Isolation precautions

CDC Table

Legend
Isolation Types & Duration
CDC
Types
Standard isolation is also applied to all other isolation types
Airborne Precautions	A
Contact	C
Droplet	D
Standard	S
Duration of Isolation
CN	until off antimicrobial treatment and culture-negative
DI	duration of illness (with wound lesions, DI means until wounds stop draining)
DE	until environment completely decontaminated
U	until time specified in hours (hrs) after initiation of effective therapy
Unknown	criteria for establishing eradication of pathogen has not been determined

Infection/Condition	'	'	Type	Duration	Precautions/Comments
Abscess
	Draining, major		C	DI	No dressing or containment of drainage; until drainage stops or can be contained by dressing
	Draining, minor or limited		S		Dressing covers and contains drainage
Acquired human immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV)			S		Post-exposure chemoprophylaxis for some blood exposures 866.
Actinomycosis			S		Not transmitted from person to person
Adenovirus infection ( see agent-specific guidance under gastroenteritis, conjuctivitis, pneumonia)
Amebiasis			S		Person to person transmission is rare. Transmission in settings for the mentally challenged and in a family group has been reported 1045. Use care when handling diapered infants and mentally challenged persons 1046.
Anthrax			S		Infected patients do not generally pose a transmission risk.
	Cutaneous		S		Transmission through non-intact skin contact with draining lesions possible, therefore use Contact Precautions if large amount of uncontained drainage. Handwashing with soap and water preferable to use of waterless alcohol based antiseptics since alcohol does not have sporicidal activity 983.
	Pulmonary		S		Not transmitted from person to person
	Environmental: aerosolizable spore-containing powder or other substance			DE	Until decontamination of environment complete [203]. Wear respirator (N95 mask or PAPRs), protective clothing; decontaminate persons with powder on them (Notice to Readers: Occupational Health Guidelines for Remediation Workers at Bacillus anthracis-Contaminated Sites — United States, 2001–2002 )
					Hand hygiene: Handwashing for 30-60 seconds with soap and water or 2% chlorhexidene gluconate after spore contact (alcohol handrubs inactive against spores [983].
					Post-exposure prophylaxis following environmental exposure: 60 days of antimicrobials (either doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, or levofloxacin) and post-exposure vaccine under IND
Antibiotic-associated colitis (see Clostridium difficile)
Arthropod-borne viral encephalitides (eastern, western, Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis; St Louis, California encephalitis; West Nile Virus) and viral fevers (dengue, yellow fever, Colorado tick fever)			S		Not transmitted from person to person except rarely by transfusion, and for West Nile virus by organ transplant, breastmilk or transplacentally [530, 1047]. Install screens in windows and doors in endemic areas
					Use DEET-containing mosquito repellants and clothing to cover extremities
Ascariasis			S		Not transmitted from person to person
Aspergillosis			S		Contact Precautions and Airborne Precautions if massive soft tissue infection with copious drainage and repeated irrigations required [154].
Avian influenza (see influenza, avian below)
Babesiosis			S		Not transmitted from person to person except rarely by transfusion,
Blastomycosis, North American, cutaneous or pulmonary			S		Not transmitted from person to person
Botulism			S		Not transmitted from person to person
Bronchiolitis (see respiratory infections in infants and young children)			C	DI	Use mask according to Standard Precautions.
Brucellosis (undulant, Malta, Mediterranean fever)			S		Not transmitted from person to person except rarely via banked spermatozoa and sexual contact [1048, 1049]. Provid antimicrobial prophylaxis following laboratory exposure [1050].
Campylobacter gastroenteritis (see gastroenteritis)
Candidiasis, all forms including mucocutaneous			S
Cat-scratch fever (benign inoculation lymphoreticulosis)			S		Not transmitted from person to person
Cellulitis			S
Chancroid (soft chancre) (H. ducreyi)			S		Transmitted sexually from person to person
Chickenpox (see varicella)
Chlamydia trachomatis
	Conjunctivitis		S
	Genital (lymphogranuloma venereum)		S
	Pneumonia (infants < 3 mos. of age))		S
Chlamydia pneumoniae			S		Outbreaks in institutionalized populations reported, rarely [1051, 1052].
