Transcript 2014_11_03_Ebola_Facts_Flu_Versus_Ebola

Ebola Facts
November 3, 2014
Flu versus
Ebola
Early signs and symptoms of the
flu and Ebola can be similar. The
CDC has created a helpful
infographic depicting the
differences between the two
viruses, including signs and
symptoms, and methods of
transmission. To download the
infographic, go to the
http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/p
df/is-it-flu-or-ebola.pdf
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
This guidance is current as of Nov. 3, 2014 from
http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/pdf/is-it-flu-orebola.pdf . Please see website for complete details.
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Considerations for Discharging Individuals
under Investigation for Ebola
Clinicians evaluating whether they should discharge a person under investigation (PUI) for Ebola who has not had
a negative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test (i.e., RT-PCR testing for Ebola virus
infection has not yet been performed or RT-PCR test result on a blood specimen collected less than 72 hours after
onset of symptoms is negative) should consider:
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In the clinical judgment of medical team, the PUI’s illness no longer appears consistent with Ebola.
The PUI is afebrile off antipyretics for 24 hours, or there is an alternative explanation for fever.
All symptoms compatible with Ebola have either resolved or can be accounted for by alternative
diagnosis.
The PUI has no clinical lab results consistent with Ebola, or those that could be consistent with Ebola
have been otherwise explained.
The PUI is able to self-monitor (or monitor a child, if PUI is a child) and comply fully with active
monitoring and controlled movement guidelines.
There is a plan in place for the PUI to return for medical care if symptoms recur, which has been
explained and understood by the PUI.
Local and state health departments have been engaged and concur.
Active monitoring and controlled movement guidelines apply for persons who have had Ebola
exposures and are under follow-up as contacts for the full 21-day period following their last exposure.
Discharge decisions should be based on clinical and laboratory criteria and on the ability to monitor the individual
after discharge, and made by the medical providers caring for the individual, along with the local and state health
departments.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This guidance is current as of November 3, 2014 from
http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/hcp/considerations-discharging-pui.html. Please see website for complete details.
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