Per Ready.gov Events where you are exposed accidentally or intentionally to biohazards may or may not be immediately obvious. In most cases, local health care workers will report a pattern of unusual illness or there will be a wave of sick people seeking emergency medical attention. You would be alerted through an emergency radio or TV broadcast, a telephone call or a home visit from an emergency response worker. To Prepare: Build an Emergency Supply Kit. Make a Family Emer

Per CDC: Key points Anthrax can cause severe illness in both people and animals. The bacteria that cause anthrax occurs naturally in soil worldwide. People usually get anthrax from infected animals or contaminated animal products. Call a healthcare provider immediately if you think you have been exposed to anthrax. Symptoms The symptoms of anthrax depend on the type of infection. Symptoms show up anywhere from one day to more than two months after you're exposed to the bacter

Per CDC: Key Points Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are infections that patients get while or soon after receiving health care. HAIs are a serious threat to healthcare safety. Preventing HAIs is a top priority for CDC and its partners in public health and health care. Causes Germs that cause HAIs can spread through unclean hands or improper use or reuse of equipment between patients, providers, staff and visitors. Healthcare procedures can also expose you to germs tha

Per CDC: Key points Antibiotics can save lives, but they aren't always the answer. Take these steps to use antibiotics appropriately so you can get the best treatment when you're sick, protect yourself from side effects caused by unnecessary antibiotic use and combat antimicrobial resistance. Take antibiotics ONLY when you need them Antibiotics ONLY treat certain infections caused by bacteria, such as: Strep throat Whooping cough Urinary tract infection (UTI) Some infections

Per WV OEPS & CDC: Specific MDRO: Carbapenem Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) ​ Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus (VRE) VRSA/VISA​ Recommendations for Patients and caregivers Wash their hands often with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Remind people (including healthcare staff) to clean their hands before touching the patient or handling medical devices. What you can do to be a safe patient‎ 1. Tell yo

Per CDC Overview Vancomycin-intermediate and vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VISA/VRSA) are specific types of antimicrobial-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus ) bacteria. Resistance to vancomycin in S. aureus is exceptionally rare. Signs and symptoms VISA/VRSA infections can look like pimples, boils or other skin conditions. VRSA can cause wound infections. Who is at risk People with underlying health conditions (e.g., diabetes and kidney disease). Peop