A UK infectious diseases unit receives a patient with suspected viral haemorrhagic fever (VHF). The patient has returned from Guinea 5 days ago with f...

Question

A UK infectious diseases unit receives a patient with suspected viral haemorrhagic fever (VHF). The patient has returned from Guinea 5 days ago with fever and malaise. According to UKHSA guidelines, what is the first priority in management?

Accepted Answer

Perform a malaria film first, as malaria is far more common and must be excluded urgently, while implementing VHF precautions

Answer

Immediately start empirical ribavirin

Answer

Discharge the patient with outpatient follow-up

Answer

Perform a lumbar puncture

Answer

Obtain blood cultures and start broad-spectrum antibiotics without isolation

uk-dtmh MCQ (SBA): VHF Risk Assessment

A UK infectious diseases unit receives a patient with suspected viral haemorrhagic fever (VHF). The patient has returned from Guinea 5 days ago with fever and malaise. According to UKHSA guidelines, what is the first priority in management?