Medical personnel actions upon detecting an infection case
When identifying a patient with suspected dangerous infectious disease, a healthcare worker of a medical and prophylactic institution must act strictly according to the algorithm:
- Issue an official order for the hospitalization of the patient to a specialized hospital.
- Transmit information to the department of registration and accounting of infectious patients (ORUIB).
- Draw up and send an "Urgent notification of an infectious disease" to the territorial body of Rospotrebnadzor.
- Record the information in the special "Log of Infectious Diseases Registration".
Such an algorithm guarantees the timely implementation of anti-epidemic measures and prevents further spread of the pathogen.
Physician's work in an epidemic focus with the family
Upon arriving at the infection focus or working with the patient's immediate circle (e.g., in epidemic typhus), the physician conducts mandatory explanatory and preventive work:
- Explains the main routes of transmission of the infection to family members (via body or head lice), which justifies the need for disinsection.
- Reminds them of the properties of the pathogen, which can persist for a long time on bed linen and clothes, which is why mandatory disinfection is carried out in the focus.
- Organizes medical observation of contacts: prescribes daily thermometry for the duration of the maximum incubation period, which for epidemic typhus is 3 weeks.
- Reminds them of the need to seek immediate medical attention if any signs of fever appear.
Features of patient management in the hospital
Patients with acute infectious diseases are subject to isolation in the infectious diseases department. In the admission ward, an examination for parasites (pediculosis) is mandatory, and if detected, disinsection measures are carried out immediately.
Hospitalization is necessary not only for diagnosis and treatment, but also due to the high risk of severe complications:
- Acute hemodynamic disorders;
- Interstitial myocarditis;
- Thrombosis, thromboembolism, and infarctions;
- Acute infectious psychoses.
The three D's rule for the focus: Documents (urgent notification), Disinfection (linen and clothing), and Disinsection (vector control).
Class and exam questions
What measures are carried out in the admission ward when pediculosis is detected in a patient?
In this case, special disinsection and disinfection measures are carried out.
What document is sent to Rospotrebnadzor when an infectious patient is detected?
The medical worker is obliged to issue and send an "Urgent notification of an infectious disease".
How long do medical observation and thermometry last for contacts in epidemic typhus?
Observation is established for the duration of the maximum incubation period, which is 3 weeks.
Is emergency medical care at the pre-hospital stage required in epidemic typhus?
No, emergency medical care at the pre-hospital stage is not required in this case; the main emphasis is placed on rapid hospitalization.
What else to study on this topic
- Etiology and biological properties of Rickettsia prowazekii (Rickettsia prowazekii)
- Natural and anthropurgic foci of leptospirosis and tularemia
- Differential diagnosis of lymphadenitis in tularemia
- Mechanisms of development of infectious-toxic shock and acute renal failure
- Specific and nonspecific prevention of plague and leptospirosis
Master the complete topic in the «Infectious Diseases» course
This is a summary. The course covers everything tested in classes and exams.
- Complete study guide on "Infectious disease focus" and another 3,312 pages of the subject
- Assignments and quizzes after every topic — just like in a colloquium
- AI tutor answers questions on the topic anytime
- 41 video lessons on the subject
Other topics in the section "Zoonotic infections — 2024 study guide"
The entire section "Zoonotic infections — 2024 study guide"Prepared by WhiteCoat Pro faculty in accordance with the medical school curriculum. For educational purposes only.