Medical Protocol

[Refer to CDC’s Smallpox Response Plan for current protocol. http://www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/smallpox/prep/index.asp]

[Diagnostic criteria for a High Risk Case.]

Response: High Risk Case

The clinician’s response to a high risk case should be to notify the appropriate authorities and also request an Infectious Diseases and/or dermatology consultation to confirm the high risk status. If high risk status is confirmed by a specialist, then inform public health officials and obtain digital photos, if possible.

Health officials can assist with confirming high-risk status and arranging for specimen collection and testing at the appropriate laboratory. Health officials can also assist with management advice until the case is confirmed. If a case is high risk, DO NOT PERFORM OTHER LAB TESTING TO RULE OUT OTHER DIAGNOSIS until the diagnosis of smallpox is ruled out. 

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