Airborne Diseases Prevention and Control

BOYS HOSTEL

AIRBORNE DISEASES PREVENTION

FAQs ANSWERED

1.    Infectious diseases like measles, mumps, rubella, chicken pox are caused by viruses and spread rapidly in closed communities like hostels, leading to loss of workdays and thereby affecting education. Rash of measles or chicken pox may be characteristic, however mild, atypical and inapparent infections may also occur. Past vaccination may or may not provide immunity.

2.    Mode of Transmission : Transmission is airborne or by droplet spread (respiratory route) and by direct contact with affected persons OR indirectly by contact with articles or items contaminated with discharges / fluid (fomites) from lesions of infected persons. However the scabs of chicken pox are not infective.

3.    Incubation Period : For Chicken Pox and Rubella -About 14 to 16 days ( range 2 to 3 weeks); For measles – 10 days to fever and 14 days to rash; For mumps – 16 to 18 days.

4.    Period of Communicability : Chicken pox - As long as 5 days, but usually 1-2 days before onset of rash, and continuing until all lesions are crusted (usually 5 to 6 days after onset of rash); Measles – 4 days before rash to 4 days afterwards; Rubella- 1 week before rash to 4 days afterwards; Max infectiousness in mumps is 2 days before onset to 4 days afterwards.

 

5.    Control of spread / occurrence of airborne diseases

       

   (a) Early detection & notification of cases:

A high index of suspicion to be maintained especially among cadets with rash and fever. Cadets are advised to promptly report to MI Room for examination by RMO.

                   

(i) Screening Daily checking of exposed group of cadets by Floor Monitors for minimum 3 weeks from last case of chicken pox. All cadets to be examined bare-chested in daylight for the characteristic rash of chicken pox. Verbal history of Cough / Coryza / Conjunctivitis for clinical diagnosis of measles may also be elicited. Floor Monitors will promptly inform the Hostel Office of any suspect cases.   

(ii) Isolation of all cases by admission in CH Isolation Ward as decided by RMO. This is reqd till all the lesions have dried (scabs) (in chicken pox) and for 4 days after onset of rash in measles.

       

Note:    Please don’t visit cadets in the Isolation Ward! Out of bounds for all except those admitted there.

(b) Segregation of exposed group : To remind cadets – ‘Isolation’ is for cases, while ‘Quarantine’ is for those susceptible who have been potentially exposed to infection as ‘contacts’. However a milder term ‘segregation’ is being used for the extant situation.

(i)       All cadets exposed to a case in the Hostel are to be segregated (quarantined) for a period of minimum 03 weeks from the exposure to the case, and stay in their rooms, with a separate training program if feasible.

(ii)      Sports and academic activities may be carried out in the segregated group together, without mixing with other cadets.

(iii)     The segregated group of cadets should be provided meals apart from other cadets in the outer hall of the CCM itself, from a separate serving point.

(iv)     They should not attend any general assembly, even movies for the period of segregation.

(v)     The gym and the reading room / library and other common facilities will be kept out of bounds for the segregated group.

(vi)     Daily screening as per para 5 (a) (i) above.

(vii)    All cases detected among the segregated group to be isolated, under orders of the RMO, by admission to the Isolation Ward.

       

(c)        Control of environmental factors:

(i)       Cadets to avoid ‘hanging out’ in groups. An arms length to be maintained when in groups (respiratory distancing). Cadets to avoid exchange of greetings by shaking of hands, high fives, or hugs / embraces.

(ii)      Cadets to improve ventilation by keeping windows and doors open in the daytime.

(iii)     Avoiding sharing of bed linen and clothes in the Hostel.

(iv)     Avoiding of mass assemblies in enclosed areas.

       

      (d)     Disinfection : Of articles soiled with throat and nose secretions.

(i)       Sun drying of all linen and bedding regularly.

(ii)      Daily ventilation of rooms and mopping with 1 % Cresoli Black.

      (e)     Respiratory Etiquette

(i)       Do cover your mouth and nose with the crook of your elbow / back of your hand when coughing or sneezing.

(ii)      Do not spit or blow your nose indiscriminately.

(iii)     Do use a handkerchief and wash the same regularly.

                   

6.       Personal Hygiene
          All cadets are advised to have a bath with soap and water daily, and use a suitable anti perspirant or deodorant. A change of clothes daily is advisable, with said clothing items being sent to the laundry regularly. Handkerchiefs are best washed individually and thoroughly sun dried. 

7.       Health Education

Cadets to ensure dissemination of info about prevention and control of  airborne diseases to all their fellow cadets, and ensure compliance with instructions issued by College authorities to control the situation, especially segregation guidelines.

A high index of suspicion for identifying cases in the Hostel is requested. Cadets are advised to promptly report to the MI Room in case of any prodromal symptoms.

There is no need for any panic, or fear. The situation is under control and adequate steps are being taken by the College to address the issue.

       

8.       Role of Vaccination

          Cadets are informed that College authorities are investigating the evidence in favour of vaccinating cadets against chicken pox, as a routine measure and within the requirements of existing policy framework.

However in the extant situation, there is no overwhelming evidence available to permit measles vaccination for all cadets. Please do note that immunity acquired from natural infection is lifelong as compared with vaccine derived immunity which may wane over the decades. The matter is being reviewed and updates will be provided as and when available.