Cholera (see gastroenteritis)
Closed-cavity infection
	Open drain in place; limited or minor drainage		S		Contact Precautions if there is copious uncontained drainage
	No drain or closed drainage system in place		S
Clostridium
	C. botulinum		S		Not transmitted from person to person
	C. difficile (see Gastroenteritis, C. difficile)		C	DI
	C. perfringens
	Food poisoning		S		Not transmitted from person to person
	Gas gangrene		S		Transmission from person to person rare; one outbreak in a surgical setting reported [1053]. Use Contact Precautions if wound drainage is extensive.
Coccidioidomycosis (valley fever)
	Draining lesions		S		Not transmitted from person to person except under extraordinary circumstances because the infectious arthroconidial form of Coccidioides immitis is not produced in humans [1054].
	Pneumonia		S		Not transmitted from person to person except under extraordinary circumstances, (e.g., inhalation of aerosolized tissue phase endospores during necropsy, transplantation of infected lung) because the infectious arthroconidial form of Coccidioides immitis is not produced in humans [1054, 1055].
Colorado tick fever			S		Not transmitted from person to person
Congenital rubella			C	Until 1 yr of age	Standard Precautions if nasopharyngeal and urine cultures repeatedly neg. after 3 mos. of age
Conjunctivitis
	Acute bacterial		S
	Chlamydia		S
	Gonococcal		S
	Acute viral (acute hemorrhagic)		C	DI	Adenovirus most common; enterovirus 70 1056, Coxsackie virus A24 1057) also associated with community outbreaks. Highly contagious; outbreaks in eye clinics, pediatric and neonatal settings, institutional settings reported. Eye clinics should follow Standard Precautions when handling patients with conjunctivitis. Routine use of infection control measures in the handling of instruments and equipment will prevent the occurrence of outbreaks in this and other settings. 460, 814, 1058, 1059 461, 1060.
Corona virus associated with SARS (SARS-CoV) (see severe acute respiratory syndrome)
Coxsackie virus disease (see enteroviral infection)
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease			S		Use disposable instruments or special sterilization/disinfection for surfaces, objects contaminated with neural tissue if CJD or vCJD suspected and has not been R/O; No special burial procedures
CJD, vCJD					1061
Croup (see respiratory infections in infants and young children)
Crimean-Congo Fever (see Viral Hemorrhagic Fever)			S
Cryptococcosis			S		Not transmitted from person to person, except rarely via tissue and corneal transplant 1062, 1063
Cryptosporidiosis (see gastroenteritis)
Cysticercosis			S		Not transmitted from person to person
Cytomegalovirus infection, including in neonates and immunosuppressed patients			S		No additional precautions for pregnant HCWs
Decubitus ulcer (see Pressure ulcer)
Dengue fever
Diarrhea, acute-infective etiology suspected (see gastroenteritis)
Diphtheria
	Cutaneous		C	CN	Until 2 cultures taken 24 hrs. apart negative
	Pharyngeal		D	CN	Until 2 cultures taken 24 hrs. apart negative
Ebola virus (see viral hemorrhagic fevers)
Echinococcosis (hydatidosis)			S
Echovirus (see enteroviral infection)
Encephalitis or encephalomyelitis (see specific etiologic agents)
Endometritis (endomyometritis)			S
Enterobiasis (pinworm disease, oxyuriasis)			S
Enterococcus species (see multidrug-resistant organisms if
epidemiologically significant or vancomycin resistant)
Enterocolitis, C. difficile (see C. difficile, gastroenteritis)
Enteroviral infections (i.e., Group A and B Coxsackie viruses and Echo viruses) (excludes polio virus)			S		Use Contact Precautions for diapered or incontinent children for duration of illness and to control institutional outbreaks
Epiglottitis, due to Haemophilus influenzae type b			D	U 24 hrs	See specific disease agents for epiglottitis due to other etiologies)
Epstein-Barr virus infection, including infectious mononucleosis			S
Erythema infectiosum (also see Parvovirus B19)
Escherichia coli gastroenteritis (see gastroenteritis)
Food poisoning
	Botulism		S		Not transmitted from person to person
	C. perfringens or welchii		S		Not transmitted from person to person
	Staphylococcal		S		Not transmitted from person to person
Furunculosis, staphylococcal			S		Contact if drainage not controlled. Follow institutional policies if MRSA
	Infants and young children		C	DI
Gangrene (gas gangrene)			S		Not transmitted from person to person
Gastroenteritis			S		Use Contact Precautions for diapered or incontinent persons for the duration of illness or to control institutional outbreaks for gastroenteritis caused by all of the agents below
	Adenovirus		S		Use Contact Precautions for diapered or incontinent persons for the duration of illness or to control institutional outbreaks
	Campylobacter species		S		Use Contact Precautions for diapered or incontinent persons for the duration of illness or to control institutional outbreaks
	Cholera (Vibrio cholerae)		S		Use Contact Precautions for diapered or incontinent persons for the duration of illness or to control institutional outbreaks
	C. difficile		C	DI	Discontinue antibiotics if appropriate. Do not share electronic thermometers 853, 854; ensure consistent environmental cleaning and disinfection. Hypochlorite solutions may be required for cleaning if transmission continues 847. Handwashing with soap and water preferred because of the absence of sporicidal activity of alcohol in waterless antiseptic handrubs 983.
