410 IAC 1-2.5-102 Hansen's disease; specific control measures

Sec. 102. The specific control measures for Hansen's disease (infectious agent: Mycobacterium leprae) are as follows: (1) An investigation by the local health officer shall meet the following conditions: (A) Be performed within seventy-two (72) hours. (B) Ensure household contacts who have resided with the patient up to three (3) years prior to lesion onset are examined initially, and provide education on the necessity of obtaining physical exams annually for the next five (5) years following the last contact with an infectious patient. (C) Routine prophylaxis of contacts is not recommended. (D) Direct observation therapy of multidrug therapy shall be used to ensure compliance with the medical regime for active cases. (2) Standard precautions for hospitalized patients are indicated. Hospitalization should be limited to the following: (A) Severe reactions. (B) Cases of surgical correction. (C) Treatment of ulcers. (3) Concurrent disinfection: (A) is required for: (i) nasal secretions; and (ii) articles soiled with nasal discharges; and (B) should be considered infectious until treatment is established. (4) Quarantine is not applicable. (5) Immunization is not available. Protection of contacts is not applicable. (6) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists set the standard clinical and laboratory case definition.