Enclosure (2) to COMDTINST 6220.9A
potential contact with blood / OPIM. However, for the majority of personnel, these situations
are infrequent and typically involve exposure to a small amount of blood / OPIM. It is
important, when coming in contact with any amount or blood / OPIM, that proper PPE for the
situation is worn.
3. Prevention and Control Measures. Essential elements of disease prevention and control for
bloodborne pathogens include:
a) Training and Education. Coast Guard personnel should know: (1) the types of bloodborne
pathogens, (2) activities that place them at risk, and (3) how to prevent disease transmission;
b) Personal Protective Measures. Personal protective measures involve use of appropriate
immunizations and standard precautions.
(1) Immunizations. ll Coast Guard active duty personnel are vaccinated against HBV. There
A
are no available vaccines for HCV or HIV.
(2) Standard precautions. The CDC expanded the concept of universal precautions (e.g., all
blood / OPIM are considered potentially infectious) and created standard precautions. All
personnel shall routinely use appropriate barrier precautions (e.g., gloves, mask, gown,
goggles, as appropriate) to prevent skin and mucous membrane exposure when anticipating
contact with any patient's blood or other body fluids. All persons shall wash their hands
after completing activities likely to expose them to blood / OPIM and remove protective
clothing before leaving the work area. Standard precautions is the primary strategy used to
reduce the risk of transmission of pathogens from moist body substances and applies to all
individuals regardless of their diagnosis or presumed infection status. Contact with moist
body substances can be avoided by the use of personal protective measures, work practices
and environmental controls. Reference (b) provides additional information on standard
precautions. Also see enclosure 3.
4. Sources of Additional Resources. Commander, MLC(k), Commandant (CG-113), and Commandant
(CG-1121) can be contacted regarding bloodborne pathogen prevention and control.
E. Waterborne or Foodborne Illness.
1. Overview. The most common waterborne or foodborne organisms include: Campylobacter,
Salmonella, E.coli O157:H7, Norwalk virus, Shigella, Hepatitis A virus, Giardia lamblia, E.
histolytica (amebiasis) and Cryptosporidia. The primary method of transmission is ingestion of the
organism in contaminated food, water, bodily fluids or stools of infected individuals. Individuals
who contract these diseases usually have symptoms of diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea and/or
vomiting. Outbreaks of waterborne or foodborne illnesses can severely impact unit operational
readiness.
2. Risk Factors.
a) Alien migrants who have symptoms of diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea and/or vomiting
should be categorized as having a potential infectious disease. Alien migrants with overt
symptoms should receive adequate hydration and, if possible, should be isolated from non-
diseased persons without manifestations of intestinal disease.
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