Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Ebola Virus Disease
Purpose:
To establish standardized procedures for the prevention, detection, investigation, and management of Ebola virus disease (EVD) to protect healthcare workers, patients, and the public.
Scope:
These SOPs apply to all healthcare facilities, laboratories, and other settings where EVD may be encountered.
Definitions:
- Ebola virus disease (EVD): A severe and often fatal infection caused by the Ebola virus.
- Contact: An individual who has had close or prolonged exposure to a person with suspected or confirmed EVD.
- Infection Control Protocol (ICP): A set of procedures designed to prevent the spread of infection, including proper hand hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE) use, and environmental disinfection.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Clothing and equipment worn by healthcare workers to protect them from exposure to infectious agents.
Procedures:
1. Prevention
- Ensure healthcare workers are vaccinated against EVD.
- Implement infection control measures, including hand hygiene, PPE use, and environmental disinfection.
- Monitor staff for symptoms of EVD and restrict access for those with fever or other symptoms.
- Screen patients for EVD risk factors and symptoms before admission.
- Isolate suspected or confirmed EVD cases immediately.
2. Detection
- Perform clinical assessment and laboratory testing to diagnose EVD.
- Report suspected or confirmed cases to the appropriate public health authorities immediately.
3. Investigation
- Conduct case investigations to identify contacts and potential sources of infection.
- Monitor contacts for symptoms and provide education and support.
4. Management
- Isolate patients with suspected or confirmed EVD in designated facilities.
- Provide supportive care, including fluid resuscitation, electrolyte balance, and pain management.
- Use specific antiviral therapies as indicated.
- Monitor and manage complications, such as hemorrhage and organ failure.
5. Infection Control
- Implement strict ICPs, including:
- Hand hygiene
- PPE use (e.g., gowns, gloves, masks, respirators)
- Environmental disinfection
- Train healthcare workers on proper ICPs and PPE use.
- Supervise and monitor adherence to ICPs.
6. Waste Management
- Dispose of sharps, bodily fluids, and contaminated materials safely according to recommended protocols.
- Use appropriate disinfectants to decontaminate surfaces and equipment.
7. Surveillance
- Monitor for suspected or confirmed EVD cases and report to public health authorities promptly.
- Conduct regular screening and surveillance activities to identify potential EVD cases early.
8. Communication
- Inform patients and their families about EVD, its symptoms, and preventive measures.
- Provide regular updates to staff and the public on EVD status and control measures.
9. Training and Education
- Train all healthcare workers on EVD prevention, detection, and management.
- Educate the public about EVD and its prevention.
10. Review and Revision
- Regularly review and revise SOPs based on new evidence and best practices.
- Involve stakeholders and experts in the review process.
Responsibility:
- Healthcare facility managers
- Infection control practitioners
- Clinical staff
- Laboratory personnel
- Public health authorities