Disease-causing hazards in the workplace are often preventable and include:
- The
cytomegalovirus
(CMV) which is a potential hazard to health care workers,
and those who work with infants and children. CMV can
cause birth defects, low birth weight, or developmental
disorders. CMV can often be prevented by following strict
hygiene practices such as hand washing.
- Hepatitis
B is preventable through vaccination and is a risk to
health care workers who are at increased risk of having
an infant with low birth weight if exposure occurs during
pregnancy.
- The
human
immuno-deficiency virus
(HIV) is a risk for health care workers who should always
practice universal precautions to prevent exposure during
pregnancy, as well as during non-pregnant times, which
can cause low birth weight and childhood cancer.
- Health
care workers and those whose work includes contact with
infants and children are at risk of miscarriage if
exposed to the human parovirus B19. Preventive measures
include following strict hygiene practices such as hand
washing.
- Women
who have never had Rubella (German measles) should be
vaccinated before becoming pregnant. Exposure to Rubella
during pregnancy is a risk for health care workers, and
workers in contact with infants and children. Potential
problems associated with Rubella exposure during
pregnancy include birth defects, and low birth
weight.
- Good
hygienic practices are important preventive measures for
animal care workers and veterinarians. These workers may
be exposed to toxoplas-mosis which may cause miscarriage,
birth defects, and developmental disorders.
- Another typically childhood disease, varicella-zoster virus or chicken pox, is preventable by vaccination if a woman has not gained immunity during childhood through exposure. Workers at risk from this disease include health care workers and workers in contact with infants and children. Exposure to chicken pox during pregnancy can cause birth defects and low birth weight.
