DPH RECOMMENDS WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO) PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT APPROACH TO HOSPITALS

DOVER, DE (October 16, 2014) - Given the two new Ebola cases in Dallas health care workers, Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) has revisited its August 2014 personal protective equipment (PPE) recommendations and is now recommending an approach based on the World Health Organization (WHO) PPE protocols. The DPH recommended approach includes double gloves during basic care of someone infected with Ebola, or suspected of being infected, and the "buddy system" so that a partner watches someone put on and take off the protective equipment. This helps identify any accidental errors in dressing in, or removing, protective equipment, which then can be addressed immediately. DPH selected these protocols because of their thoroughness and clarity. DPH also thought it was important to make a clear statement given that reports from Texas suggest that varying PPE protocols were being used. The updated DPH recommendations, further details on implementation and educational materials, will be shared with hospitals and partner agencies over the next 24 hours. While each hospital makes its own decisions about which protocols to use, DPH is consulting closely with their emergency preparedness staff and infectious disease specialists. Each hospital is also being asked to provide updated information on how they would treat a suspected Ebola patient and what safety protocols they would use.

For further information on protective measures, see the attached or visit: www.who.int/csr/disease/ebola/protective-measures-staff/en/

• Steps to put on personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Steps to remove personal protective equipment (PPE)

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, drink almost no sugary beverages.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.