Measures for the security from and prevention of prion diseases
*Correspondencia: Dr. Vicente Monge Jodra. Servicio de Medicina Preventiva. Hospital Ramón y Cajal. Facultad de Medicina. Universidad de Alcalá de Henares. Ctra. Colmenar Viejo km 9. E-28034 Madrid.
E-mail: vicente.monge@hrc.es
Introduction. The rarity of prion diseases in this country makes it difficult to remember and put into practice specific preventive measures in suspected and diagnosed cases. Development and conclusions. In this article we update and review aspects of hospital transmission, and establish the measures of prevention and security which should be used in a general setting, including aspects of the care of these patients, cleaning, disinfecting and sterilizing the material used, and disposal of any residues. We suggest specific preventive measures for Units/Departments in which these patients are most often attended, including aspects of the workplace as dealt with by European and Spanish regulations, establishing the rights and obligations of both employers and employees, and the measures to be taken in the case of an accident at work.