Cryptosporidium species			S		Use Contact Precautions for diapered or incontinent persons for the duration of illness or to control institutional outbreaks
E. coli
	Enteropathogenic O157:H7 and other shiga toxin-producing Strains		S		Use Contact Precautions for diapered or incontinent persons for the duration of illness or to control institutional outbreaks
	Other species		S		Use Contact Precautions for diapered or incontinent persons for the duration of illness or to control institutional outbreaks
Giardia lamblia			S		Use Contact Precautions for diapered or incontinent persons for the duration of illness or to control institutional outbreaks
Noroviruses			S		Use Contact Precautions for diapered or incontinent persons for the duration of illness or to control institutional outbreaks. Persons who clean areas heavily contaminated with feces or vomitus may benefit from wearing masks since virus can be aerosolized from these body substances 142, 147 148; ensure consistent environmental cleaning and disinfection with focus on restrooms even when apparently unsoiled 273, 1064). Hypochlorite solutions may be required when there is continued transmission 290-292. Alcohol is less active, but there is no evidence that alcohol antiseptic handrubs are not effective for hand decontamination 294. Cohorting of affected patients to separate airspaces and toilet facilities may help interrupt transmission during outbreaks.
Rotavirus			C	DI	Ensure consistent environmental cleaning and disinfection and frequent removal of soiled diapers. Prolonged shedding may occur in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised children and the elderly 932, 933.
	Salmonella species (including S. typhi)		S		Use Contact Precautions for diapered or incontinent persons for the duration of illness or to control institutional outbreaks
	Shigella species (Bacillary dysentery)		S		Use Contact Precautions for diapered or incontinent persons for the duration of illness or to control institutional outbreaks
	Vibrio parahaemolyticus		S		Use Contact Precautions for diapered or incontinent persons for the duration of illness or to control institutional outbreaks
	Viral (if not covered elsewhere)		S		Use Contact Precautions for diapered or incontinent persons for the duration of illness or to control institutional outbreaks
	Yersinia enterocolitica		S		Use Contact Precautions for diapered or incontinent persons for the duration of illness or to control institutional outbreaks
German measles (see rubella; see congenital rubella)
Giardiasis (see gastroenteritis)
Gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum (gonorrheal ophthalmia, acute conjunctivitis of newborn)			S
Gonorrhea			S
Granuloma inguinale (Donovanosis, granuloma venereum)			S
Guillain-Barré' syndrome			S		Not an infectious condition
Haemophilus influenzae (see disease-specific recommendations)
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (see enteroviral infection)
Hansen's Disease (see Leprosy)
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome			S		Not transmitted from person to person
Helicobacter pylori			S
Hepatitis, viral
	Type A		S		Provide hepatitis A vaccine post-exposure as recommended 1065
		Diapered or incontinent patients	C		Maintain Contact Precautions in infants and children <3 years of age for duration of hospitalization; for children 3-14 yrs. of age for 2 weeks after onset of symptoms; >14 yrs. of age for 1 week after onset of symptoms 833, 1066, 1067.
		Type B-HBsAg positive; acute or chronic	S		See specific recommendations for care of patients in hemodialysis centers 778
		Type C and other unspecified non-A, non-B	S		See specific recommendations for care of patients in hemodialysis centers 778
		Type D (seen only with hepatitis B)	S
		Type E	S		Use Contact Precautions for diapered or incontinent individuals for the duration of illness 1068
		Type G	S
Herpangina (see enteroviral infection)
Hookworm			S
Herpes simplex (Herpesvirus hominis)
	Encephalitis		S
	Mucocutaneous, disseminated or primary, severe		C	Until lesions dry and crusted
	Mucocutaneous, recurrent (skin, oral, genital)		S
	Neonatal		C	Until lesions dry and crusted	Also, for asymptomatic, exposed infants delivered vaginally or by C-section and if mother has active infection and membranes have been ruptured for more than 4 to 6 hrs until infant surface cultures obtained at 24-36 hrs. of age negative after 48 hrs incubation 1069, 1070
Herpes zoster (varicella-zoster) (shingles)
	Disseminated disease in any patient		A, C	DI	Susceptible HCWs should not enter room if immune caregivers are available; no recommendation for protection of immune HCWs; no recommendation for type of protection, i.e. surgical mask or respirator; for susceptible HCWs.
