ECDC releases case definition for Ebola virus disease
A case definition for reporting cases of Ebola virus disease in the EU has been released by ECDC. The definition aims to classify cases for epidemiological reporting and not to guide investigation or clinical management of cases.
A case definition for reporting cases of Ebola virus disease in the EU has been released by ECDC. The definition aims to classify cases for epidemiological reporting and not to guide investigation or clinical management of cases.
Although developed in response to the outbreak of Ebola virus disease currently affecting West Africa, the case definition is broad enough to apply to any case of EVD.
Only confirmed cases are to be reported at the European level, although the newly published case definition does include a 'probable case' definition.
Algorithms for laboratory diagnosis of EVD and for the initial assessment and management of patients have also been released. To offer further support to healthcare professionals possibly faced with a situation where the management of patients suffering from EVD becomes necessary, the algorithms are accompanied by a directory of guidance from national institutes and other public health bodies. These guidance documents provide more detailed steps for the management of any EVD patient.
By releasing the case definition and related algorithms, ECDC works to support EU Member States in their preparedness for a quick and effective response to any situation that may potentially involve an EVD case.
