Disease-causing hazards in the workplace are often preventable and include:

• The cytomegalovirus (CMV) which is a potential hazard to health care workers, and those who work with infants and children. CMV can cause birth defects, low birth weight, or developmental disorders. CMV can often be prevented by following strict hygiene practices such as hand washing.
  
  
• Hepatitis B is preventable through vaccination and is a risk to health care workers who are at increased risk of having an infant with low birth weight if exposure occurs during pregnancy.
  
  

• The human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) is a risk for health care workers who should always practice universal precautions to prevent exposure during pregnancy, as well as during non-pregnant times, which can cause low birth weight and childhood cancer.
  
  
• Health care workers and those whose work includes contact with infants and children are at risk of miscarriage if exposed to the human parovirus B19. Preventive measures include following strict hygiene practices such as hand washing.
  
  
• Women who have never had Rubella (German measles) should be vaccinated before becoming pregnant. Exposure to Rubella during pregnancy is a risk for health care workers, and workers in contact with infants and children. Potential problems associated with Rubella exposure during pregnancy include birth defects, and low birth weight.
  
  
• Good hygienic practices are important preventive measures for animal care workers and veterinarians. These workers may be exposed to toxoplas-mosis which may cause miscarriage, birth defects, and developmental disorders.
  
  

• Another typically childhood disease, varicella-zoster virus or chicken pox, is preventable by vaccination if a woman has not gained immunity during childhood through exposure. Workers at risk from this disease include health care workers and workers in contact with infants and children. Exposure to chicken pox during pregnancy can cause birth defects and low birth weight.