GNYHA continues to monitor the Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). First reported last August, the outbreak is continuing with moderate intensity. As of mid-March, there are more than 800 confirmed cases and 519 confirmed deaths. More details about the DRC outbreak can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.
While this outbreak currently poses no threat to the US, the CDC recently issued a bulletin on US Healthcare Infection Prevention and Clinical Considerations. The bulletin details CDC’s recommendations for the initial triage of patients, and infection prevention and control recommendations. It also describes the regional treatment network for Ebola and other special pathogens, and provides links to additional clinical and communications resources.
In addition, the February issue of Health Security included two special pathogen-related articles.
- The Impact of High-Level Isolation Units Beyond High Consequence Pathogen Preparedness describes several alternative uses of the Johns Hopkins biocontainment unit that directly support preparedness and response capabilities.
- Perspectives on Management of Children in a Biocontainment Unit: Report of the NETEC Pediatric Workgroup draws on the expertise of the 10 regional Ebola treatment centers, offering recommendations on topics including: parental presence, cohorting, staffing and staff protection, and child life.
GNYHA will continue to monitor the current Ebola outbreak and will apprise members of any relevant developments.