	Localized disease in immunocompromised patient until disseminated
	infection ruled out
	Localized in patient with intact immune system with lesions that can		S	DI	Susceptible HCWs should not provide direct patient care when other immune caregivers are available.
	be contained/covered
Histoplasmosis			S		Not transmitted from person to person
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)			S		Post-exposure chemoprophylaxis for some blood exposures 866.
Human metapneumovirus			C	DI	HAI reported 1071, but route of transmission not established 823. Assumed to be Contact transmission as for RSV since the viruses are closely related and have similar clinical manifestations and epidemiology. Wear masks according to Standard Precautions..
Impetigo			C	U 24 hrs
Infectious mononucleosis			S
Influenza
	Human (seasonal influenza)				Seehttp://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/infectioncontrol/healthcaresettings.htmfor current seasonal influenza guidance.
	Avian (e.g., H5N1, H7, H9 strains))				See www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/professional/infect-control.htm for current avian influenza guidance.
	Pandemic influenza (also a human influenza virus)		D	5 days from onset of symptoms	See http://www.pandemicflu.gov for current pandemic influenza guidance.
Kawasaki syndrome			S		Not an infectious condition
Lassa fever (see viral hemorrhagic fevers)
Legionnaires' disease			S		Not transmitted from person to person
Leprosy			S
Leptospirosis			S		Not transmitted from person to person
Lice					See http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/lice/default.htm
	Head (pediculosis)		C	U 24 hrs
	Body		S		Transmitted person to person through infested clothing. Wear gown and gloves when removing clothing; bag and wash clothes according to CDC guidance above
	Pubic		S		Transmitted person to person through sexual contact
Listeriosis (listeria monocytogenes)			S		Person-to-person transmission rare; cross-transmission in neonatal settings reported 1072, 1073 1074, 1075
Lyme disease			S		Not transmitted from person to person
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis			S		Not transmitted from person to person
Lymphogranuloma venereum			S
Malaria			S		Not transmitted from person to person except through transfusion rarely and through a failure to follow Standard Precautions during patient care 1076-1079. Install screens in windows and doors in endemic areas. Use DEET-containing mosquito repellants and clothing to cover extremities
Marburg virus disease (see viral hemorrhagic fevers)
Measles (rubeola)			A	4 days after onset of rash; DI in immune	Susceptible HCWs should not enter room if immune care providers are available; no recommendation for face protection for immune HCW; no recommendation for type of face protection for susceptible HCWs, i.e., mask or respirator 1027, 1028. For exposed susceptibles, post-exposure vaccine within 72 hrs. or immune globulin within 6 days when available 17, 1032, 1034. Place exposed susceptible patients on Airborne Precautions and exclude susceptible healthcare personnel from duty from day 5 after first exposure to day 21 after last exposure, regardless of post-exposure vaccine 17.
				compromised
Melioidosis, all forms			S		Not transmitted from person to person
Meningitis
	Aseptic (nonbacterial or viral; also see enteroviral infections)		S		Contact for infants and young children
	Bacterial, gram-negative enteric, in neonates		S
	Fungal		S
	Haemophilus influenzae, type b known or suspected		D	U 24 hrs
	Listeria monocytogenes (See Listeriosis)		S
	Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcal) known or suspected		D	U 24 hrs	See meningococcal disease below
	Streptococcus pneumoniae		S
	M. tuberculosis		S		Concurrent, active pulmonary disease or draining cutaneous lesions may necessitate addition of Contact and/or Airborne Precautions;
					For children, airborne precautions until active tuberculosis ruled out in visiting family members (see tuberculosis below) 42
	Other diagnosed bacterial		S
Meningococcal disease: sepsis, pneumonia, meningitis			D	U 24 hrs	Postexposure chemoprophylaxis for household contacts, HCWs exposed to respiratory secretions; postexposure vaccine only to control outbreaks 15, 17.
