14. INFECTION CONTROL PRECAUTIONS FOR CLOSE CONTACTS IN

HOUSEHOLDS OF DISCHARGED SARS PATIENTS

· After discharge, SARS patients should limit interactions outside the home and should not go to work, school, out-of-home child-care, or other public areas until ten days after resolution of fever.

· All members of a household with a SARS patient should carefully follow recommendations for hand hygiene (e.g., frequent hand washing or use of alcohol-based hand rubs), particularly after contact with body fluids (e.g., respiratory secretions, urine, or feces).

· Use of disposable gloves should be considered for any direct contact with body fluids of a SARS patient. However, gloves are not intended to replace proper hand hygiene. Immediately after activities involving contact with body fluids, gloves should be removed and discarded and hands should be cleaned. Never wash or reuse gloves.

· Up to 10 days from resolution of fever, discharged patients with SARS should be advised to continue wearing a surgical mask.

· Sharing of eating utensils, towels, and bedding between SARS patients and others should be avoided, although others can use such items after routine cleaning (e.g., washing with soap and hot water). Clean all environmental surfaces soiled by body fluids with a household disinfectant according to manufacturer’s instructions; gloves should be worn during this activity.

· Household members or other close contacts of SARS patients who develop fever or respiratory symptoms should seek healthcare evaluation.