Isolation & Quarantine Measures in Response to a Smallpox Emergency

Hospital Treatment Issues in a Smallpox “Event”

Hospitals and communities need to plan now on the proper management of suspicious smallpox cases. If an outbreak occurred, existing medical services and individual isolation capabilities could quickly become overwhelmed dealing with probable cases and evaluating potential cases. Breakdowns in infection control measures could contribute to the spread of disease in hospitals where patients present.

Contingency plans should include other facilities where smallpox patients can be cared for appropriately without worry about spread of disease if existing isolation capabilities in hospitals are overwhelmed. In locations used to treat or house cases, they still have to have medical facilities that can maintain routine medical care for other illness and trauma. 

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