Molluscum contagiosum			S
Monkeypox			A, C	A-Until monkeypox confirmed and smallpox excluded	Use See www.cdc.gov/ncidod/monkeypox for most current recommendations. Transmission in hospital settings unlikely 269. Pre- and post-exposure smallpox vaccine recommended for exposed HCWs
				C-Until lesions crusted
Mucormycosis			S
Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), infection or colonization (e.g., MRSA, VRE, VISA/VRSA, ESBLs, resistant S. pneumoniae)			S/C		MDROs judged by the infection control program, based on local, state, regional, or national recommendations, to be of clinical and epidemiologic significance. Contact Precautions recommended in settings with evidence of ongoing transmission, acute care settings with increased risk for transmission or wounds that cannot be contained by dressings. See recommendations for management options in Management of Multidrug-Resistant Organisms In Healthcare Settings, 2006 870. Contact state health department for guidance regarding new or emerging MDRO.
Mumps (infectious parotitis)			D	U 9 days	After onset of swelling; susceptible HCWs should not provide care if immune caregivers are available.
					Note: (Recent assessment of outbreaks in healthy 18-24 year olds has indicated that salivary viral shedding occurred early in the course of illness and that 5 days of isolation after onset of parotitis may be appropriate in community settings; however the implications for healthcare personnel and high-risk patient populations remain to be clarified.)
Mycobacteria, nontuberculosis (atypical)					Not transmitted person-to-person
	Pulmonary		S
	Wound		S
Mycoplasma pneumonia			D
Necrotizing enterocolitis			S		Contact Precautions when cases clustered temporally 1080-1083 .
Nocardiosis, draining lesions, or other presentations			S		Not transmitted person-to-person
Norovirus (see gastroenteritis)
Norwalk agent gastroenteritis (see gastroenteritis)
Orf			S
Parainfluenza virus infection, respiratory in infants and young children				DI	Viral shedding may be prolonged in immunosuppressed patients 1009, 1010. Reliability of antigentesting to determine when to remove patients with prolonged hospitalizations from Contact Precautions uncertain.
Parvovirus B19 (Erythema infectiosum)			D		Maintain precautions for duration of hospitalization when chronic disease occurs in an immunocompromised patient. For patients with transient aplastic crisis or red-cell crisis, maintain precautions for 7 days. Duration of precautions for immunosuppressed patients with persistently positive PCR not defined, but transmission has occurred 929.
Pediculosis (lice)			C	U 24 hrs after treatment
Pertussis (whooping cough)			D	U 5 days	Single patient room preferred. Cohorting an option. Post-exposure chemoprophylaxis for household contacts and HCWs with prolonged exposure to respiratory secretions 863. Recommendations for Tdap vaccine in adults under development.
Pinworm infection (Enterobiasis)			S
Plague (Yersinia pestis)
	Bubonic		S
	Pneumonic		D	U 48 hrs	Antimicrobial prophylaxis for exposed HCW 207.
Pneumonia
	Adenovirus		D, C	DI	Outbreaks in pediatric and institutional settings reported 376, 1084-1086. In immunocompromised hosts, extend duration of Droplet and Contact Precautions due to prolonged shedding of virus 931
	Bacterial not listed elsewhere (including gram-negative bacterial)		S
	B. cepacia in patients with CF, including		C	Unknown	Avoid exposure to other persons with CF; private room preferred. Criteria for D/C precautions not established. See CF Foundation guideline 20
	respiratory tract colonization
	B. cepacia in patients without CF(see
	Multidrug-resistant organisms)
	Chlamydia		S
	Fungal		S
	Haemophilus influenzae, type b
		Adults	S
		Infants and children	D	U 24 hrs
	Legionella spp.		S
	Meningococcal		D	U 24 hrs	See meningococcal disease above
	Multidrug-resistant bacterial (see multidrug-resistant organisms)
	Mycoplasma (primary atypical pneumonia)		D	DI
	Pneumococcal pneumonia		S		Use Droplet Precautions if evidence of transmission within a patient care unit or facility 196-198, 1087
	Pneumocystis jiroveci (Pneumocystis carinii )		S		Avoid placement in the same room with an immunocompromised patient.
