An outbreak inside an epidemic: managing an infectious disease outbreak while treating Ebola

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Infectious Disease Outbreak Management
• Public Health

Background:

• Concurrent infectious disease outbreaks pose significant challenges during major epidemics.
• Clinicians require effective strategies to balance patient care with risks to healthcare workers and mission objectives.
• Rapid decision-making is crucial for managing diverse outbreaks amidst widespread serious illness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review essential epidemiological tools for outbreak management.
• To describe a pragmatic approach for handling outbreaks during a large-scale epidemic response.
• To demonstrate successful management of a gastroenteritis outbreak during the Ebola epidemic in Sierra Leone.

Main Methods:

• Review of fundamental epidemiological principles and decision-making frameworks.
• Implementation of a pragmatic management strategy integrating rapid diagnostics and remote specialist support.
• Application of these methods during a concurrent gastroenteritis outbreak amidst the Ebola virus disease epidemic.

Main Results:

• The study successfully managed a large outbreak of gastroenteritis.
• The approach ensured the safety of patients, healthcare workers, and the overall mission.
• Effective use of epidemiological tools and integrated support facilitated a controlled outbreak response.

Conclusions:

• Basic epidemiological tools are vital for informed decision-making in complex outbreak scenarios.
• A pragmatic, integrated approach combining diagnostics and expert support allows for effective management of concurrent outbreaks.
• Successful management of gastroenteritis during the Ebola epidemic highlights the adaptability of public health strategies.