What Constitutes an Exposure?
An exposure incident can be thought of as a possible disease transmission event. The definition of exposure will vary depending on the pathogen of concern.
Blood borne Pathogen Exposure (Exposure to Human Blood/OPIM)
In addition to human blood, the following human body fluids are considered to be potentially infectious for bloodborne pathogens:
- Semen
- Vaginal secretions
- Fluid from the spine, lungs or joints
- Fluid from the uterus
- Any body fluid contaminated with blood
- Any body fluid that you can not identify
A Blood borne Pathogen Exposure occurs when human blood or other potentially infectious material (OPIM) enters your bloodstream through:
- a break in your skin (i.e., puncture, cut, rash, hang nails, etc.), or
- through contact with your mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth).
Tuberculosis Exposure
Tuberculosis exposures can occur in both human healthcare and veterinary care environments.
Human Health Care
A tuberculosis exposure occurs when you inhale infectious aerosols generated by a human patient who has an active TB infection. These aerosols are generated when the patient:
- coughs or sneezes
- laughs
- does any activity that results in a forceful exhalation
Veterinary Care
A tuberculosis exposure occurs when you inhale infectious aerosols generated from invasive procedures performed on animals that are being examined for Mycobacterium bovis. These animals include, for example, deer, cows and any animals purposefully infected as part of research efforts.
Monkey B virus Exposure (Herpesvirus simiae)
Monkey B virus is shed primarily through the saliva and/or genital secretions of an infected Old World monkey (e.g. macaques). Direct contact with these monkey body fluids, or items contaminated with it (i.e., cages, needles, bedding) can result in exposure if this material is introduced into your body. This can occur through:
- a break in your skin (i.e., monkey bite, scratches)
- contact with your mucous membranes (eyes, nose or mouth)
Rabies Exposure
Rabies virus is shed through the saliva of an infected mammal. Contact with the saliva, or items contaminated with it (i.e., cages, carcasses) can result in expposure if this material is introduced into your body. This can occur through:
- a break in your skin (i.e., bite, scratches)
- contact with your mucous membranes (eyes, nose or mouth)
Who pays for it?
This varies according to your insurance coverage, and the site at which the exposure occurs. Generally, this policy covers the costs of the initial evaluation needed after exposure. However, in no instance should fears about payment for evaluation keep you from getting care. The administrators of your college, student insurance representative and site administrators, will work with you and with the facility where you were exposed if payment becomes an issue.
What if I don't agree with the advice I'm given?
Call the MSU Occupational Health Service at 517-353-9137, or call the 24-hour hotline at 1-877-STUCK50 or 1-877-788-2550, and the people who staff those lines will verify that the treatment and/or evaluation recommended meets CDC guidelines. You can also contact your college administrative office, and they will facilitate getting information.
What if I didn't get care in a timely way when injury occurred?
Even if you did not get care within the recommended time frames, you still need to be evaluated. Contact your college administrator to inquire where you should go, or call the MSU Occupational Health Service.
Who has access to the information submitted in the report?
The only people who see the information on the report are the college administrator for your program, such as a Dean or Associate Dean, and the Nurse and Physician at the Office of Occupational Health, as well as the University Physician. The information is not shared with anyone else without your permission.
Can the report be accessed when I apply for insurance, jobs, and so on?
No, not unless you specifically release the information.