	Staphylococcus aureus		S		For MRSA, see MDROs
	Streptococcus, group A
		Adults	D	U 24 hrs	See streptococcal disease (group A streptococcus) below
					Contact precautions if skin lesions present
		Infants and young children	D	U 24 hrs	Contact Precautions if skin lesions present
	Varicella-zoster (See Varicella-Zoster)
	Viral
		Adults	S
		Infants and young children (see respiratory infectious disease, acute, or specific viral agent)
Poliomyelitis			C	DI
Pressure ulcer (decubitus ulcer, pressure sore) infected
	Major		C	DI	If no dressing or containment of drainage; until drainage stops or can be contained by dressing
	Minor or limited		S		If dressing covers and contains drainage
Prion disease (See Creutzfeld-Jacob Disease)
Psittacosis (ornithosis) (Chlamydia psittaci)			S		Not transmitted from person to person
Q fever			S
Rabies			S		Person to person transmission rare; transmission via corneal, tissue and organ transplants has been reported 539, 1088. If patient has bitten another individual or saliva has contaminated an open wound or mucous membrane, wash exposed area thoroughly and administer postexposure prophylaxis. 1089
Rat-bite fever (Streptobacillus moniliformis disease, Spirillum minus disease)			S		Not transmitted from person to person
Relapsing fever			S		Not transmitted from person to person
Resistant bacterial infection or colonization (see multidrug-resistant organisms)
Respiratory infectious disease, acute (if not covered elsewhere)
	Adults		S
	Infants and young children		C	DI	Also see syndromes or conditions listed in Table 2
Respiratory syncytial virus infection, in infants, young children and immunocompromised adults			C	DI	Wear mask according to Standard Precautions 24 CB 116, 117. In immunocompromised patients, extend the duration of Contact Precautions due to prolonged shedding 928). Reliability of antigen testing to determine when to remove patients with prolonged hospitalizations from Contact Precautions uncertain.
Reye's syndrome			S		Not an infectious condition
Rheumatic fever			S		Not an infectious condition
Rhinovirus			D	DI	Droplet most important route of transmission 104 1090. Outbreaks have occurred in NICUs and LTCFs 413, 1091, 1092. Add Contact Precautions if copious moist secretions and close contact likely to occur (e.g., young infants) 111, 833.
Rickettsial fevers, tickborne (Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tickborne typhus fever)			S		Not transmitted from person to person except through transfusion, rarely
Rickettsialpox (vesicular rickettsiosis; Rickettsia akari)			S		Not transmitted from person to person; Spread to humans by mites living on the surface of mice; initial painless, red, firm nodule becomes fluid filled vesicle that scabs over to form eschar; may have nonspecific prodrome appearing like viral syndrome; self limited disease, but treatment with doxycycline 100mg BID 5-7 days speeds recovery; should respond to Antibiotics within 48 hrs of treatment
Ringworm (dermatophytosis, dermatomycosis, tinea)			S		Rarely, outbreaks have occurred in healthcare settings, (e.g., NICU 1093, rehabilitation hospital 1094. Use Contact Precautions for outbreak.
Ritter's disease (staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome)			C	DI	See staphylococcal disease, scalded skin syndrome below
Rocky Mountain spotted fever			S
Roseola infantum (exanthem subitum; caused by HHV-6)			S
Rotavirus infection (see gastroenteritis)
Rubella (German measles) ( also see congenital rubella)			D	U 7 days after onset of rash	Susceptible HCWs should not enter room if immune caregivers are available. No recommendation for wearing face protection (e.g., a surgical mask) if immune. Pregnant women who are not immune should not care for these patients 17, 33. Administer vaccine within three days of exposure to non-pregnant susceptible individuals. Place exposed susceptible patients on Droplet Precautions; exclude susceptible healthcare personnel from duty from day 5 after first exposure to day 21 after last exposure, regardless of post-exposure vaccine.
Rubeola (see measles)
Salmonellosis (see gastroenteritis)
Scabies			C	U 24
Scalded skin syndrome, staphylococcal			C	DI	See staphylococcal disease, scalded skin syndrome below)
Schistosomiasis (bilharziasis)			S
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)			A, D,C	DI plus 10 days after resolution offever, provided respiratory symptoms are absent or improving	Airborne Precautions preferred; D if AIIR unavailable. N95 or higher respiratory protection; surgical mask if N95 unavailable; eye protection (goggles, face shield); aerosol-generating procedures and "supershedders" highest risk for transmission via small droplet nuclei and large droplets 93, 94, 96.Vigilant environmental disinfection (see www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars)
Shigellosis (see gastroenteritis)
Smallpox (variola; see vaccinia for management of vaccinated persons)			A, C	DI	Until all scabs have crusted and separated (3-4 weeks). Non-vaccinated HCWs should not provide care when immune HCWs are available; N95 or higher respiratory protection for susceptible and successfully vaccinated individuals; postexposure vaccine within 4 days of exposure protective 108, 129, 1038-1040.
