Section 410IAC1-2.5-136. Syphilis; specific control measures

   The specific control measures for syphilis (infectious agent: Treponema pallidum) are as follows:

(1) An investigation by a disease intervention specialist, in cooperation with the local health officer, shall be performed within seventy-two (72) hours. The investigation shall be focused on identifying sexual partners who were at risk for transmitting to, or contracting the infection from, the case. Cases and contacts shall be fully evaluated (including pregnancy status of females) and treated as recommended in the Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, 2010, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, December 17, 2010, Volume 59, No. RR-12.

(2) For hospitalized patients, standard precautions are required. For others, the infected persons shall refrain from sexual activities involving exchange of body fluids until:

(A) their lesions clear; and

(B) they have been on appropriate antibiotic therapy for at least twenty-four (24) hours.

Treated persons shall also avoid sexual activities involving exchange of body fluids with untreated partners to avoid reinfection.

(3) Disinfection is not required in adequately treated cases, but care shall be taken to avoid contact with:

(A) discharges from open lesions; and

(B) articles soiled by discharges.

(4) Quarantine is not required.

(5) Immunization is not available.

(6) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists set the standard clinical and laboratory case definition.

(Indiana State Department of Health; 410 IAC 1-2.5-136; filed Nov 25, 2015, 2:54 p.m.: 20151223-IR-410150039FRA)