Wednesday, May 18, 2016

OSHA and NIOSH provide guidance for protecting workers from exposure to Zika virus

Aedes aegypti mosquito. Credit: CDC / James GathanyAn outbreak of Zika is spreading through Central and South America, Mexico, and parts of the Caribbean, including U.S. territories. Though Zika currently isn't spreading on the mainland through mosquitoes—the main route of transmission of the virus—employers and workers should take steps to prevent or minimize the risk of Zika infection if transmission starts to occur or if they work with travelers returning to the U.S. with Zika. An OSHA and NIOSH interim guidance* provides recommendations on protecting workers who may be at risk for Zika virus infection through on-the-job exposure to mosquitoes or the blood or other body fluids of infected individuals. Visit OSHA's Zika webpage for more information.