Question 1

How is a 'close contact' defined for different pathogens?

Accepted Answer

The definition varies by disease. For measles and TB, household contacts and prolonged shared indoor-air spaces are high risk. For Ebola virus disease, direct physical contact (including safe burial practices) is the defining exposure. The tool adjusts the close contact definition based on the selected pathogen to align with WHO guidelines.

Question 2

What is the recommended monitoring duration for TB contacts?

Accepted Answer

WHO recommends 2 years of symptom-based monitoring for household and close contacts of pulmonary TB cases, with evaluation for TB preventive treatment (TPT) at the initial assessment. Contacts of MDR-TB should be monitored for 2 years with a lower threshold for investigation.

Question 3

Can this tool be used for contact tracing in Ebola outbreaks?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the tool includes pathogen-specific parameters for viral haemorrhagic fevers including Ebola: 21-day monitoring period (42 days for suspected re-emergence), high-risk contact definitions (direct contact with body fluids or dead body), and daily symptom check with fever threshold (≥38.0°C).