Occupational Health Guidelines for Remediation Workers at Bacillus anthracis-Contaminated Sites–United States, 2001–2002

Details

• Journal Article:
  Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR)
• Description:
  Despite the apparently low disease rate from exposure, protection for remediation workers at B. anthracis-contaminated sites is warranted because inhalational anthrax is rapidly progressive and highly fatal, PPE does not guarantee 100% protection, and the risk for developing disease cannot be characterized adequately. The guidelines described here go beyond HAZWOPER requirements and include recommendations for treating inhalation exposure to B. anthracis spores as a medical emergency, medical follow-up as long as the risk for anthrax persists or a worker is receiving antibiotic prophylaxis, accommodation of a mobile workforce, and assurance that workers understand the need for immediate medical attention should symptoms of anthrax occur. Completion of the 6-dose series of anthrax vaccine followed by annual booster doses will decrease the reliance on antibiotics for the prevention of anthrax. Measures to protect workers must include both medical measures (i.e., vaccination, antibiotic prophylaxis, or a combination of both) and measures to prevent exposure (e.g., PPE and environmental controls).
• Subjects:
  Anthrax Antibiotic Prophylaxis Bacillus Anthracis Equipment Contamination Occupational Exposure Occupational Health Spores, Bacterial Vaccination Workplace
• Source:
  MMWR. Morbidity and mortality weekly report. 2002; 51(35):786-9.
• Series:
  Weekly Report: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR)
• ISSN:
  0149-2195 (print) ; 1545-861X (digital)
• Document Type:
  Journal Issue
• Place as Subject:
  United States
• Pages in Document:
  4 pdf pages
• Volume:
  51
• Issue:
  35
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20022604
• Collection(s):
  Guidelines and Recommendations National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR)
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:9498aad3727b48ce643336990f75b7212c4cc9ac7e0dd4543dc58a9e143447b59efbbcc94fe847790c7482354cb103bcbaa6cb2bfbfa6bfe0f29fbba02d7f981
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/7182/cdc_7182_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 202.13 KB ]