Varicella-zoster screening and management programs in healthcare facilities in Canada.
A 24-question survey on varicella-zoster screening programs and control measures for varicella-zoster infections was sent to 170 Canadian healthcare facilities. The results indicated that 60% of Canadian healthcare facilities have well-established preemployment varicella-zoster screening programs for healthcare workers. Overall, 30% of healthcare facilities impose work restrictions for susceptible healthcare workers, 49% use negative-pressure rooms for varicella-zoster management, and 28% have a policy to discharge susceptible exposed patients. Large variations exist among Canadian healthcare facilities in their varicella-zoster infection control policies.
Lussier
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Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada.
Weiss
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Laverdière
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D002170:Canada; D002644:Chickenpox / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006282:Health Personnel; D006291:Health Policy; D014645:Herpesvirus 3, Human; D006761:Hospitals / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000592:standards*; D008403:Mass Screening; D016272:Occupational Health