Credit CDC PHIL
# 9252
Although only a very small number of Ebola-infected individuals are likely to ever make their way to the United States, it is imperative that Emergency Rooms around the country be alert of the possibility of having a case walk in.
They must also know how to identify a possible infected individual, what to do to minimize the risk to the staff and other patients - and once a suspected case is identified - who to inform.
Today the CDC has posted the following recommendations based on the lessons learned from the first Ebola case seen in Dallas.
Background: The procedures in the accompanying algorithm provide guidance on the Emergency Department (ED) evaluation and management of patients who present with possible Ebola Virus Disease. The guidance in this document reflects lessons learned from the recent experiences of U.S. hospitals caring for Ebola patients.
The risk of transmission of Ebola virus from a patient to a healthcare worker depends upon the likelihood that the patient will have confirmed Ebola Virus Disease combined with the likelihood and degree of exposure to infectious blood or body fluids. That risk depends on the severity of disease; severe illness is strongly associated with high levels of virus production. In addition, close contact with the patient and invasive medical care can increase opportunities for transmission.
In general, the majority of febrile patients presenting to the ED do not have Ebola Virus Disease, and the risk posed by patients with early, limited symptoms is lower than that from a patient hospitalized with severe Ebola Virus Disease. Nevertheless, because early symptoms of Ebola Virus Disease are similar to other febrile illnesses, triage and evaluation processes in the ED should consider and systematically assess patients for the possibility of Ebola Virus Disease. Healthcare facilities must implement administrative and environmental controls (e.g., designated area for further evaluation of patient with possible Ebola Virus Disease), and provide onsite management and oversight on the safe use of PPE. Best practice would include continuous safety checks through direct observation of healthcare workers during the process of putting on (donning) and taking off (doffing) PPE.
Triage Recommendations:
- Immediately upon entrance to the ED, or in advance of entry if possible, a relevant exposure history should be taken including exposure criteria of whether the patient has resided in or traveled to a country with widespread Ebola transmission or had contact with an individual with confirmed Ebola Virus Disease within the previous 21 days. Because the signs and symptoms of Ebola Virus Disease may be nonspecific and are present in other infectious and noninfectious conditions that are more frequently encountered in the United States, relevant exposure history should be first elicited to determine whether Ebola Virus Disease should be considered further. If the patient is unable to provide history due to clinical condition or other communication barrier, history should be elicited from the next most reliable source (e.g. family, friend or EMS provider).
- Patients who meet the exposure criteria should be further questioned regarding the presence of signs or symptoms compatible with Ebola Virus Disease. These include: fever (subjective or ≥100.4°F or 38.0°C) or headache, weakness, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or hemorrhage (e.g., bleeding gums, blood in urine, nose bleeds, coffee ground emesis or melena).
All patients should be routinely managed using precautions to prevent any contact with blood or body fluids. If an exposure history is unavailable, clinical judgment should be used to determine whether to empirically implement the following protocol. If a relevant exposure history is reported and signs or symptoms consistent with Ebola Virus Disease are present, the following measures should be implemented IMMEDIATELY:- Isolate the patient in a private room or separate enclosed area with private bathroom or covered, bedside commode and adhere to procedures and precautions designed to prevent transmission by direct or indirect contact (e.g. dedicated equipment, hand hygiene, and restricted patient movement). If the patient is arriving by EMS transport, the ED should be prepared to receive the patient in a designated area (away from other patients) and have a process in place for safely transporting the patient on the stretcher to the isolation area with minimal contact with non-essential healthcare workers or the public.
To minimize transmission risk, only essential healthcare workers with designated roles should provide patient care. A log should be maintained of all personnel who enter the patient’s room. All healthcare workers who have contact with the patient should put on appropriate PPE based on the patient’s clinical status. If the patient is exhibiting obvious bleeding, vomiting, copious diarrhea or a clinical condition that warrants invasive or aerosol-generating procedures (e.g., intubation, suctioning, active resuscitation), PPE designated for the care of hospitalized patients as outlined in CDC guidance* should be used. If the patient requires active resuscitation, this should be done in a pre-designated area using equipment dedicated to the patient. If these signs and symptoms are not present and the patient is clinically stable, healthcare workers should at a minimum wear: 1) face shield, 2) surgical face mask, 3) impermeable gown and 4) two pairs of gloves. All equipment used in the care of these patients should not be used for the care of other patients until appropriate evaluation and decontamination.- Notify the Hospital Infection Control Program and other appropriate staff and report to the relevant local health department immediately of patients with Ebola Virus Disease exposure history regardless of symptoms.
- Once appropriate PPE has been put on, continue obtaining additional history and performing physical examination and routine diagnostics and interventions which may include placement of peripheral IV and phlebotomy. The decision to test patient for Ebola Virus Disease should be made in consultation with the relevant local health department. Patient evaluation should be conducted with dedicated equipment as required for patients on transmission-based precautions.
