Procedure for Infectious and Contagious Diseases
Introduction
This procedure outlines the action to be taken to avoid endangering the health of any other member of the University Community, if any student or member of staff
· Who is in contact with someone who has an infectious or contagious disease, or
· Who or contracts an infectious or contagious disease
Note
This procedure is designed for information purposes and is not intended to replace appropriate medical advice and all staff and students who have reason to believe that they are suffering from any infectious or contagious disease must seek medical assistance immediately and should remain away from work/lectures until their Doctor or the University Health Centre advises them that they are fit to return.
If in contact with an infectious or contagious disease
Any member of the University community who has knowingly been in contact with an infectious or contagious disease should report the fact immediately, in the case of staff to their Dean of Faculty/Director and in the case of students to their Head of Programme/lecturer via the Faculty office.
They should consult their own doctor immediately and not report for work or lectures until medical advice has been obtained on whether it is necessary for them to keep away from the premises. If this is necessary they must not resume work/attendance at lectures without a clearance certificate.
If they are diagnosed as fit to attend work/lectures they should report any adverse symptoms that subsequently occur to the University Health Centre or to their own doctor.
If any individual has been in contact with the following diseases
Measles Chicken-pox or Shingles
Mumps Hepatitis
Whooping cough Meningitis
German measles Tuberculosis
they would not normally need to remain away from work or lectures. If, however, they feel unwell or develop any local or general symptoms they should consult a doctor immediately and produce a clearance certificate before returning to work or lectures.
There are also other diseases which by their nature and given the risk to our community should result in exclusion until medical authorities confirm safe return. For instance, food poisoning or suspected food poisoning and viral gastroenteritis can cause symptoms of diarrhoea and without good hygiene can be easily spread to others depending on the disease. Food handlers can pose a risk if handling food with symptoms and not washing hands properly and exclusion from work (or study) will depend on the at risk groups and the nature of the disease.
The illnesses stated above do not form an exhaustive list and any individual who has been in contact with an infectious or contagious disease not mentioned above, and in particular with any known exposure from overseas travel, who then develops any symptoms, should seek medical advice from either their own doctor or from the University Health Centre.
If suffering from an infectious or contagious disease
Staff/students who have a reason to believe that they are suffering from any infectious or contagious disease should seek medical assistance immediately. If there is confirmation of the symptoms, then:
· Staff should notify the University on day one of the absence and on or after day eight must send a medical certificate to the Director of Human Resources.
· Students on the first day of illness should contact their Head of Programme via the Faculty office and after six days obtain a doctor’s note which must be sent to the Registrar.
Staff/students must stay away until certified free of infection and fit to return to work/lectures. In no circumstances should work/lectures be resumed until this clearance certificate has been obtained.
Advice for Pregnant Women
In general, if a pregnant woman develops a rash or is in direct contact with someone with a potentially infectious rash this should be investigated by a doctor. The greatest risk to pregnant women from such infections comes from their own child/children rather than the workplace.
· Chickenpox can affect the pregnancy if a woman has not already had the infection. If exposed early in pregnancy (first 20 weeks) or very late (last three weeks), the GP and ante-natal carer should be informed promptly and a blood test should be done to check immunity. NB Shingles is caused by the same virus as chickenpox virus therefore anyone who has not had chickenpox is potentially vulnerable to the infection if they have close contact with a case of shingles.
· German measles (Rubella). If a pregnant woman comes into contact with German Measles she should inform her GP and ante-natal carer immediately to ensure investigation. The infection may affect the developing baby if the woman is not immune and is exposed in early pregnancy. All female staff under the age of 25 years, working with young children should have evidence of two doses of MMR vaccine.
· Slapped cheek disease (Parovirus B19) can occasionally affect an unborn child. If exposed early in pregnancy (before 20 weeks) inform whoever is giving ante-natal care as this must be investigated promptly.
· Measles during pregnancy can result in early delivery or even loss of the baby. If a pregnant woman is exposed immediately inform whoever is giving ante-natal care to ensure investigation. All female staff under the age of 25 years, working with young children should have evidence of two doses of MMR vaccine.
If you are concerned about any of the above please contact your GP
or the Health Protection Unit on 01904 567675
Reviewed May 2010