What precautions can be taken to avoid the spread of molluscum contagiosum at a facility and in the community?
The first thing to consider when developing regulations regarding individuals with molluscum contagiosum is that the disease is benign, with rare exceptions, such as in persons with significant immune compromise. It is easier for a person to catch the common cold virus or the flu virus than it is to catch molluscum contagiosum. The molluscum contagiosum virus remains in the skin and does not circulate throughout the body; therefore, it cannot be spread by coughing, sneezing, etc. The disease can only be spread by direct contact with infected persons or objects contaminated with the virus. Several precautions can prevent or reduce spread to uninfected people: • Frequent and correct hand hygiene practices. For handwashing tips and information, see the Clean Hands Saves Lives sitelet at http://www.cdc.gov/cleanhands. • Requiring notation of molluscum contagiosum on examinations requested for employment*/camp/sports physicals. • Recommending that all visible lesions be covered by a waterti
