Varicella-zoster screening and management programs in healthcare facilities in Canada

A 24-question survey on varicella-zoster screening programs and control mea sures for varicella-zoster infections was sent to 170 Canadian healthcare f acilities. The results indicated that 60% of Canadian healthcare facilities have well-established preemployment varicella-zoster screening programs fo r healthcare workers. Overall, 30% of healthcare facilities impose work res trictions for susceptible healthcare workers, 49% use negative-pressure roo ms for varicella-zoster management, and 28% have a policy to discharge susc eptible exposed patients. Large variations exist among Canadian healthcare facilities in their varicella-zoster infection control policies.