Which action is essential to prevent Ebola transmission in healthcare settings?

Which action is essential to prevent Ebola transmission in healthcare settings?

• A. Cervical cancer screening
• B. Infection control practices including standard precautions and PPE
• C. Relying on home isolation
• D. Ignoring contact tracing

Answer: (B)

The central idea is that stopping Ebola transmission in healthcare relies on rigorous infection control, especially standard precautions and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Ebola spreads mainly through direct contact with infectious body fluids and contaminated surfaces, so treating every patient with standard precautions reduces risk for all staff and patients. This means thorough hand hygiene, appropriate PPE (gloves, gown, eye protection, mask or respirator as needed), safe injection practices, careful handling of needles and sharps, and meticulous environmental cleaning and disinfection. Correct donning and doffing of PPE, with proper training, is essential to prevent contaminating yourself or others during care. In addition, placing suspected cases in appropriate isolation helps contain exposure and protects others. Cervical cancer screening doesn’t impact Ebola transmission. Relying on home isolation is unsafe and not effective in a health care setting. Ignoring contact tracing weakens broader outbreak control but doesn’t directly prevent transmission within a facility. Hence, the best approach is consistent infection control practices including standard precautions and PPE.

The central idea is that stopping Ebola transmission in healthcare relies on rigorous infection control, especially standard precautions and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Ebola spreads mainly through direct contact with infectious body fluids and contaminated surfaces, so treating every patient with standard precautions reduces risk for all staff and patients. This means thorough hand hygiene, appropriate PPE (gloves, gown, eye protection, mask or respirator as needed), safe injection practices, careful handling of needles and sharps, and meticulous environmental cleaning and disinfection. Correct donning and doffing of PPE, with proper training, is essential to prevent contaminating yourself or others during care. In addition, placing suspected cases in appropriate isolation helps contain exposure and protects others.

Cervical cancer screening doesn’t impact Ebola transmission. Relying on home isolation is unsafe and not effective in a health care setting. Ignoring contact tracing weakens broader outbreak control but doesn’t directly prevent transmission within a facility. Hence, the best approach is consistent infection control practices including standard precautions and PPE.