West Nile virus: A contingency plan to protect the public’s health
Best practice
Abstract:
Although the chances of West Nile virus arriving in the United Kingdom have been assessed as low the possibility cannot be ruled out. The contingency plan maps out how co-operation and close liaison between veterinary and health services will be achieved in practice. The contingency plan sets out measures to: - · Enhance surveillance for the virus · Alert clinicians to the symptoms of West Nile fever · Control mosquito populations The plan explains transmission and surveillance strategies, diagnosis, patient care and the protection of healthcare professionals, public health action in partnership and environmental control.
Category:
Control
Investigation
Management
Prevention
Expert Review
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Summary:
Although the chances of West Nile virus arriving in the United Kingdom have been assessed as low the possibility cannot be ruled out. The contingency plan maps out how co-operation and close liaison between veterinary and health services will be achieved in practice. The contingency plan sets out measures to: -· Enhance surveillance for the virus· Alert clinicians to the symptoms of West Nile fever· Control mosquito populationsThe plan explains transmission and surveillance strategies, diagnosis, patient care and the protection of healthcare professionals, public health action in partnership and environmental control.
Questions Addressed:
The document sets out surveillance/actions already in place and public health action based on risk assessment nationally and locally which will be taken by health, veterinary and environmental agencies working in partnership should an incident/outbreak occur.
Type of Study:
Policy/contingency plan
Methods Valid:
Yes
Methods Valid Detail:
The report sets out the strategy and contains important information for all those who might be called on to play a role in limiting the impact of West Nile virus.
Results Reliability:
Produced by an expert group and modelled on the epidemiological evidence of introduction and spread in other countries.
Problems or Biases:
None
Relevant Studies:
Keywords:
Reviewer Name:
Sue Wiseman
Reviewer Post:
Nurse Consultant –Infection Control, DH
Reviewer Affiliations:
Member Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens Health Protection Adviser Royal College of Nursing P/T Member Infection Control Nurses Association