SHEA Supports Evidence-Based Measures to Prevent Ebola Transmission, Opposes Mandatory Quarantine for Healthcare Personnel
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: October 26, 2014 Kristy Weinshel, 703-684-1008 kweinshel@shea-online.org
ARLINGTON, Va. (October 27) – The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) remains deeply concerned about the Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak. The recent news about Dr. Craig Spencer’s infection, along with the infections of the many other healthcare personnel (HCP) who have risked their lives to provide care during this tragic outbreak, illustrates how difficult it is to protect HCP serving patients with severe EVD.
ARLINGTON, Va. (October 27) – The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) remains deeply concerned about the Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak. The recent news about Dr. Craig Spencer’s infection, along with the infections of the many other healthcare personnel (HCP) who have risked their lives to provide care during this tragic outbreak, illustrates how difficult it is to protect HCP serving patients with severe EVD.
SHEA supports the recent infection prevention guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the commitment healthcare facilities across the country have made to train and prepare their teams for the care of patients with EVD. SHEA continues to support the rigorous application of evidence-based measures to prevent EVD transmission. Based upon the strong evidence that Ebola is not transmitted by those who do not have symptoms of EVD, we do not support mandatory quarantine of individuals, including HCP, who have provided care for patients with EVD. Our concern is about both the ramifications for HCP returning from West Africa and the potential application of this quarantine to all HCP caring for patients with EVD. SHEA believes that mandatory quarantine will lead to fewer volunteers and increased difficulty in assembling care teams in West Africa and in other countries, including the United States, preparing to care for EVD patients.
SHEA
and its membership of infection control and prevention experts support the
active monitoring (twice daily, for fever and symptoms of EVD) of all HCP
providing care for EVD patients, including returnees from Ebola outbreak areas
in West Africa. Mandatory quarantine should only be implemented for those who
do not adhere to such monitoring.
SHEA
continues to work with the CDC and all relevant stakeholders to ensure the
safety of HCP and to promote positive outcomes for those who contract
Ebola.
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SHEA
is a global professional society representing more than 2,000 physicians and
other healthcare professionals with expertise and passion for healthcare
epidemiology and infection prevention to improve patient care in all healthcare
settings. SHEA's mission is to prevent and control healthcare-associated
infections and advance the field of healthcare epidemiology. The society
advances its mission through advocacy, science and research, expert guidelines
and guidance on key issues, the exchange of knowledge, and high-quality
education. SHEA focuses resources
on promoting antimicrobial stewardship, ensuring a safe healthcare environment,
encouraging transparency in public reporting related to HAIs, focused efforts
on prevention and more.
Visit SHEA online at www.shea-online.org, www.facebook.com/SHEApreventingHAIs and @SHEA_Epi
link to SHEA press release: http://www.shea-online.org/View/ArticleId/318/SHEA-Supports-Evidence-Based-Measures-to-Prevent-Ebola-Transmission-Opposes-Mandatory-Quarantine-for.aspx
link to SHEA press release: http://www.shea-online.org/View/ArticleId/318/SHEA-Supports-Evidence-Based-Measures-to-Prevent-Ebola-Transmission-Opposes-Mandatory-Quarantine-for.aspx
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