What are Blood Borne Viruses (BBV's)

BBV’s are viruses that some people carry in their blood and which may cause severe disease in certain people and few or no symptoms in others. The viruses can spread to another person (if the person has a detectably high level of virus in their body*), whether the carrier of the virus is ill or not. The main BBV’s of concern within the Council are:

• Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus, which cause hepatitis, a disease of the liver;
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) which causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), affecting the immune system of the body.

These viruses can also be found in body fluids other than blood, for example, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk. Other body fluids or materials such as urine, faeces, saliva, sputum, sweat, tears and vomit carry a minimal risk of BBV infection, unless they are contaminated with blood.

As BBV’s in the workplace are harmful to health, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 apply requiring an assessment of the risk.