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This is an official
CDC HEALTH ADVISORY

Distributed via Health Alert Network
Friday, September 14, 2001, 15:19 EDT (03:19 PM EDT)
CDCHAN-00006-2001-09-14-ADV-R

Safety Advisory for First Responders

Protecting the safety of first responders and other rescue personnel in New York, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia continues to be a high priority. CDC has received requests for information about management of exposures to blood or other body fluids that pose a hazard for bloodborne pathogen (hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, or HIV) transmission. Routes of exposure to blood or other body fluids that merit evaluation include percutaneous injuries with contaminated sharps, splashes to mucosal surfaces, and visible contamination of injured skin. Post-exposure management systems should address:

1. Instructions to exposed personnel about reporting exposures and the need for evaluation at sites where immediate post-exposure treatment services are provided;

2. Assessment and documentation of the nature and severity of the exposures;

3. Provision of post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent hepatitis B or HIV when indicated;

4. Referral for appropriate follow-up care.

Clinicians responsible for post-exposure care are reminded that the National Clinicians - Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Hotline is available for around-the-clock advice about assessing and treating occupational exposures to blood and other body fluids that might pose a threat of hepatitis or HIV. There is no charge for this service. Call either: 888-488-4911 (toll free) or 415-469-4417 (back-up).

The 24 / 7 hotline is staffed by experts at the University of California, San Francisco and San Francisco General Hospital and is funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Additional detailed information about post-exposure care after occupational exposures to blood and body fluids can be found at <http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/hip/guide/phspep.htm>. In addition, the University of California, Los Angeles and CDC have developed an interactive website (www.needlestick.mednet.ucla.edu
 <http://www.needlestick.mednet.ucla.edu>) to help guide clinicians in making decisions about post-exposure care.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protects people's health and safety by preventing and controlling diseases and injuries; enhances health decisions by providing credible information on critical health issues; and promotes healthy living through strong partnerships with local, national and international organizations.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES


The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protects people's health and safety by preventing and controlling diseases and injuries; enhances health decisions by providing credible information on critical health issues; and promotes healthy living through strong partnerships with local, national and international organizations.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES


HAN Message Types
  • Health Alert: Conveys the highest level of importance; warrants immediate action or attention. Example: HAN00001
  • Health Advisory: Provides important information for a specific incident or situation; may not require immediate action. Example: HAN00316
  • Health Update: Provides updated information regarding an incident or situation; unlikely to require immediate action. Example: HAN00309
  • Info Service: Provides general information that is not necessarily considered to be of an emergent nature. Example: HAN00319

 

## This Message was distributed to State and Local Health Officers, Public Information Officers, Epidemiologists and HAN Coordinators as well as Clinician organizations ##

You have received this message based upon the information contained within our emergency notification database. If you have a different or additional e-mail or fax address that you would like us to use, please contact your State-based Health Alert Network program at your State or local health department.


Additional Resources
Contact Us:
Ready.gov - Prepare. Plan. Stay Informed.
USA.gov: The U.S. Government's Official Web PortalDepartment of Health and Human Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention   1600 Clifton Rd. Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) TTY: (888) 232-6348 - Contact CDC-INFO

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