Importance of Having a clear protocol in place 

  • In the case of an infection, it is important to have a structured protocol. This ensures that the person infected gets the attention they need and prevents others from getting sick.
  • Stopping the spread of the pathogen can save lives! Bacteria will usually grow on anything it can survive on and keeping it in one general location can help to find the source it came from. 
  • The sooner you catch the sickness and start treatments for it, the better. It is important to pay special attention to children who may start acting sick in order to give them the attention they need to get better. 

Notification Process

Who to Notify:

  • If you or your child gets sick, the first people you should notify are close contacts and household members. It is possible the sickness can spread to them. Therefore, it is critical to start taking precautions right away. 
  • It is important to notify health care providers as well so they can give you the treatments that you need.
  • Schools, workplaces, and other relevant institutions should also be notified. 

How to Notify:

  • Methods of communication include phone calls, emails, and text messages.

Communication Guidelines 

Information to provide:

  • When contacting healthcare providers, it is important to provide details of the symptoms experienced from the sickness to ensure the best help possible is offered. 
  • State the approximate timeline of the infection and possible exposure dates.
  • If possible, provide the potential sources of exposure and any known hot spots. 

Privacy Considerations and Maintaining Confidentiality:

  • Any personal information given is protected and remains confidential. 

Quarantine Guidelines for affected Individuals

  • Quarantine should last until the individual is tested negative or two weeks after symptoms are gone. 
  • The individual affected must have a place they can be isolated and rest without many interruptions.

Cleaning and disinfection procedures:

  • Everything in the house should be cleaned and sanitized. Bedsheets, pillowcases, and blankets should be washed daily.  
  • Surfaces should be sanitized with a credible sanitizer. 
  • We recommend a spray sanitizer to ensure the surface is thoroughly cleaned.  

 Monitoring Symptoms in Close Contacts:

  • Close contacts to the individual affected need to be aware of potential symptoms.
  • If others are affected, they should receive medical treatment when symptoms are apparent.