Word for Word

Of pox and pets

Public health and hospital workers who volunteered for smallpox vaccinations this week were cautioned about infecting others -- even animals. The vaccine contains a live virus called vaccinia, which can be spread by contact until the vaccination site heals and forms a scab about three weeks later.

According to the Florida Department of Health, "different animals have varying risks of illness from exposure." The department offers the following guidelines to protect pets and other animals.

-- SUSAN ASCHOFF, Times staff writer

Do not let animals sniff or have any direct contact with your vaccination site.

Do not let animals have any contact with the bandages, clothing, towels, sheets, etc. that have touched the vaccination site or the scab.

Keep pets out of the room when you are changing bandages, clothes, towels or sheets.

Before handling "pocket pets" such as guinea pigs, hamsters and hedgehogs, make sure your vaccination site is bandaged and your hands are washed. Do not allow animals to crawl up your sleeve or have access to the skin area around your bandage.

People who care for livestock should wear long-sleeved clothing and wash their hands before milking, having contact with animals, or equipment such as bridles and buckets.

Place used bandages and gauze in a plastic zipper bag before throwing away. You should try to do the same with your scab when it falls off.

Cover trash containers tightly, and take them to an area that is inaccessible to pets and rodents.

Use normal laundering (hot water with bleach and detergent) to wash clothing, towels or sheets that have touched your vaccination site.

Wash your hands after touching the vaccination site or other things that have touched the site, such as bandages or clothing.

Wash your hands after touching the vaccination site before touching anything else, including your eyes, skin, or pets.

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