Rapid ECDC advice on infection prevention and control measures for Ebola disease in EU/EEA healthcare settings
Assessment
This document aims to provide guidance for public health, healthcare providers and infection prevention and control (IPC) professionals in the EU/EEA regarding IPC measures should there be individuals meeting the criteria for ‘person under investigation’ (PUI).
Key messages
- The infection prevention and control (IPC) measures for Ebola disease described in this document are aimed at preventing the transmission of ebolaviruses in the EU/EEA from the time of symptom onset through hospitalisation, with the understanding that ebolavirus transmission requires direct contact with infected individuals or their body fluids. Ebola disease IPC measures start with the assessment of whether a symptomatic person meets clinical and epidemiological criteria outlined in the definition of a ‘person under investigation’ (PUI) for Ebola disease. Such assessment should be conducted as soon as possible, even prior to physical contact with symptomatic individuals and prior to arrival at a hospital.
- Ebola disease is a high-consequence infectious disease (HCID) with high case fatality and limited effective medical countermeasures. Its transmission begins at symptom onset.
- Strict multi-level IPC measures are warranted for Ebola disease, including the use of high-level isolation units if possible/where available.
- IPC measures to prevent the transmission of Ebola disease are well established, with successful implementation during prior outbreaks.
Publication file
Rapid ECDC advice on infection prevention and control measures for Ebola disease in EU/EEA healthcare settings
English (387.19 KB - PDF)
