Section 410 IAC 1-2.5-107 - Hepatitis E infection; specific control measuresAuthority: IC 16-19-3-4; IC 16-41-2-1
Affected: IC 16-41-2; IC 16-41-9
Sec. 107.
The specific control measures for hepatitis, viral, type E (infectious agent: hepatitis E virus) are as follows:
(1) An investigation by the local health officer shall meet the following conditions: (A) Be performed immediately.(B) Include a history of the following fifteen (15) to sixty-four (64) days prior to symptom onset: (i) Food and drink consumption.(ii) Exposure to undercooked food items.(iii) Domestic and international travel.(C) Determine if the case is part of an outbreak.(D) Determine if the case is a: (iii) health care worker; or(iv) daycare attendee, a school attendee, or anyone who lives at a residential institution.(E) If a commercial food product or restaurant is suspected, conduct active surveillance immediately to identify additional cases.(F) Determine the infectious period, which is defined as from seven (7) days before to fourteen (14) days after the onset of jaundice or from the onset of symptoms if no jaundice occurred.(G) Prepare a list of contacts and work schedules or school attendance records, or both, during the infectious period. (2) In addition to standard precautions, contact precautions are recommended for diapered and incontinent patients for the duration of illness. For others, the following guidelines apply: (A) Cases employed as food employees, daycare workers, health care workers, or in similar positions shall be excluded from employment involving food handling and direct care of children or hospitalized or institutionalized patients until all of the following have occurred: (i) The conclusion of the infectious period determined by the local health officer.(ii) The local health officer has determined the employee has been asymptomatic for at least twenty-four (24) hours.(iii) The case has been counseled about preventive measures, such as hand washing procedures, that must be followed to prevent transmission of disease.(iv) The local health officer has discussed the following topics with the employer:(AA) The employer's duty to comply with local and state rules pertaining to prevention of infectious diseases.(BB) The availability of required proper hand washing facilities for employees.(CC) The correction of any observed lapses in hygienic measures by employees.(B) Cases shall be excluded from attending schools, preschools, and daycare facilities until all of the following have occurred:(i) The conclusion of the infectious period determined by the local health officer.(ii) The local health officer has determined the case has been asymptomatic for at least twenty-four (24) hours.(iii) The case or case's guardian has been counseled about preventive measures, such as hand washing procedures, that must be followed to prevent transmission of disease.(iv) The local health officer has discussed with the appropriate school, preschool, or daycare facility staff the need: (AA) for proper hand washing procedures and other infection control practices; and(BB) to comply with all local and state rules pertaining to prevention of infectious diseases.(3) Sanitary disposal of feces, vomitus, and blood is required. Disposal through the sanitary system is acceptable.(4) Quarantine is not required.(5) Immunization is not available. Protection of contacts is not applicable.(6) Case definition is established by the department.Indiana State Department of Health; 410 IAC 1-2.5-107; filed 11/25/2015, 2:54 p.m.: 20151223-IR-410150039FRAReadopted filed 11/12/2021, 8:41 a.m.: 20211208-IR-410210385RFA