200 cases of severe respiratory disease with seven deaths in country XYZ were reported by local health care workers. The event is occurring 300 miles from your construction work site. The construction site is in a remote area where health infrastructure is limited.

assessor comments:

state the control measures into three segments of immediate, mid and long term in a table format for better understanding.

 

Answer:

CONTROL MEASURES

1. INTERMEDATE

• To prevent the spread of respiratory illness in construction sites, clinicians and staff should try to identify ill persons and use appropriate infection control measures as soon as possible. Construction workers should be screened for symptoms of respiratory illness. In addition, ill persons should be referred for medical evaluation in order to ensure appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Early diagnosis can be an important part of prevention.
• Separate sick persons and close contacts from other workers until 24 hours after the respiratory illness symptoms are gone. If possible, put sick persons in a separate are away from other workers who are not sick. If this is not possible, encourage persons with respiratory illness to stay at least 3-6 feet away.
• If possible, screen for respiratory illness among residents and workers upon initial evacuation center admission or registration.
• Ask every worker about the following symptoms of respiratory illness:
  • Cough
  • Sneezing
  • Sore throat
  • Fever
  • Wheezing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Night sweats
  • Runny nose
  • Weight loss

2. MID

• If workers do not have symptoms of respiratory illness, tell them to report any new respiratory symptoms when they first occur.
• If possible, post visual reminders in the construction site that instruct  workers to report symptoms of a respiratory infection. You should also use visual alerts to encourage the practice of respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette.

3. LONG RUN

• Maintain a clean living environment. If frequently touched surfaces are contaminated with respiratory droplets or secretions:
• Wipe up visible material with paper towels and dispose of used towels in a plastic garbage bag
• Disinfect using any standard household disinfectant
• Wash hands regularly. This is especially important after touching surfaces or objects that might be contaminated with respiratory droplets, or after touching persons who are ill with respiratory symptoms. Alcohol hand gels are an adequate substitute when soap and clean water are not readily available.

Source:

Dasaraju PV, Liu C. Infections of the Respiratory System. In: Baron S, editor. Medical Microbiology.

4th edition. Galveston (TX): University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston; 1996. Chapter 93. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK8142/