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).
Vardy
J
J
Emergency Department, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, 84 Castle Street, Glasgow G4 0SF, Scotland, UK. jenvardy@doctors.org.uk
Mukherjee
N
N
Dignon
N
N
D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D053124:Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D010356:Patient Isolation / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012134:Respiratory Protective Devices; D012606:Scotland / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000998:Antiviral Agents