If the CDC informs an IP about a potential international viral hemorrhagic fever outbreak, what should the IP do first?

• A. Forward the information to key staff and leaders and monitor the situation.
• B. Notify local public health authorities only after confirmation.
• C. Quarantine the involved personnel and close units.
• D. Do nothing until there is direct instruction.

Answer: (B)

When there’s information from CDC about a potential international viral hemorrhagic fever outbreak, the first step is to escalate the alert to local public health authorities right away. This allows rapid verification, coordinated surveillance, and implementation of appropriate response measures at the community and facility level. At the same time, inform your institution’s leadership and the infection prevention team and begin reinforcing infection-control precautions, staff communication, and internal monitoring. Delaying reporting until confirmation can hinder a coordinated public health response, and unilateral actions like quarantining staff or closing units should follow public health guidance rather than be done on your own. Do nothing until instructed is not appropriate when a real potential outbreak is being flagged.