Question 1

What level of personal protective equipment is required for suspected VHF patients?

Accepted Answer

For high-suspicion cases, WHO recommends a full set of PPE: impermeable gown, double gloves, boots or closed-toe waterproof footwear, face shield or goggles, and an N95 respirator (or higher) for all interactions. A trained PPE observer should supervise donning and doffing.

Question 2

How should VHF laboratory samples be handled?

Accepted Answer

Samples from suspected VHF patients should be handled under biosafety level 4 (BSL-4) conditions where available, or minimally in a BSL-3 facility with enhanced precautions. Use point-of-care testing (e.g., GeneXpert for Ebola) to minimise sample handling.

Question 3

Can a patient with suspected VHF be managed with other patients in the same unit?

Accepted Answer

No — patients with high-suspicion VHF should be isolated in a single room with dedicated equipment and dedicated nursing staff. Ideally, use a specialised VHF isolation unit. If such a unit is unavailable, designate a separate area of the facility with clear signage and restricted access.