Pathogens That Require Droplet Precaution

The ATD standard (Title 8 CCR Section 5199, Appendix A) requires that employers provide droplet protection for the following diseases and pathogens:

• Diphtheria pharyngeal
• Epiglottitis, due to Haemophilus influenzae type b
• Haemophilus influenzae Serotype b (Hib) disease and Haemophilus influenzae serotype b - Infants and children
• Influenza and human influenza viruses (typical seasonal variations) *
• Meningitis:
  • Haemophilus influenzae, type b known or suspected
  • Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcal), known or suspected
• Meningococcal disease sepsis, pneumonia (see also meningitis)
• Mumps (infectious parotitis) and mumps virus
• Mycoplasmal pneumonia
• Parvovirus B19 infection (erythema infectiosum)
• Pertussis (whooping cough)
• Pharyngitis in infants and young children and Adenovirus, Orthomyxoviridae, Epstein-Barr virus, herpes simplex virus
• Pneumonia:
  • Adenovirus
  • Haemophilus influenzae serotype b, in infants and children
  • Meningococcal
  • Mycoplasma (primary atypical)
  • Streptococcus Group A
• Pneumonic plague and Yersinia pestis
• Rubella virus infection (German measles) and rubella virus
• Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)
• Streptococcal disease (group A streptococcus):
  • Skin (wound or burn)
  • Pharyngitis in infants and young children
  • Pneumonia
  • Scarlet fever in infants and young children
  • Serious invasive disease
• Viral hemorrhagic fevers due to Lassa, Ebola, Marburg, Crimean Congo fever viruses (airborne infection isolation and respirator use may be required for aerosol-generating procedures)
• Any other disease for which public health guidelines recommend droplet precautions

* It is important to note that for seasonal influenza and Ebola virus disease, to comply with the ATD standard, employers must provide respirators to adequately protect workers.

To learn more about Healthcare Respiratory Protection visit our Cal/OSHA Healthcare Respiratory Protection Safety Online Training web page.