The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued new guidelines to protect workers who treat patients exposed to the Zika virus, according to an article on the Fierce Healthcare website.
Healthcare workers are urged to use personal protective equipment during contact with potentially hazardous materials such as blood or laboratory samples.
Hand-hygiene protocols should involve alcohol-based hand rubs that are at least 60 percent alcohol or, in the case of visibly-soiled hands, soap and water.
Healthcare workers must also properly dispose of potentially-contaminated sharps.