Emergency Preparedness

Kern Medical Bioterrorism Response Guide Section 2-C-2 – Viral Hemorrhagic Fever

with copious amounts of fresh water. Exposed persons should receive an immediate medical evaluation and follow-up. Training Health care workers expected to provide direct and indirect patient care should be specifically trained in methods to reduce the risk of exposure to patients infected with VHF. Isolation Recommendations These recommendations were developed to assist infection control practitioners (ICP) in preparing for a bioterrorist event. It is assumed that most patients requiring hospitalization are at or near end-stage disease and have diarrhea, vomiting, prominent cough or hemorrhage. Given the unpredictability of VHF infection and the potential for rapid progression to end-stage disease without warning, it may be prudent to implement the following recommendations at the time of hospital admission. Room Placement Plan A: Negative Pressure Room Place the patient in a private room that has (1) monitored negative air pressure in relation to the exterior surrounding areas, (2) 6 -12 air changes per hour (ACH), and (3) appropriate venting of contaminated air to the outside. The windows and doors should remain closed and the patient should remain in the room. Plan B: No Negative Pressure Room If no negative pressure room is available, place the patient in a private room. The room should be equipped with a HEPA filtration unit. The windows and doors should remain closed and the patient should remain in the room. Plan C: Designated Area or Unit As the number of VHF patients requiring isolation increases, consider designating a wing of a nursing unit or, preferentially, an entire nursing unit. Infection control practitioners should develop a plan consistent with the structure of the hospital and the ability to effectively isolate infected patients from non-infected patients and the public. Plan D: – Designated Health Facility The county or state emergency medical service may designate an alternate facility such as a closed hospital or gymnasium to accommodate increasing numbers of cases that require medical support.

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