Of concern for emergency personnel is that some immunocompromised patients do not develop a rash.

Early identification in the ED is important so the patient can be immediately isolated from other individuals in the department. A mask should be applied to the patient. Emergency personnel should take isolation precautions to include, at a minimum, an N95 mask. Diagnosis is important so the patient can be monitored for complications and isolated for four days following appearance of the rash to minimize further spread.
All states require patients with the diagnosis of measles to be reported to the local health department.

EDs Key to Containing Infectious Diseases

Emergency physicians and other emergency personnel are very adept at responding to evolving challenges, including infectious disease threats. A consistent and reliable approach to patient care by the first emergency care worker can facilitate a safe environment for the patient and all emergency personnel.

The concept proposed by Dr. Koenig allows emergency physicians to organize approaches starting at the intake area of the ED that will allow targeted safety protocols and rapid identification of contagious patients.

James J. Augustine, MD, FACEP, is director of clinical operations at EMP in Canton, Ohio; clinical associate professor of Emergency Medicine at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio; vice president of the Emergency Department Benchmarking Alliance; and on the ACEP Board of Directors.