Following a resurgence of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in West Africa, the French Health Directorate asked the High Council for Public Health (HCSP) to update the data on what to do in the event of a suspected case on national territory, which should then immediately be the subject of a clinical-epidemiological assessment.

The HCSP opinion, drafted to provide operational technical assistance, has been extended to all suspected cases of viral haemorrhagic fever (including EVD).

Its aim is to assess the epidemic and biological risk in a suspected patient at the earliest stages of entry into the health system, in order to prevent or reduce the risk of secondary transmission to the community and/or health care workers.

The various issues that may arise are addressed, including the definition of cases and contacts, diagnosis, classification of the patient (suspect, possible or confirmed) and referral, response to a risk situation, with the management of possible cases and contact cases (sampling, treatment, etc.), as well as prevention and hygiene measures.

A flowchart has been updated: it summarises the actions previously detailed to rule out a suspicion or to treat a confirmed case.