Infection Control Manual, Varicella/Herpes Zoster Infection Control Policy

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
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Yale New Haven Hospital
QISS
GB 325
New Haven, CT
06504 USA

Dr. Jeff Topal
688-4634


Herpes Zoster (Shingles) Control Measures

Potentially Exposed Susceptible Patients to Disseminated Zoster

Susceptible patients who have been exposed prior to hospitalization and who do not know if they are immune should be evaluated to see if admission can be delayed until their immune status is known or the potential period of communicability has passed, if possible. If delayed admission is not possible, the patient will need to be placed in a negative pressure room on Airborne and Contact Precautions starting on day 10 from first day of exposure until day 21 after last day of exposure.
Patients who are admitted or are exposed in the hospital should have their immune status determined. The patient services manager or designee will work with Hospital Epidemiology to determine the varicella history of the exposed patient(s). If they have a negative history and a negative titer, these patients should be discharged as soon as possible. All exposed susceptible patients who cannot be discharged should be placed in a negative pressure room on Airborne Precautions starting on day 10 from first day of exposure until day 21 after last day of exposure. If a patient receives varicella zoster immune globulin (VZIG) negative pressure isolation will need to be continued until day 28.

Potentially Exposed Health Care Workers to Disseminated Zoster

All susceptible exposed staff must report to Personnel Health Services immediately. If immune status is not known or previously negative, serologic testing will be done to determine serostatus. If a health care worker has received the varicella vaccine previously he/she should report to PHS following exposures as well.

If the worker is not immune, Personnel Health Services will furlough the HCW until the period of communicability is over.

Last modified: October 2, 2002.