Think Ebola: Early recognition is critical for infection control:

Think Ebola[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:

• Travel to an area with Ebola (Guinea, Liberia, or Sierra Leone) within the last 21 days

OR

• Contact with someone with Ebola

AND

• Had a fever at home, or have a current temperature ≥100.4°F (≥38°C)
• Other symptoms:
  • 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
• Only perform 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 Ebola
• See list of state and local health department numbers

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