WHO Philippines’ Guidance On Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

WHO Philippines wishes to clarify some of the terms, protocols and policies ascribed to WHO in the media.

To catch Ebola requires direct contact with the body fluid of an infectious person. Patients suffering from Ebola only become infectious – that is only able to spread the virus to others – after they have developed symptoms.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) refers to a range of specialized clothing which is worn to protect those who are directly responsible and engaged in the care of people who are displaying the symptoms of Ebola. It can include face cover, head cover, protective foot wear and gowns or coveralls.

The use of PPE is essential when in close contact with a person who is displaying the symptoms of Ebola. PPE should only be worn by those people that have been trained in the correct way to use it.

When caring for an ill patient with Ebola, PPE should form part of range of measures to prevent transmission including appropriate facilities for barrier nursing and work organization, water and sanitation, hand hygiene, and waste management.

PPE is in limited supply across the world and should be used only where strictly necessary i.e. by trained personnel for the reasons outlined above.

As previously stated in the WHO Philippines media release of November 12, WHO does not recommend general bans on travel or trade or general quarantine of travelers arriving from an Ebola affected country.

Current exit screening of all persons departing affected countries through international airports, seaports and major land crossings is recommended by WHO.

WHO would remind anyone returning from an Ebola affected country to inform the quarantine medical officer on duty at the port of entry and monitor their health for 21 days.

There is a high incidence of malaria in the most affected Ebola countries. Any person returning from an Ebola affected country who develops a fever must be immediately treated for malaria even without a diagnostic test. (DOH)

Image Credit: DOH