lives outside the body for up to 7 days
Up to 100 times easier to catch than HIV
No vaccination available Vaccinations available – 3 doses
Hepatitis C
• 3-4 million carriers
• Disease can incubate for decades
• Most carriers will have some liver damage, but may not feel sick.
• Some may develop cirrhosis of the liver and liver failure which may take years to develop.
Hepatitis C Risk Factors
• Long-term kidney dialysis
• Sex with multiple partners
• Tattooing or body piercing with shared needles or unsterilized equipment
• Intranasal cocaine use with shared straws
• People who received blood transfusions before 1992
Hepatitis C Risk Factors
• Drug Users who share needles
• Babies born to mothers who have Hepatitis C
• Health care workers, dental workers, emergency workers, and others who have contact with blood and body fluid
Hepatitis C
• There is no vaccination against HCV
• No treatment after exposure
• Prevention is imperative
Spread of Bloodborne Pathogens - Review
• Puncture by a sharp object infected with the Virus
• Contaminated object or substance touches inflamed skin, acne, skin abrasion
Spread of Bloodborne Pathogens - Review
• Touch a contaminated surface or substance and then touch your eyes, nose, mouth, or open wounds or inflamed skin
How to Reduce Your Risk
• Use your personal protective equipment, including: medical gloves, firefighter gloves, bunker gear, helmet, face shield, protective goggles, protective gowns.
• What you use depends on the incident.• Do not eat, drink, smoke, or handle contact
lens in areas where there is the possibility of exposure.
