For how long should contacts of a positive Ebola case be monitored?

For how long should contacts of a positive Ebola case be monitored?

• A. 7 days
• B. 14 days
• C. 30 days
• D. 21 days

Answer: (D)

Ebola incubation can range from about 2 to 21 days after exposure, with most people developing symptoms within the first week to 10 days. To catch any late-presenting cases and prevent further transmission, the monitoring window is set to cover the full potential incubation period. So, monitoring contacts for 21 days after exposure ensures that if symptoms appear at the upper end of the range, they’re identified promptly and appropriate isolation and testing can occur. Shorter periods like 7 or 14 days risk missing late-onset cases, while 30 days is longer than necessary for this disease. During the 21-day period, implement daily symptom checks and temperature monitoring, and isolate and test immediately if fever or other symptoms develop.

Ebola incubation can range from about 2 to 21 days after exposure, with most people developing symptoms within the first week to 10 days. To catch any late-presenting cases and prevent further transmission, the monitoring window is set to cover the full potential incubation period. So, monitoring contacts for 21 days after exposure ensures that if symptoms appear at the upper end of the range, they’re identified promptly and appropriate isolation and testing can occur. Shorter periods like 7 or 14 days risk missing late-onset cases, while 30 days is longer than necessary for this disease. During the 21-day period, implement daily symptom checks and temperature monitoring, and isolate and test immediately if fever or other symptoms develop.