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<p>In the light of the continuing outbreak in West Africa, updated guidance from the
Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens was published on 12 September; this covers
an algorithm and guidance on management of patients. Public Health England (PHE) issued
guidance for all medical staff in both primary care and acute trusts on 25 September.
In addition three messages have been sent out to the National Health Service, general
practitioners and private hospitals through the Chief Medical Officer’s Alerting System
(CAS). The most recent of these was on 7 October and it covered assessment of patients
for their potential to have Ebola, advice on how to have a test carried out and management
of the patient whilst test results are awaited and once the diagnosis is known.</p><p>
</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>We are doing considerable work on providing guidance to the
medical profession and there was an exercise on 11 October centred around scenarios
in which cases of Ebola came to light in the United Kingdom, which heightened public
awareness of the issues. In addition posters and leaflets are being made available
in ports of entry. These describe symptoms of Ebola and give details of what to do
if people become ill.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>We are monitoring the need for
a public awareness campaign in conjunction with PHE.</p><p> </p>
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