What are the infection control measures for smallpox?

What are the infection control measures for smallpox?

National infection control guidelines prescribe specific precautions to be taken when treating patients with known or suspected smallpox. These precautions include “Standard”, “Droplet”, “Airborne”, and “Contact” Precautions, under certain circumstances. Patient isolation and similar precautions may also be necessary.

What is the protocol for a smallpox vaccination?

The vaccine is given using a bifurcated (two-pronged) needle that is dipped into the vaccine solution. When removed, the needle retains a droplet of the vaccine. The needle is then used to prick the skin 15 times in a few seconds.

Is smallpox airborne or droplet precautions?

Smallpox is spread through prolonged face-to-face contact via droplets expelled from the patient’s nose and mouth, usually by coughing. Smallpox may also be transmitted through contact with materials from smallpox pustules or scabs.

Does a mask prevent smallpox?

The extent of reduction in the incidence of smallpox with use of this agent is uncertain. It is useless for treatment of clinical smallpox. N-100 respirators (face masks) worn by uninfected members of the public may prevent transmission of the virus.

Which measure is most important in preventing a common adverse event following smallpox vaccination?

The most important measure to prevent “Inadvertent Inoculation” from occurring is thorough handwashing with soap and water after changing the bandage or after any other contact with the vaccination site, site drainage and/or scab.

What do standard precautions measure?

Standard precautions are a set of infection control practices used to prevent transmission of diseases that can be acquired by contact with blood, body fluids, non-intact skin (including rashes), and mucous membranes.

Is the smallpox vaccine safe?

The smallpox vaccine is safe, and it is effective at preventing smallpox disease. Vaccines, like any medicine, can have side effects. After getting the vaccine, a person will have a dime-sized lesion that gradually forms a scab and leaves a scar.

Is smallpox airborne or waterborne?

Rarely, smallpox has spread through the air in enclosed settings, such as a building (airborne route). Smallpox can be spread by humans only.

What PPE is used for airborne precautions?

N95 respirator
A particulate respirator must be worn by anyone entering the patient’s room that is on airborne precautions. This may be an N95 respirator or powered air purifying respirator or PAPR. Respirators are specifically designed to provide respiratory protection by efficiently filtering out airborne particles.

Is smallpox spread through air?

Rarely, smallpox has spread through the air in enclosed settings, such as a building (airborne route). Smallpox can be spread by humans only. Scientists have no evidence that smallpox can be spread by insects or animals.

What type of isolation is smallpox?

Isolate patients possibly infected with smallpox virus in negative-pressure rooms under airborne precautions and vaccinate them within the first 4 days after exposure. Supportive and symptomatic treatment (eg, hydration, nutrition) should be provided.

What PPE is needed for smallpox?

Cover the patient’s nose and mouth with a surgical mask or N95 respirator. Use only personnel who have been vaccinated against smallpox OR vaccinate personnel within 72 hours of their first exposure to the patient (preferably within 24 hours).

What are the risks of the smallpox vaccine?

A few people who have gotten the smallpox vaccine have developed heart inflammation (myocarditis), inflammation of the lining of the heart (pericarditis), or a combination of both (myopericarditis). Other people have experienced heart pain (angina) and heart attack after getting the smallpox vaccination.

Which can be prevented by vaccination?

Vaccine preventable diseases currently include:

• diphtheria.
• tetanus.
• pertussis (whooping cough)
• poliomyelitis (polio)
• measles.
• mumps.
• rubella.
• haemophilus influenzae type b infections.

Is smallpox transmitted through air?

Can you get smallpox after being vaccinated?

For that reason, people who are vaccinated must take precautions when caring for the place on their arm where they were vaccinated, so they can prevent the vaccinia virus from spreading. The vaccine does not contain the smallpox virus and cannot give you smallpox.