NAC441A.725. Yersiniosis.

     1. A health authority shall investigate each report of a case having yersiniosis, as identified by the presence of Yersinia spp. organisms in clinical specimens or by the demonstration of a specific serologic response in acute and convalescent sera upon testing by a medical laboratory, to:

     (a) Confirm the diagnosis;

     (b) Identify the source of infection; and

     (c) Determine if the case is employed in a sensitive occupation or is a child attending a child care facility.

     2. A person excreting Yersinia spp. shall not work in a sensitive occupation until authorized to do so by a health authority. A health authority may authorize the case to work in a sensitive occupation if:

     (a) Two fecal specimens, collected from the case at least 24 hours apart and at least 48 hours after cessation of antimicrobial therapy, fail to show Yersinia spp. organisms upon testing by a medical laboratory; or

     (b) The case is asymptomatic and there is no indication of poor personal hygiene.

     3. The health authority shall instruct a person excreting Yersinia spp. of the need and proper method of hand washing after defecation.

     4. An infant or child excreting Yersinia spp. shall not attend a child care facility until asymptomatic. The health authority shall instruct a child care facility where an infant or child who is excreting Yersinia spp. is attending of the need and proper method of hand washing and other practices for the control of infection which prevent the transmission of yersiniosis.

     5. If a case having yersiniosis is in a medical facility, the medical facility shall provide care to the case in accordance with enteric precautions or other appropriate disease specific precautions.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Health, eff. 1-24-92)