Sporotrichosis			S
Spirillum minor disease (rat-bite fever)			S		Not transmitted from person to person
Staphylococcal disease (S aureus)
	Skin, wound, or burn
		Major	C	DI	No dressing or dressing does not contain drainage adequately
		Minor or limited	S		Dressing covers and contains drainage adequately
	Enterocolitis		S		Use Contact Precautions for diapered or incontinent children for duration of illness
	Multidrug-resistant (see multidrug-resistant organisms)
	Pneumonia		S
	Scalded skin syndrome		C	DI	Consider healthcare personnel as potential source of nursery, NICU outbreak 1095.
	Toxic shock syndrome		S
Streptobacillus moniliformis disease (rat-bite fever)			S		Not transmitted from person to person
Streptococcal disease (group A streptococcus)
	Skin, wound, or burn
		Major	C, D	U 24 hrs	No dressing or dressing does not contain drainage adequately
		Minor or limited	S		Dressing covers and contains drainage adequately
	Endometritis (puerperal sepsis)		S
	Pharyngitis in infants and young children		D	U 24 hrs
	Pneumonia		D	U 24 hrs
	Scarlet fever in infants and young children		D	U 24 hrs
	Serious invasive disease		D	U 24 hrs	Outbreaks of serious invasive disease have occurred secondary to transmission among patients and healthcare personnel 162, 972, 1096-1098
					Contact Precautions for draining wound as above; follow rec. for antimicrobial prophylaxis in selected conditions 160.
Streptococcal disease (group B streptococcus), neonatal			S
Streptococcal disease (not group A or B) unless covered elsewhere
	Multidrug-resistant (see multidrug-resistant organisms)
Strongyloidiasis			S
Syphilis
	Latent (tertiary) and seropositivity without lesions		S
	Skin and mucous membrane, including congenital, primary,		S
	Secondary
Tapeworm disease
	Hymenolepis nana		S		Not transmitted from person to person
	Taenia solium (pork)		S
	Other		S
Tetanus			S		Not transmitted from person to person
Tinea (e.g., dermatophytosis, dermatomycosis, ringworm)			S		Rare episodes of person-to-person transmission
Toxoplasmosis			S		Transmission from person to person is rare; vertical transmission from mother to child, transmission through organs and blood transfusion rare
Toxic shock syndrome (staphylococcal disease, streptococcal disease)			S		Droplet Precautions for the first 24 hours after implementation of antibiotic therapy if Group A streptococcus is a likely etiology
Trachoma, acute			S
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (see Creutzfeld-Jacob disease, CJD, vCJD)
Trench mouth (Vincent's angina)			S
Trichinosis			S
Trichomoniasis			S
Trichuriasis (whipworm disease)			S
Tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis)
	Extrapulmonary, draining lesion)		A, C		Discontinue precautions only when patient is improving clinically, and drainage has ceased or there are three consecutive negative cultures of continued drainage 1025, 1026. Examine for evidence of active pulmonary tuberculosis.
	Extrapulmonary, no draining lesion, meningitis		S		Examine for evidence of pulmonary tuberculosis. For infants and children, use Airborne Precautions until active pulmonary tuberculosis in visiting family members ruled out 42
	Pulmonary or laryngeal disease, confirmed		A		Discontinue precautions only when patient on effective therapy is improving clinically and has three consecutive sputum smears negative for acid-fast bacilli collected on separate days (MMWR 2005; 54: RR-17www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5417a1.htm?s_cid=rr5417a1_e) 12.
	Pulmonary or laryngeal disease, suspected		A		Discontinue precautions only when the likelihood of infectious TB disease is deemed negligible, and either 1) there is another diagnosis that explains the clinical syndrome or 2) the results of three sputum smears for AFB are negative. Each of the three sputum specimens should be collected 8-24 hours apart, and at least one should be an early morning specimen
	Skin-test positive with no evidence of current active disease		S
Tularemia
	Draining lesion		S		Not transmitted from person to person
	Pulmonary		S		Not transmitted from person to person
Typhoid (Salmonella typhi) fever (see gastroenteritis)
Typhus
	Rickettsia prowazekii (Epidemic or Louse-borne typhus)		S		Transmitted from person to person through close personal or clothing contact
	Rickettsia typhi		S		Not transmitted from person to person
Urinary tract infection (including pyelonephritis), with or without urinary cathete			S
Vaccinia (vaccination site, adverse events following vaccination) *					Only vaccinated HCWs have contact with active vaccination sites and care for persons with adverse vaccinia events; if unvaccinated, only HCWs without contraindications to vaccine may provide care.
