The terms and definitions in this policy are related to the types of pathogens that officers may be exposed to during the course of carrying out their duties.
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS): Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome – This virus attacks a person’s immune system and reduces the ability to fight other diseases. AIDS is the final stage of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection.
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV): A viral infection that can result in jaundice, cirrhosis, and cancer of the liver. The virus causes HBV and may be found in blood, urine, semen, vaginal secretions and saliva. It may be transmitted by direct contact with infected persons and through needle sticks or sharps exposures.
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV): A viral infection that can result in chronic infection, cirrhosis and liver disease. Infection occurs when blood from an infected person enters the body of a person who is not infected. Hepatitis C (HCV) is spread though sharing needles and through needle sticks or sharps exposures.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). HIV may be transmitted from one person to another primarily through sexual contact or through the sharing of intravenous drug needles. It may also be transmitted by coming into direct contact with an infected person; i.e. an officer with a cut or sore on their hand gets blood on that hand while rendering first aid.
Influenza: Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness and can lead to death. Influenza is transmitted from person to person in respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes. It may also be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets on another person or an object and then touches their own mouth or nose (or someone else’s mouth or nose) before washing their hands.
Infected adults infect others a day before symptoms develop and up to five days after becoming sick. Children may pass the virus for longer than seven days. Symptoms start one to four days after the virus enters the body.
Meningitis: An inflammation of the membranes that envelop the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis may be contracted through direct contact with an infected person’s respiratory secretion.
Tuberculosis: Bacterial disease causing swelling and lesions in the tissue of the lung. The most common means of exposure is by inhaling airborne particles from the cough of an infected person. Transmission may occur after being in a non-ventilated area for an extended period of time with an infected person. In rare cases, this bacterial disease can be transmitted through the saliva, urine, blood and in some cases, other body fluids of infected persons red blood draw.