Appendix 1

APPENDIX 1 – SPECIFIED INFECTIOUS DISEASE INFORMATION

ANTHRAX

A life threatening but rare bacterial infection acquired from infected animals and animal products particularly imported hair, wool, skins or bone meal. The spores may contaminate land for many years presenting a risk to construction workers.

Infection can be acquired through broken skin, inhalation of spores or person to person infection.

Prevention

Prevention is through certification and disinfection of imported animal materials, high standards of personal hygiene and covering cuts with waterproof dressings.

A vaccination is available for those in regular contact with potentially infected material.

Further information is available at:  Anthrax info - hse.gov.uk and Anthrax from contaminated land and buildings - Harmful micro-organisms - Controlling hazardous substances - Managing occupational health risks in construction (hse.gov.uk)

HANTAVIRUS DISEASE (HVD)

Hantavirus Disease is spread by infected wild rodents in their saliva, urine and faeces.  The way the virus enters the body is not clear, but it is thought that it is inhaled from aerosols of the virus.

Anyone exposed to wild rodents is at risk particularly water sports enthusiasts; farm and sewage workers and those involved in nature conservancy.

Prevention

The main method of prevention is the control of wild rodents.

Further information available at:  Anthrax info - hse.gov.uk

HEPATITIS A

Hepatitis A is caused by a virus, it has a long, infectious incubation period (2-6 weeks), and it may cause no symptoms or it may cause flu like symptoms and sometimes jaundice.  It is not generally as serious as other types of Hepatitis.  It is spread through contaminated food and water due to poor hygiene and sanitation.

Prevention

Through good hygiene precautions, washing hands and raw food before eating.  A vaccination is available and may be recommended for certain care workers and those working with young children.

Further information available at: Hepatitis A: guidance, data and analysis - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

LYME DISEASE

Lyme disease is a tick borne infection caused by a bacterium.  The disease is transmitted to humans from infected tick bites and usually begins with a reddened ring on the skin around the bite, flu like symptoms may also occur, followed weeks or months later by heart, nerve or arthritis problems.  The ticks which are thought to use deer as hosts are found in ground vegetation, in wood and grassland and are therefore a potential hazard to agricultural, forestry and leisure land management workers in these areas.

Prevention

Lyme disease can be prevented by covering exposed skin especially legs e.g. by closing trouser bottoms and by inspection of clothing and skin when working in wood and grassland where ticks may be present.

Further information available on HSE's infectious diseases page.

ORF

ORF is a virus which causes a painless ulcer on the skin and these usually occur on the hands, face or arms.  These will heal in 6-8 weeks without treatment.

It is transmitted by direct skin contact with the lesions on animals, infected hides and wood or by contact with infected hedges and fences where the virus may remain latent indefinitely.

Prevention

ORF is not a serious condition and can be prevented by covering cuts and scratches on the hands and arms with a waterproof dressing and by washing thoroughly before eating, drinking etc. and after finishing work.

Further information available on HSE's infectious diseases page.

PSITTACOSIS

Psittacosis is a serious disease caused by a micro-organism and it is caught by inhaling dust or aerosol contamination by infected bird faeces.  The organism can survive many months in dry dust.

Those involved in entering roof spaces or in roof demolition and repair where there has been bird contamination are at risk, particularly where contaminated dust is disturbed.

Prevention

Prevention includes ensuring good standards of cleanliness to reduce dust levels, using work techniques which do not create dust, avoiding contaminated areas, the use of personal protective equipment where contaminated areas must be entered and good standards of personal hygiene and thorough washing after contact with contaminated areas.

Further information available on HSE's infectious diseases page and Psittacosis and other diseases from work involving bird droppings - Harmful micro-organisms - Controlling hazardous substances - Managing occupational health risks in construction (hse.gov.uk)

RABIES

Usually fatal but very rare infection of the central nervous system resulting from the bite of a rabid animal usually dogs, cats or foxes. Animal health inspectors and dog wardens are at risk.

Prevention

Strict control of at risk animals into the Country. A vaccination is available to those who may be at special risk.

Further information available on HSE's infectious diseases page.

TETANUS (LOCKJAW)

Tetanus is caused by a micro-organism which is found in the soil and street dust.  It is contracted when contaminated soil, clothing or tools come into contact with broken skin.  Anyone at risk of accidental cuts or wounds in a dirty environment may be exposed to the tetanus micro-organism.

Prevention

Anyone at risk should have an up-to-date tetanus inoculation.  Re-inoculation is required every 10 years.

Further information is available at:  Tetanus - Harmful micro-organisms - Controlling hazardous substances - Managing occupational health risks in construction (hse.gov.uk)

WEILS DISEASE (LEPTOSPIROSIS)

Weils Disease is caused by a micro-organism spread by animals (mainly rats, but also pigs and cattle), either directly or indirectly through their urine, which contaminates water and the banks of canals, ponds, rivers and ditches.

The micro-organism enters the body through breaks in the skin and mucous-membranes (eyes, nose etc.) or from animal bites.  The micro-organism can live in soil, vegetation or fresh water for several weeks particularly during summer months and is a potential hazard for anyone working or pursuing leisure activities (swimming, water sports) in and around contaminated water.

The disease can be serious but in its early stages may be mistaken for flu, it is therefore important that anyone suffering from any flu like illness within three weeks of being exposed to the risk of Weils Disease should inform their GP of this.

A pocket sized card is available from HSE Books, reference no. IND E/G 84 or via https://books.hse.gov.uk/bookstore.asp?ACTION=BOOK&PRODUCTID=9780717664559 . 

Prevention

• Clean and cover all cuts and breaks in the skin immediately with a waterproof dressing and keep them covered whilst at work until they are fully healed.

• Wear appropriate waterproof protective clothing, wellingtons, jackets, trousers, gloves etc., when working in potentially contaminated areas.

• Wash thoroughly before eating, drinking etc. and after finishing work.

• Where possible get rid of any rats or discourage their presence.

Further information is available from:  Leptospirosis / Weil's Disease from rats - Harmful micro-organisms - Controlling hazardous substances - Managing occupational health risks in construction (hse.gov.uk)