CDC Releases Interim Guidance For Wastewater Workers

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released interim guidance for all managers and workers handling untreated sewage that might contain the Ebola virus. The document addresses safety precautions, basic hygiene practices and recommendations for personal protective equipment, which should be used when handling untreated sewage from hospitals, medical facilities and other facilities treating confirmed Ebola patients.According to the document, some workers might contact untreated sewage before it enters a wastewater treatment plant, and therefore are at a very low risk of exposure to the Ebola virus. These workers include: Plumbers in hospitals that are currently treating an Ebola patient Sewer maintenance workers