Infection Control Manual

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2007 Dangerous Pathogens Policy (53 kB)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dangerous Pathogens

Key Points
Patients with certain highly infectious or fatal diseases will be transferred to an Infectious Diseases Unit (IDU). If a patient with a highly infectious disease is suspected, call the Infection Control Team straight away! Minimise number of contacts with the patient Record all on contact tracing sheets (Download Contact Tracing Sheet) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Guideline

Introduction

Some rare diseases are thought to require a greater degree of isolation than can be provided in these hospitals. Examples are pulmonary anthrax, diphtheria or viral haemorrhagic fevers.

Perform a Risk Assessment

Most of these patients will have been abroad. They are often first seen in the Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Unit, or an A/E department, but may well be admitted to general wards with a diagnosis of PUO, from abroad, and there is usually a very sketchy history.

These patients must not be transferred within the hospital but must be placed in Source Isolation according to the standard protocol.

Keep the number of staff and other contacts to a minimum.

Make a list of all contacts in case follow up surveillance is required (See Contact Tracing Sheet).

Action Required

• Inform the Consultant Microbiologist or Infectious Disease Physician.
• Transfer to the Regional Isolation Unit will be arranged by the medical staff in liaison with the Infection Control Team and Consultant in Communicable Disease Control. See lines of communication for contact telephone numbers for your hospital.
• For specific guidance on management of highly infectious diseases, See Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers.
• Do not admit anyone to a room that has been occupied by a patient transferred for these reasons without consulting the Infection Control Team. Proper decontamination may be necessary.

 

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