Tag Archives: tropical

Ebola

Biggest Ebola outbreak ever recorded currently in W Africa. Nigeria successfully contained an outbreak imported over the border. Cases in US and Spain, with HCW infected during pre-diagnosis phase.

Enhanced surveillance at Heathrow airport. Some airlines have suspended flights until the end of the year.

No cases yet in UK. But possible. Recognize travel history in patient with history of fever – SIerra Leone, Guinea, Liberia.

No other clinical features, until bruising/bleeding develop!

Spread is from bush meat, esp bats, or else from contact with other cases (alive or dead).

Isolate, use PPE. Use Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens (ACDP) risk assessment guidance document and algorithm.

Inform local Health Protection team.

Other viral haemorrhagic fevers, usually with distinct geographical distribution – Marburg, Crimea-Congo.