Because of health risks to people with cystic fibrosis (CF), it is the policy of the CF Foundation that individuals with CF who have had a confirmed positive sputum culture for Burkholderia cepacia complex shall not attend events sponsored by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

This policy is necessary because B. cepacia is contagious to individuals with CF. B. cepacia can be transmitted through casual contact or close proximity with infected individuals. B. cepacia infection in a person with CF can cause serious respiratory illness and, in some patients, may result in rapid decline in lung function, possibly leading to death.

While this policy should reduce the risk of B. cepacia cross infection, there still might be some individuals with B. cepacia in attendance. B. cepacia is not a known health risk to individuals without CF who are otherwise healthy.

All people with CF attending the NACFC should send a current sputum culture report obtained within one month of the conference to the CF Foundation via fax to 301-907-2699. Note that medical information sent to this secure fax will be treated confidentially. Please allow sufficient time for the CF Foundation-accredited Care Center to process the culture. If you have questions, contact Jackie Thompson at jthompson@cff.org or call 1-800-FIGHT CF.

The NACFC Policy on Conference Attendance by Individuals with CF and ways to minimize cross infection is available here.