Does cytomegalovirus present an occupational risk?

Article Abstract:

Infection with cytomegalovirus is not always associated with symptoms, and may go unrecognized. Studies in the United Kingdom have shown that the proportion of people who have been exposed to cytomegalovirus increases from 20 percent in early childhood to over 80 percent in late middle age. After the initial infection, the virus persists in the body but becomes inactive. During active infection, virus is shed or released in the urine and body fluids. Cytomegalovirus infection may be more severe in patients with impaired immunity, such as premature infants. Although infection of the fetus by cytomegalovirus during pregnancy is rare, the virus is often transmitted from an infected mother to the infant during childbirth. The risk of transmitting cytomegalovirus increases with the number of the mother's sexual partners, and is also associated with failure to use barrier contraception (e.g. condoms), blood transfusion, and organ transplantation. Hospital patients infected with cytomegalovirus will shed the virus, but this has not been shown to increase the risk of infection among hospital workers. Although studies suggest that cytomegalovirus infection is not a significant problem in day care centers, persons working in day care settings should adhere to infection control procedures. These include avoiding the exchange of saliva (either through wet kissing or sharing of food), and washing hands after changing diapers. Various recommendations have been made to reduce the risk of transmitting of cytomegalovirus infection in the day care environment. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Infection, Prevention, Pediatric diseases, Disease transmission, Cytomegalovirus infections, Day care centers, Infection in children

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Beyond crash survivability

Article Abstract:

Airlines may not be prioritizing concern about flight attendants' working environment when there are other aspects of safety and industrial relations to consider, but the health and safety aspects of cabin crew employment merit further research. One of the major concerns is the air quality to which flight attendants are continually exposed. Filters used in the air recirculation process may not be effective in trapping viruses and bacteria, and humidity may be too low. Other hazards include frequent exposure to infection during routine duties, and exposure to high levels of ozone and radiation.

Airplanes, Flight attendants

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