How should I approach the management of a patient with confirmed Ebola Virus Disease in a primary care setting?

Management of a patient with confirmed Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in a primary care setting requires immediate isolation and urgent referral to a specialist infectious disease unit or designated high-level care facility. Primary care providers should not attempt definitive treatment but focus on infection control and safe patient transfer to prevent transmission NICE CG139.

Initial steps include:

• Isolate the patient in a single room with appropriate ventilation to minimise exposure to others NICE CG139.
• Use strict standard, contact, and droplet precautions, including personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection, to prevent healthcare-associated infections NICE CG139.
• Notify local public health authorities immediately to coordinate transfer and contact tracing NICE CG139.
• Limit the number of healthcare workers exposed and ensure they are trained in donning and doffing PPE safely Eckes et al. 2016.
• Provide supportive care only as feasible in primary care, such as maintaining hydration and monitoring vital signs, while avoiding invasive procedures that increase exposure risk Eckes et al. 2016.

Definitive management, including advanced supportive care and experimental therapies, should be provided in specialised centres equipped for high-level isolation and treatment Eckes et al. 2016. Primary care’s role is primarily early recognition, infection control, and rapid referral NICE CG139.