Implementation of Hospital Policy for Healthcare Workers and Patients Exposed to Varicella-Zoster Virus.
10.3346/jkms.2018.33.e252
- Author:
Si Hyun KIM
1
;
Sun Hee PARK
;
Su Mi CHOI
;
Dong Gun LEE
Author Information
1. Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea. symonlee@catholic.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Varicella-Zoster Virus Infection;
Occupational Exposure;
Vaccination;
Immune Globulin;
Hospitals, Isolation
- MeSH:
Antiviral Agents;
Chickenpox Vaccine;
Delivery of Health Care*;
Female;
Herpesvirus 3, Human*;
Hospitals, Isolation;
Humans;
Immunization, Passive;
Immunocompromised Host;
Infant, Newborn;
Infection Control;
Mortality;
Occupational Exposure;
Pregnant Women;
Vaccination
- From:Journal of Korean Medical Science
2018;33(36):e252-
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes a highly contagious and generally benign, self-limited disease. However, in high-risk populations including immunocompromised patients, pregnant women, and neonates, VZV infection can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Healthcare-associated transmission of VZV occurs among healthcare workers (HCWs) and patients by airborne transmission or by direct contact with the index case. To minimize the risk of transmission in healthcare settings, all VZV-susceptible HCWs should be encouraged strongly to be immunized with the varicella vaccine. For post-exposure management, active immunization (varicella vaccine), passive immunization (varicella-zoster immune globulin) and/or antiviral agents, and isolation could be used in specific situations. To prevent the transmission of VZV infection in the hospital settings, the development and implementation of hospital policies for appropriate infection control is also warranted. This article reviews the general information and healthcare-associated transmission of VZV and summarizes the recommendations for the pre- and post-exposure management of HCWs and patients, in hospital settings.
