COMPLIANCE INFO - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Project No.4-419-0381 August 29,2019 Page No.21 if a person or animal is bitten by a WNV-infected mosquito, the virus may be transmitted to them. In the United States in 2001, thousands of wild birds, more than 700 horses, and 66 people were infected with severe cases of WNV. Severe illness due to WNV infection is rare in humans. Most human WNV infections cause either no symptoms or a mild flu-like illness. The most severely affected patients may develop an inflammation of the brain called encephalitis.These severe cases are very rare in humans.While in 2004 there were 88 WNV deaths in the United States, 23 of those deaths were in California.Persons over age 50 are at higher risk of severe illness following infection. Workers at risk of exposure to WNV include those working outdoors when mosquitoes are actively biting. Occupations at risk include farmers, foresters, landscapers, groundskeepers, painters, roofers, pavers, construction workers, and other outdoor workers. The most likely route of WNV infection to humans is through the bite of an infected mosquito. WNV may also be transmitted by organ transplantation, blood transfusion, or breast milk. No evidence exists that health care, animal husbandry, or other workers are at risk of infection from exposure to animals or humans infected with WNV.Person-to-person or animal-to- person transmission of WNV is not known to occur. In a recent study, workers in direct contact with sick geese were at increased risk of infection with WNW. Whether this was due to direct contact with the birds or to increased exposure to infected mosquitoes is unknown. No evidence exists that WNV can be transmitted from sick horses to humans. It is recommended that workers use standard infection control precautions when working with laboratory specimens or with humans or animals suspected or known to be infected with WNV. Also wear gloves if it is necessary to handle dead animals. Recommendations for Workers Outdoor workers can decrease their risk of WNV infection by reducing their contact with mosquitoes through the use of the personal protective measures listed below. Workers may take the following steps when working at sites where mosquitoes may be actively biting: • Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks when possible. Spray exposed skin with insect repellents; • READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS FOR REPELLENT USE; • Use repellents at the lowest effective concentration; • Use DEET (N-N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide or N,N-diethylmetatoluamide) at concentrations of 35%or less; • Do not apply repellents to cuts,wounds,or irritated skin; • When needed,reapply repellents according to label directions; • Spray clothing with products containing DEET or permethrin,as mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing; • Wash treated clothing before wearing it again; • Do not apply repellents under clothing; and • Follow standard infection control procedures when handling sick or dead animals or laboratory specimens to minimize the risk of infectious disease. 3.3.8.9 Blood Borne Pathogens Approximately 5.6 million American workers are at risk of developing various types of illnesses, such as the human immunodeficiency(HIV) and hepatitis B (HBV)viruses, due to their exposure to blood borne pathogens and other potentially infectious materials in the workplace. In recent years there has been a significant increase in the number of cases reported.This poses a serious problem for exposed workers and Ll SALEM engineering group. inc.