Section R9-6-325. Diphtheria

A.      Case control measures:

1.        A diagnosing health care provider or an administrator of a health care institution, either personally or through a rep- resentative, shall:

a.        Isolate and institute droplet precautions for a pha- ryngeal diphtheria case or suspect case until:

i.         Two successive sets of cultures negative for Cornyebacterium diphtheriae are obtained from nose and throat specimens collected from the case or suspect case at least 24 hours apart and at least 24 hours after cessation of treat- ment; or

ii.        Fourteen calendar days after initiation of treat- ment; and

b.        Isolate and institute contact precautions for a cutane- ous diphtheria case or suspect case until:

i.         Two successive sets of cultures negative for Cornyebacterium diphtheriae are obtained from skin specimens collected from the case or suspect case at least 24 hours apart and at least 24 hours after cessation of treatment; or

ii.        Fourteen calendar days after initiation of treat- ment.

2.        A local health agency shall:

a.        Upon receiving a report under R9-6-202 of a diph- theria case or suspect case, notify the Department within 24 hours after receiving the report and pro- vide to the Department the information contained in the report;

b.        Conduct an epidemiologic investigation of each reported diphtheria case or suspect case; and

c.        For each diphtheria case, submit to the Department, as specified in Article 2, Table 4, the information required under R9-6-206(D).

B.       Contact control measures: A local health agency shall:

1.        Exclude each diphtheria contact from working as a food handler, caring for patients or residents in a health care institution, or caring for children in or attending a school or child care establishment until a set of cultures negative for Cornyebacterium diphtheriae is obtained from the contact’s nose and throat specimens;

2.        In consultation with the Department, quarantine a contact of a diphtheria case, if indicated, until two successive sets of cultures negative for Cornyebacterium diphtheriae are obtained from nose and throat specimens collected from the contact at least 24 hours apart;

3.        Offer each previously immunized diphtheria contact a vaccine containing diphtheria toxoid; and

4.        Offer each unimmunized diphtheria contact the primary vaccine series and treatment.

Historical Note

Renumbered from R9-6-721 and amended effective October 19, 1993 (Supp. 93-4). Former Section R9-6-325 renumbered to R9-6-327; new Section R9-6-325 adopted effective April 4, 1997 (Supp. 97-2). Former R9-6-325 renumbered to R9-6-333; new R9-6-325 made by final rulemaking at 10 A.A.R. 3559, effective October 2, 2004 (Supp. 04-3). Former R9-6-325 renumbered to R9-6-327; new R9-6-325 renumbered from R9-6-323 and amended by final rulemaking at 14 A.A.R. 1502, effective April 1, 2008 (Supp. 08-2).