FYI-- for First responders ex.. volunteer Fire Depts... please share. First Responders Management of Suspected or Confirmed Ebola Virus Disease The following interim guidance has been released by the Department of Health to assist in the management of possible cases of suspected and confirmed Ebola virus disease related to 2014 Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in West Africa. Canada could see the introduction of a small number of cases connected to the outbreak in the affected areas, either travelling in the affected areas or have been in close contact with others who have been. It is likely that these patients will be identified clinically and hospitalized. First Responders may be the initial contact with potential cases. Transmission The Ebola virus is transmitted by direct and indirect contact with infected body fluids/tissues. The virus enters the body through breaks in the skin and through the mucosal membranes. Ebola has a very small infectious dose. Ebola is not transmitted through the air. Transmission can occur from: Direct contact of blood or body fluids (all body fluids are infectious) with mucous membranes or broken skin, Indirect contact via surfaces and patient care equipment that has been contaminated with blood or body fluids Avoid all contact with blood and body fluids to the extent possible during response. Screening Individuals who may have Ebola virus Disease should be reported as soon as possible to the Regional Medical Officer of Health. First Responders should ask if client has or had a history of fever (≥ 38.6 degrees Celsius) and any additional symptoms such as severe headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or unexplained bleeding. If yes, information regarding travel history should be obtained, specifically does client have a history of travel to an area where EVD transmission is active within 21 days before the onset of symptoms OR Does client have a history of contact with an individual with onset of symptoms within 21 days of travel to an Ebola affected area? Refer to World Health Organization Global Alert and Response at htpp://who.int/csr/disease/ebola/en/ for updated information on affected areas. Information may need to be gathered from multiple sources – from client, other sources, or by observation. Limit access to the client and the immediate surroundings to those essential for response. First Responders must contact PMCC to reach the Regional Medical Officer of Health on call for additional advice and risk assessment if the above criteria are met.
Posted on: Thu, 09 Oct 2014 12:57:51 +0000
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