		Vaccination site care (including autoinoculated areas)	S		Vaccination recommended for vaccinators; for newly vaccinated HCWs: semi-permeable dressing over gauze until scab separates, with dressing change as fluid accumulates, ~3-5 days; gloves, hand hygiene for dressing change; vaccinated HCW or HCW without contraindication to vaccine for dressing changes 205, 221, 225.
		Eczema vaccinatum	C	Until lesions dry and crusted, scabs separated	For contact with virus-containing lesions and exudative material
		Fetal vaccinia	C
		Generalized vaccinia	C
		Progressive vaccinia	C
		Postvaccinia encephalitis	S
		Blepharitis or conjunctivitis	S/C		Use Contact Precautions if there is copious drainage
		Iritis or keratitis	S
		Vaccinia-associated erythema multiforme (Stevens Johnson	S		Not an infectious condition
		Syndrome)
	Secondary bacterial infection (e.g., S. aureus, group A beta		S/C		Follow organism-specific (strep, staph most frequent) recommendations and consider magnitude of drainage
	hemolytic streptococcus
Varicella Zoster			A, C	Until lesions dry and crusted	Susceptible HCWs should not enter room if immune caregivers are available; no recommendation for face protection of immune HCWs; no recommendation for type of protection, i.e. surgical mask or respirator for susceptible HCWs. In immunocompromised host with varicella pneumonia, prolong duration of precautions for duration of illness. Post-exposure prophylaxis: provide post-exposure vaccine ASAP but within 120 hours; for susceptible exposed persons for whom vaccine is contraindicated (immunocompromised persons, pregnant women, newborns whose mother's varicella onset is <5days before delivery or within 48 hrs after delivery) provide VZIG, when available, within 96 hours; if unavailable, use IVIG, Use Airborne Precautions for exposed susceptible persons and exclude exposed susceptible healthcare workers beginning 8 days after first exposure until 21 days after last exposure or 28 if received VZIG, regardless of postexposure vaccination. 1036.
Variola (see smallpox)
Vibrio parahaemolyticus (see gastroenteritis)
Vincent's angina (trench mouth)			S
Viral hemorrhagic fevers due to Lassa, Ebola, Marburg, Crimean-Congo fever viruses			S, D, C	DI	Single-patient room preferred. Emphasize: 1) use of sharps safety devices and safe work practices, 2) hand hygiene; 3) barrier protection against blood and body fluids upon entry into room (single gloves and fluid-resistant or impermeable gown, face/eye protection with masks, goggles or face shields); and 4) appropriate waste handling. Use N95 or higher respirators when performing aerosol-generating procedures. Largest viral load in final stages of illness when hemorrhage may occur; additional PPE, including double gloves, leg and shoe coverings may be used, especially in resource-limited settings where options for cleaning and laundry are limited. Notify public health officials immediately if Ebola is suspected 212, 314, 740, 772Also see Table 3 for Ebola as a bioterrorism agent
Viral respiratory diseases (not covered elsewhere)
		Adults	S
		Infants and young children (see respiratory infectious disease,
		acute)
Whooping cough (see pertussis)
Wound infections
	Major		C	DI	No dressing or dressing does not contain drainage adequately
	Minor or limited		S		Dressing covers and contains drainage adequately
Yersinia enterocolitica gastroenteritis (see gastroenteritis)
Zoster (varicella-zoster) (see herpes zoster)
Zygomycosis (phycomycosis, mucormycosis)			S		Not transmitted person-to-person

Key

• Precaution Type:
  • A: Airborne
  • C: Contact
  • D: Droplet
  • S: Standard
    • when A, C, and D are specified, also use S
• Duration:
  • CN: until off antimicrobial treatment and culture-negative
  • DI: duration of illness (with wound lesions, DI means until wounds stop draining)
  • DE: until environment completely decontaminated
  • U: until time specified in hours (hrs) after initiation of effective therapy
  • Unknown: criteria for establishing eradication of pathogen has not been determined

See Also

• Microbiology (Main)

References

Authors

Ross Donaldson