Howdy all, I haven't been on here for a while but have a situation at the moment which I'd like other opinions on... Basically we have an employee currently off work for what is currently suspected to be menengitis (not sure at the moment if it's viral or bacterial, waiting on tests to confirm that it's menengitis at all...). He contracted the disease while on holiday overseas and has not returned to work in that time, so at this stage there has been no exposure to any workmates or the work environment at all. Without personally knowing much about menengitis apart from it being a rather nasty SoB with some serious potential -- Should we be taking any precautions upon this employees recovery and return to work? He won't be permitted to return until he has been given the all-clear from a medical practitioner but I'm wondering if there is any risk from there? Cheers for your help :) -Dave

Hi, just follow your back to work sickness absence procedure which should identify phase return etc required. We do an extra duty of care personal risk assessment for folks who have been off sick and may need some workplace/routines adjustments even if temp until they get their strength back. Lilian

Just a little update on this..... The employee in question was discharged from hospital with a prognosis of likely Dengue Fever, and passed away in his bed that night. The case is with the coroner at the moment. Our condolences are with his friends and family. (Please no discussion about hospital practices, etc as we do not know all of the facts surrounding his discharge) -Dave