If a case of smallpox is suspected, the nurse should
a) Call the CDC Emergency Preparedness Office.
Anyone suspecting a case of smallpox should call the CDC Emergency
Preparedness Office at 770-488-7100. The CDC will respond by
immmediate provision of diagnostic support and eventual release of
vaccine if a case is confirmed. Until instructed otherwise by the CDC,
healthcare providers should carefully establish isolation with negative
pressure, and maintain thorough lists of all those who have contact
with the patient.
b) Immediately vaccinate the patient and anyone in contact with the
patient.
The CDC will provide diagnostic support and will release the vaccine if
the patient is confirmed to have smallpox.
c) Establish isolation with positive pressure.
Isolation with negative pressure should be established.
d) Assess the patient for signs of a rash similar to chickenpox in
appearance and progression.
The lesions associated with smallpox may appear similar in
appearance, but the progression is very different from that of
chickenpox. Smallpox lesions will appear to be at the same stage of
development as the rash progresses from macules to papules to
pustules to scabs. This progression is very different from that of
chickenpox. With chickenpox, lesions appear at different
developmental stages.
a) Call the CDC Emergency Preparedness Office.
Anyone suspecting a case of smallpox should call the CDC Emergency
Preparedness Office at 770-488-7100. The CDC will respond by
immmediate provision of diagnostic support and eventual release of
vaccine if a case is confirmed. Until instructed otherwise by the CDC,
healthcare providers should carefully establish isolation with negative
pressure, and maintain thorough lists of all those who have contact
with the patient.
b) Immediately vaccinate the patient and anyone in contact with the
patient.
The CDC will provide diagnostic support and will release the vaccine if
the patient is confirmed to have smallpox.
c) Establish isolation with positive pressure.
Isolation with negative pressure should be established.
d) Assess the patient for signs of a rash similar to chickenpox in
appearance and progression.
The lesions associated with smallpox may appear similar in
appearance, but the progression is very different from that of
chickenpox. Smallpox lesions will appear to be at the same stage of
development as the rash progresses from macules to papules to
pustules to scabs. This progression is very different from that of
chickenpox. With chickenpox, lesions appear at different
developmental stages.