Ebola or Not? Evaluating the Ill Traveler From Ebola-Affected Countries in West Africa

Fairley, Jessica K.; Kozarsky, Phyllis E.; Kraft, Colleen S.; Guarner, Jeannette; Steinberg, James P.; Anderson, Evan; Jacob, Jesse T.; Meloy, Patrick; Gillespie, Darria; Espinoza, Tamara R.; Isakov, Alexander; Vanairsdale, Sharon; Baker, Esther; Wu, Henry M.

All PUI were immediately isolated and managed by physicians in consultation with the hospital Infection Prevention department, infectious disease division, and public health agencies. After initial evaluation, decisions regarding patient disposition were individualized and made after discussion with public health authorities. Considerations included the presumptive or confirmed diagnosis, severity of illness, and feasibility of close monitoring and social distancing of patients in the community. Infection prevention precautions and personal protective equipment (PPE) were used as per CDC recommendations for PUI [17] ; however, whether or not to maintain enhanced levels of isolation for hospitalized PUI was determined on a case-by-case basis after discussions with Infection Prevention and public health authorities. In all cases in which EVD testing was performed, the PUI remained in isolation at the place of evaluation until the results were available and a disposition plan was made. Routine practice drills and continuous performance reviews were standard in all areas of evaluation.