H5N1 influenza questionnaire: are Scottish emergency departments ready to isolate and treat a possible index case?

H5N1 has emerged as a highly pathogenic strain of avian flu. Cases of bird-to-human transmission have occurred and raised concerns that human-to-human transmission may be possible. Therefore, it is vitally important to isolate any index case arising from bird-to-human transmission. Questionnaires were sent out to emergency departments throughout Scotland seeking information on the availability of facilities and supplies necessary to treat and prevent onward infection from a suspected index case of human H5N1 infection. They were specifically asked about side rooms for isolation and supplies of FFP3 masks, lysis buffer and oseltamivir (Tamiflu).