Bloodborne Pathogens

Viruses carried by blood are known as bloodborne pathogens. A pathogen is an organism that causes disease. School personnel may come into contact with blood and other bodily fluids in the school, on the playground, or on the school bus. It’s important that all school employees know how to reduce their risk of contracting an illness transmitted through contact with blood or other bodily fluids.

Blood carries viruses and bacteria. If infected blood gets into another person’s bloodstream, that person may also become infected. Bloodborne pathogens may cause infection by entering the body through

• Open cuts and nicks 
• Skin abrasions 
• Dermatitis 
• Acne 
• Mucous membranes of the mouth, eyes, nose, or vagina

Three bloodborne pathogens of concern to school personnel are Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV. Though contagious, these viruses are NOT spread through casual contact such as shaking hands, or sharing bathroom facilities or kitchen utensils.

Hepatitis is a viral infection that causes inflammation (swelling) of the liver. Fortunately, a vaccine to prevent Hepatitis B is available. Approximately one in every 20 persons has been infected with HBV at some point in their lives. Hepatitis B, a serious disease that infects the liver, is passed from one person to another through direct contact with infected blood, semen, vaginal fluid, or saliva. It is primarily transmitted through sexual contact. Hepatitis B may be transmitted through sharing needles or razor blades with an infected person, and from a mother to her baby before or during childbirth. The chance of getting HBV if stuck with a contaminated needle is as high as 30 percent. Symptoms of HBV may include:

• Fatigue
• Appetite loss
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach or joint pain
• Tenderness near the liver
• Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes)
• Dark urine
• Light colored stools

Hepatitis C is a serious, often fatal disease caused by a virus that infects and damages the liver. Unlike Hepatitis B, there is no vaccine to prevent Hepatitis C. Approximately 70 percent of HCV infections lead to chronic hepatitis. Most people with Hepatitis C do not have symptoms. In those who do, symptoms may not appear for many years. By the time symptoms appear, the damage may be very serious. About one in five Americans with HCV has cirrhosis, a condition in which scar tissue replaces normal, healthy tissue in the liver. Cirrhosis is often fatal.  

HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is a pathogen that attacks the body’s immune system. A person infected with HIV may remain healthy for a long time. Without treatment, the immune system of an HIV-infected person eventually becomes weak and may be unable to ward off disease and other infections. HIV is transmitted through unprotected sex and sharing needles. HIV may also be transmitted from a mother to her baby during or after childbirth, or through breastfeeding. The risk of transmission of HIV from an accidental needle stick is very low. There is no vaccine to prevent HIV.

Bloodborne infections such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV are preventable. Universal precautions and barriers such as condoms prevent transmission of bloodborne infections. Universal precautions is a term used to describe an approach to infection control that treats all bodily fluids as if they are infectious. This means that gloves and other personal protective equipment should be used whenever there is risk of exposure to blood or other bodily fluids, regardless of whether you think a person is infected or not. Other forms of prevention include Hepatitis B vaccination and never sharing needles, toothbrushes, or razors.

Blood Spills

To disinfect a work area after a blood spill, use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved hospital grade disinfectant. You may also use household bleach in a solution of 10 parts water to one part bleach. Thoroughly wipe down the area with soap and water and then with disinfectant or bleach. Let the area thoroughly air dry. Tools used to clean the area should also be disinfected thoroughly.

If you are exposed to blood at work, report it immediately and seek medical attention.

The Red Book. Exposure to Blood on the Job: What School Employees Need to Know (also available in Spanish).

The Red Book. Exposure to Blood on the Job: What School Employees Need to Know

A booklet (available in English and Spanish) on how to manage blood on the job, including information on HIV and hepatitis, exposure control, and steps to take if you are exposed. (revised 2004)

To order NEA HIN publications, please contact:

NEA Health Information Network i P.O. Box 371 iAnnapolis Junction, MD  20701-0371

Phone:   877-250-5795                              Fax: 301-206-9789                     

Items currently available:

Red Book Free (plus shipping and handling)

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