When Caring for Patients Under Investigation (PUIs) or Patients with Confirmed Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)

Think Ebola: Early recognition is critical for infection control:

Think Ebola pdf icon[PDF – 1 page]

Initiate

Think Ebola when you approach a patient. Start the steps for basic infection control before assessing the patient for risks.

• Always use standard precautions.
• If there are concerns that the patient could meet the criteria for Ebola, immediately separate the patient from others.

Identify

Assess your patient for

• International travel

OR

• Contact with someone with EVD.

AND

• Had a fever at home, or have a current temperature ≥100.4°F (≥38°C).
• Other symptoms are
  • Severe headache
  • Muscle pain
  • Weakness
  • Fatigue
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal (stomach) pain
  • Unexplained hemorrhage (bleeding or bruising)
• If the patient has both exposure and symptoms, immediately separate the patient and inform others (see INFORM).

Isolate

If assessment indicates possible Ebola virus infection, take action.

• Isolate the patient in a private room with a private bathroom or covered, bedside commode and close the door.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Limit the healthcare personnel who enter the room.
• Keep a log of everyone who enters and leaves the patient’s room.
• Consider alternative diagnoses, and evaluate appropriately.
• Perform only necessary tests and procedures.
• Avoid aerosol-generating procedures.
• Follow CDC guidelines for cleaning, disinfecting, and managing waste.

Inform

Alert others, including public health authorities.

• Notify your facility’s infection control program and other appropriate staff.
• Contact your state or local public health authorities.
• Consult with state or local public health authorities about testing for EVD.
• See list of state and local health department numbers.