Varicella Zoster Varicella (chickenpox) Introduction Transmission Incubation Period Control Measures:   Patient   HCW   Potential Patient   Exposures   Potential HCW   Exposures Herpes Zosters Control Measures:   Patient   HCW   Potential Patient   Exposures   Potential HCW   Exposures Return to IC Guidelines Select Chapter: Chapters Standard Airborne Droplet Contact Disease List Occ. Exposure TB Prevention Sterilization IC Guidelines Reportable Dis. General Info Search Manual: Yale New Haven Hospital QISS GB 325 New Haven, CT 06504 USA Dr. Jeff Topal 688-4634

Herpes Zoster (Shingles) Control Measures Infected Health Care Worker A HCW who develops zoster lesions (shingles) should report to the Occupational Health Services to determine fitness to work. If the lesions are localized, but on an area of the body that is difficult to cover such as the head, face, or hands, the HCW should stay off duty until all lesions are dried and crusted over. If the lesions are localized and on an area of the body that can be covered, such as the chest or abdomen, the HCW may continue to work, but should not have contact with any immunocompromised patients until all lesions are dried and crusted over. If the lesions are disseminated, the HCW should stay off duty until all lesions are dried and crusted over If any lesions have bacterial superinfection (i.e. staphylococcal or streptococcal infection), including localized covered lesions, the HCW should stay off duty until all lesions are dried and crusted over and the bacterial superinfection has cleared. Last modified: July 1, 2001.(KP) Copyright ©2001 Yale New Haven Hospital, Quality Improvement Support Services. All rights reserved. Comments or suggestions to the site editor. Home URL: http://www.ynhh.org