This section provides guidance to health services for the management of a suspected or confirmed case of VHF. Refer to the surveillance case definition for confirmed and suspected cases in the glossary, noting that this case definition is the Communicable Disease Network Australia (CDNA) surveillance case definition. It is not the clinical criteria for diagnosis of VHF, which should be made in discussion with an infectious diseases specialist.
A single case of suspected or confirmed VHF must be notified to the LPHU immediately. LPHUs will receive the initial notification, immediately escalate to the department and undertake a preliminary risk assessment with the DCHO-CD. An IMT with relevant stakeholders will be convened by the department to coordinate the overall public health response. Certain actions recommended below will be discussed and agreed through the IMT.
Assessing the level of suspicion for VHF
A VHF infection is possible in any patient with the clinical and epidemiological characteristics outlined here.
VHF preparedness in designated and non-designated health services and primary care
Actions for a suspected or confirmed case of VHF in designated health service, non-designated health services, primary care, and airports and seaports.
Immediate actions on suspicion of VHF disease
Procedures for immediate management of a suspected case in a non-designated health service.
Transfer to a designated health service
All transfers of a suspected or confirmed case need to be discussed with the department. See information on ambulance transfer arrangements and transfer of accompanying parents or carers.
Updated