CDC Finally Updates Ancient Pink Eye Prevention Rules
Published Date: 12/11/2025
Notice
Summary
The CDC is updating rules to help healthcare workers prevent and control pink eye (conjunctivitis) infections at work. These new guidelines aim to keep both healthcare staff and patients safe by improving infection control practices. Comments on the draft are open until February 9, 2026, so healthcare leaders can weigh in before changes take effect.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
New guidance on postexposure care
The CDC released a draft updating the 1998 guidance that gives Occupational Health Services (OHS) new recommendations on postexposure management for healthcare personnel (HCP) with conjunctivitis, including postexposure prophylaxis. The draft is open for comment and related materials are available in docket CDC-2025-0651; comments are due February 9, 2026.
Work restrictions for infected staff
The draft guideline includes recommendations on work restrictions for healthcare personnel who are exposed or infected with conjunctivitis to prevent spread to coworkers and patients. These work restrictions are intended for use by OHS leaders and staff and are part of the draft posted in docket CDC-2025-0651, with comments due February 9, 2026.
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