High Threat Pathogen Tool
Result:
Action as NO HTP RISK
Action:
Provide recommendation of contact/droplet PPE as appropriate.
Recommend conveyance to Type 1 receiving facility (pre-alert as required).
All hospitals in British Columbia are considered Type 1 Receiving Facilities.
Advice:
Despite no high-threat pathogen or risk of infection being identified, contact crew to discuss case as appropriate.
Discriminator Questions
1. Suspected or confirmed exposure to High Threat Pathogen
Has the patient had direct contact with a living or deceased person who is suspected or confirmed to have a known High Threat Pathogen? Known HTPs include Lassa Fever, Marburg Virus, Ebola Virus Disease, Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome.
2. High risk travel history based on public health intelligence?
❑ Has the patient traveled to or lived in a country with known high threat pathogen transmission in the past 21 days?
❑ Is an active outbreak of the pathogen described in the Government of Canada Travel Health Notices list? Review Global Public Health Intelligence Network (GPHIN) report in PS inbox.
3. Acute Symptoms in alignment with known HTP?
❑ Fever (>/= 38 degrees), Malaise, Rash on chest/stomach/back, Nausea/Vomiting/Diarrhea, Chest and Abdominal Pain, Jaundice, Swelling in Stomach area, Severe Weight Loss, Delirium, Shock
4. Suspected or confirmed exposure to known infectious disease (not high threat pathogen)?
❑ Review Public Health Agency of Canada Known Infectious Diseases and Conditions. Jump to HTP References.
5. Transmission likely via casual (droplet/aerosol) contact?
❑ What is the likelihood of infection or disease arising from casual contact of the agent with intact skin?
❑ What is the likelihood of infection or disease arising from contact of the agent with mucous membranes or damaged skin?
❑ What is the likelihood of infection or disease arising from inhalation of the agent (e.g., large or small droplet aerosols, spores)?
❑ Review National Emerging Special Pathogens Training & Education Center and Public Health Agency of Canada for (known) pathogen specific information.
6. Transmission likely via intimate, fomite or vector contact?
❑ What is the likelihood of infection or disease arising from intimate contact of the agent with intact skin?
❑ What is the likelihood of infection or disease arising from contact of the agent with mucous membranes or damaged skin?
❑ What is the likelihood of infection or disease arising from inhalation of the agent (e.g., large or small droplet aerosols, spores)?
7. Sub-acute symptoms in alignment with known HTP?
❑ Fever (<38 degrees)
❑ Chills
❑ Sore Throat / Pharyngitis
❑ Headache
❑ Muscle Pain
References
Public Health Agency of Canada Known Diseases and Conditions
Public Health Agency of Canada Known Infectious Diseases and Conditions
Government of Canada Travel Health Notices
Pathogen Risk Assessment (PHAC)
Review Schedule
| Adopted | Next Review Scheduled | Owner | Reviewer |
|---|---|---|---|
| JAN 2024 | JAN 2026 | Clinical Hub Mnager | Clinical Hub Mnager |