Ebola Virus Disease: Enhanced Surveillance Measures in France and Characteristics of Reported Cases, March–December 2014
Following the Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak that has been ongoing in West Africa since December 2013, France implemented an enhanced surveillance system in March 2014, with the objective of detecting symptoms suggestive of EVD early in travelers arriving from a high-risk country, providing them with appropriate care, and limiting the risk of secondary transmission within the country. This system relies on a specific protocol enabling the immediate reporting of cases meeting the definition of suspected cases, for the purpose of clinical and epidemiological assessment, as well as the identification and monitoring of individuals who have been in contact with a patient infected with the Ebola virus. Between March 23 and December 8, 2014, 655 reports were processed by the French Institute for Public Health Surveillance (InVS) and the regional partners of this enhanced surveillance system; 632 cases (96.5%) were immediately ruled out; 21 (3.2%) were classified as possible cases and were all subsequently ruled out based on laboratory results. Two confirmed cases, diagnosed in Liberia and Sierra Leone, were transferred to France for treatment; both have recovered. The enhanced surveillance system demonstrated its ability to process all reported cases and correctly refer suspected patients to ensure they received appropriate care. Given the evolution of the current epidemic in West Africa, regular evaluation of this system is necessary to adapt it and optimize its efficiency.
Author(s): Bruyand M, Tourdjman M, Noel H, Mailles A, Vaux S, Lucas E, Durand J, Quelet S, Coignard B, Vandentorren S, Wyndels K, Zurbaran M, Helynck B, Therre H, Pannetier D, Baize S, de Valk H
Publishing year: 2014
Pages: 255-62
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