Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Management of a pet dog after exposure to a human patient with Ebola virus disease.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 2015
- Authors:
- Spengler, Jessica R et al.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
In October 2014, a health-care worker in the U.S. developed symptoms of Ebola virus disease after treating a patient with the virus. Because the worker's pet dog had been exposed to the virus, it was important to remove the dog from the home to prevent any potential health risks. The dog was then quarantined and cared for while health officials conducted tests to ensure it was not infected. This situation involved a lot of teamwork among various health agencies at different levels to manage the dog's safety and health. Ultimately, the dog was tested and released after it was confirmed to be healthy.
Abstract
In October 2014, a health-care worker who had been part of the treatment team for the first laboratory-confirmed case of Ebola virus disease imported to the United States developed symptoms of Ebola virus disease. A presumptive positive reverse transcription PCR assay result for Ebola virus RNA in a blood sample from the worker was confirmed by the CDC, making this the first documented occurrence of domestic transmission of Ebola virus in the United States. The Texas Department of State Health Services commissioner issued a control order requiring disinfection and decontamination of the health-care worker's residence. This process was delayed until the patient's pet dog (which, having been exposed to a human with Ebola virus disease, potentially posed a public health risk) was removed from the residence. This report describes the movement, quarantine, care, testing, and release of the pet dog, highlighting the interdisciplinary, one-health approach and extensive collaboration and communication across local, county, state, and federal agencies involved in the response.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26295560/