Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is spread from person to person through the air. TB usually affects the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body. A person with TB can die if they don’t get treatment.

The incidence of TB in Virginia is 4 cases per 100,000 people. Patients can present to health care providers with the following signs and symptoms: chronic cough, unexplained weight loss, fever, chest pain, hemoptysis. If you need to care for a patient with active or suspected TB infection, you should don a N-95 respirator.

Employees, residents, and students with patient contact should receive a tuberculin skin test annually.

For more information about TB, please see the EVMS TB Exposure Control Plan.

Bloodborne Pathogens

Employees, residents and students can be exposed to bloodborne pathogens such as HIV, hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus if they have a blood or body fluid exposure. A blood or body fluid exposure can be a contaminated needlestick or a cut with a contaminated sharp object; a splash to mucous membranes such as the eyes, nose, or mouth; or contact with non-intact skin like hands that are chapped, abraded, cut, etc. A blood or body fluid exposure is considered a medical emergency and should be handled as such.

In the event of an exposure, please follow the Emergency Procedure.

For more information on blood and body fluid exposures, please see the EVMS Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan .

Exposure to Other Infectious Diseases

Employees, residents and students can be exposed to infectious diseases from their contact with patients. Exposure to meningitis, pertussis, tuberculosis and lice may require preventative treatment with antibiotics.

If you think you have been exposed to an infectious disease, please call the Occupational Health Department at (757) 446-7427 to report it.