The CDC issued a reminder for U.S. healthcare facilities to review their infection prevention and control processes related to managing communicable infections, including Ebola.
As of March 4, there have been 900 probable and confirmed cases and 565 deaths as a result of the 2018 Ebola virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, according to the World Health Organization.
The CDC's reminder includes steps facilities should take to effectively triage patients who may have communicable infections, including documenting the patient's international travel history and identifying patients who have fever or other symptoms of infection.
Specifically in the case of a patient infected with or under investigation for Ebola, healthcare facilities should follow the CDC's separate personal protective equipment guidance.
Additionally, healthcare facilities and public health officials should be familiar with the U.S. Regional Treatment Network for Ebola and Other Special Pathogens, including their role in the network and maintaining preparedness.