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Updated: Apr 15, 2026
Remote Laboratory Management: Respiratory Virus Diagnostics
Published on: April 6, 2019
Identify-isolate-inform: a tool for initial detection and management of measles patients in the emergency department
Kristi L Koenig1, Wajdan Alassaf1, Michael J Burns2
1University of California, Irvine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Orange, California.
Abstract:
Measles (rubeola) is a highly contagious airborne disease that was declared eliminated in the U.S. in the year 2000. Only sporadic U.S. cases and minor outbreaks occurred until the larger outbreak beginning in 2014 that has become a public health emergency. The "Identify-Isolate-Inform" tool will assist emergency physicians to be better prepared to detect and manage measles patients presenting to the emergency department. Measles typically presents with a prodrome of high fever, and cough/coryza/conjunctivitis, sometimes accompanied by the pathognomonic Koplik spots. Two to four days later, an erythematous maculopapular rash begins on the face and spreads down the body. Suspect patients must be immediately isolated with airborne precautions while awaiting laboratory confirmation of disease. Emergency physicians must rapidly inform the local public health department and hospital infection control personnel of suspected measles cases.
Insights
Measles, a contagious airborne illness, has resurged in the U.S., posing a public health emergency. The "Identify-Isolate-Inform" tool aids emergency physicians in managing measles cases effectively.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Measles (rubeola) is a highly contagious airborne disease.
- Declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, measles outbreaks have resurged, becoming a public health emergency.
- Emergency departments face challenges in detecting and managing measles patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce the "Identify-Isolate-Inform" tool.
- To enhance emergency physicians' preparedness for measles detection and management.
- To address the public health emergency posed by measles resurgence.
Main Methods:
- The "Identify-Isolate-Inform" tool provides a framework for emergency physicians.
- Key steps include rapid patient isolation with airborne precautions.
- Immediate notification of public health and infection control is crucial.
Main Results:
- The tool assists in the timely detection of measles based on typical symptoms (prodrome, Koplik spots, rash).
- Prompt isolation and laboratory confirmation are vital for controlling transmission.
- Effective communication between emergency physicians and public health officials is emphasized.
Conclusions:
- The "Identify-Isolate-Inform" tool is essential for emergency physicians managing measles.
- Preparedness is key to controlling measles outbreaks and mitigating public health emergencies.
- Swift action, including isolation and reporting, is critical for measles containment.
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