Download Ebola: Advice for staff working in education and early years

November 2014
Ebola: Advice for staff working in education and early years
settings.
UNISON has had a number of enquiries from staff working in schools, early years,
higher and further education establishments. The following Q&A is based on
guidance issued by the Department for Education (DFE), Health and Safety
Executive, Department of Health, Public Health England (PHE), Health Protection
Scotland, Public Health Wales and the Northern Ireland Public Health Agency
What is Ebola and what is the risk of it spreading?
Ebola is a serious and life threatening viral haemorrhagic fever (VHF). However the
risk of it spreading in the UK remains very low. This is because, although those
returning from affected countries could develop symptoms up to three weeks from
their return, if they have had direct contact with someone with Ebola, the
transmission of Ebola from person to person is by direct contact with the blood and
body fluids of an ill person with the disease. It is not known to be an airborne
pathogen.
Those countries affected by Ebola have introduced exit screening at airports to
ensure that individuals who are unwell do not board flights, and the UK government
is currently introducing screening procedures at UK airports and Eurostar terminals.
Which countries are affected by Ebola?
The main countries affected are Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Nigeria has been
declared free of Ebola, one confirmed case has arisen in Malawi. There have also
been isolated cases of transmission to nurses in Spain and US, who were directly
caring for patients transferred home for treatment.
There has been one case in the UK; this was a volunteer nurse who was transferred
back here to be treated, but had contracted the disease overseas. He successfully
recovered and there was no spread of infection linked to those who cared for him,
his friends or family.
What should employers do if a member of staff, child or student returns after
visiting one of the affected countries?
If they are free of the symptoms associated with Ebola they should not be
considered to be infectious and therefore be allowed to carry on their normal
activities.
What are the symptoms associated with Ebola?
These include fever (pale skin, sweating or shivering), diarrhoea and vomiting, and
weakness (e.g. unable to stand unsupported as appropriate for age)). With any other
symptoms normal sickness procedures should apply.
What should the protocol be if staff, students or children display these
symptoms?
Firstly it is important to find out whether they have recently visited (i.e. within the last
21 days) any of the affected. If the answer is no, normal sickness procedures should
apply.
However if the answer is yes, urgent medical assessment is required. The person
should be isolated and be given clear instructions that this is just temporary whilst
medical assistance is sought. Dial 111 and tell the operator that you have a
man/woman/boy/girl (give age or approximate age if known) and provide as much
information as possible. You should make a note of anyone who has had physical
contact with the person in your organisation.
Follow the advice given by 111
services.
When referring them to the local ambulance service/initial responders, specify it is for
a child/student/person who has recently returned from a country involved in the
current Ebola outbreak and they are suspected to have Ebola. This ensures
healthcare professionals use the appropriate personal protective equipment.
What other follow up procedures should my employer have in place?
Your employer should contact their local Public Health Centre. Details of these can
be found below. They will assist with any subsequent public health action required,
for example following up contacts of the infected person.
Thorough cleaning and decontamination is advised and your employer should
discuss this with the Public Health Centre (see below for more details).
What else should my employer do?
Your employer should check to ensure sickness, cross infection and other public
health protocols and procedures are consistent with advice from Health and Safety
Executive (HSE), Department of Health and the relevant public health body. See
below for more details.
It is important that employers work in partnership with trade unions. This may
include:

Raising it as an item on the Joint Health and Safety Committee;



Managers consulting with safety reps and jointly reviewing risk
assessments to ensure that current controls and procedures are
consistent with current guidance (see details below);
Joint agreeing communication with staff, as this may play a vital role to
play in reassuring staff and other users of the service, that all
measures have been taken and that it is safe. The recent media
coverage may also cause concern amongst staff.
Any other appropriate action, depending on the role and function of
your organisation.
Find out more
UNISON publications available from the UNISON Online Catalogue
1. Making us better: UNISON guide on sickness absence agreements (stock no.
2594)
2. Managing and preventing sharps injuries: a UNISON guide for safety reps
(stock no. 3427)
Health and Safety Executive/Department of Health Guidance
1. Management of Hazard Group 4 viral haemorrhagic fevers and similar human
infectious diseases of high consequence Advisory Committee on Dangerous
Pathogens
2. COSHH information
Public Health bodies and their publications
England – Public Health England (PHE)
1. Ebola: advice and risk assessment for educational, childcare and young
persons’ settings (Joint DFE/PHE guidance)
2. Ebola: advice and risk assessment for universities and further educational
establishments
3. Environmental cleaning guidance
4. Local PHE details
Northern Ireland – Public Health Agency
Guidance on Ebola
Wales – Public Health Wales
Guidance on Ebola
Scotland – Health Protection Scotland
1. Ebola Q&A
2. Ebola outbreak response plan
World Health Organisation
 Ebola factsheet
 Global Alert and Response (GAR) information

Outbreak response plan in west Africa