If someone has generalized vaccinia with 5 lesions scattered about his body, does each lesion need to be covered with gauze and a semipermeable dressing?
Each of the lesions should be considered infectious until the scab has detached. If the person is a health care provider, they are to restrict their activities so as to not see patients, and they should cover the sites with gauze and a semipermeable dressing. In addition, particular attention must be paid to contact precautions and appropriate hand hygiene. If the person is not a health care provider, gauze dressing may be sufficient.
