CDC, OSHA issue Zika guidance for healthcare workers

Editor's Note

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) on April 22 issued interim guidance for protecting workers, including healthcare workers, from occupational exposure to the Zika virus.

The guidance states that: “Employers and workers in healthcare settings and laboratories should follow good infection control and biosafety practices (including universal precautions) as appropriate, to prevent or minimize the risk of transmission of infectious agents (eg, Zika virus).”

Standard precautions, which include hand hygiene and use of personal protective equipment, are recommended during patient care, regardless of Zika infection status.