Credit CDC PHIL
# 9041
With West Africa’s Ebola spiraling out of control in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia – and making inroads into Nigeria and Senegal – the expectation is that it is simply a matter of time before a few cases are `exported’ to countries outside of Africa – possibly including countries in North America and Europe.
We’ve previously looked at a number of CDC Guidance documents for the handling of suspected or confirmed Ebola cases (see here, here, and here).
Yesterday, Canada’s PHAC published an Ebola-centric issue of their CCDR (Canada Communicable Disease Report) , with overviews and guidance documents for health care providers.
CCDR: Volume 40-15, September 4, 2014
For readers interested in the PDF version, the document is available for download or viewing: CCDR: Volume 40-15, September 4, 2014 (PDF document - 665 KB - 1 page)
» How to download PDF documents
Special theme issue: Ebola preparedness in Canada
This issue is focused on steps that can be taken to prepare for the possibility of caring for a patient with Ebola virus disease (EVD) and provides links to key documents recently posted on the Public Health Agency of Canada website. This guidance is based on currently available scientific evidence and expert opinion and is subject to change as new information becomes available. It should be read in conjunction with relevant provincial, territorial and local legislation, regulations and policies. The guidance documents identified in this issue have been developed based on the Canadian situation and may differ from that developed by other countries. Clinical guidelines for Canada are in development and should be available in the near future.
Overview
What do health professionals need to know about Ebola?
Be vigilant for the recognition, reporting and prompt investigation of patients with symptoms of Ebola virus disease (EVD) and other similar diseases that can cause viral haemorrhagic fevers.Case definition and reporting
National Case Definition: Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)
Accurately identify patients who may be at risk of EVD.Ebola Virus Disease Case Report Form
Submit this form to public health authorities in the province or territory where the EVD patient is receiving care (PDF Document).
Provincial/territorial health authorities will notify the Public Health Agency of Canada.Guidance
Interim Guidance – Ebola Virus Disease: Infection Prevention and Control Measures for Borders, Healthcare Settings and Self-Monitoring at Home
Establish appropriate precautions for patients who may have EVD. These may need to be adapted to local requirements.Public Health Management of Cases and Contacts of Human Illness Associated with Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)
Ensure that potential EVD cases and contacts are accurately identified and managed to prevent future transmission of the disease.
