Global High-Consequence Infectious Disease Readiness and Response: An Inventory of High-Level Isolation Units

Katie L. Stern, Lauren M. Sauer, Christa Arguinchona, Jake Dunning, Wael ElRayes, Poh Lian Lim, Shawn Vasoo, Jocelyn J. Herstein

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

High-level isolation units (HLIUs) are facilities strategically outfitted to receive patients with suspected or confirmed high-consequence infectious diseases (HCIDs). Although most HCID outbreaks occur in low- and middle-income countries, global travel and migration and the deployment of healthcare workers to global outbreaks have led to the occurrence of HCIDs in high-income countries that requires the activation of an HLIU. Despite the existence of HLIUs worldwide, there has been little collaboration between units at the international level. This study reviews the results of a descriptive survey of global HLIUs conducted between December 2022 and February 2023. The purpose of the survey was to identify traits and attributes of global HLIU peers to determine commonalities and differences among the units, identify priorities for increased networking, and inform future activities among global partners. Findings from this survey demonstrate the array of similarities and differences among HLIUs across the globe, indicate potential areas of further investigation, and identify areas in which alignment could be improved and global standards could be created.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)422-428
Number of pages7
JournalHealth Security
Volume22
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1 2024

Keywords

  • High-consequence infectious disease
  • Hospital preparedness/response
  • Infectious diseases
  • International coordination
  • Public health preparedness/response
  • Special pathogens

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health(social science)
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Safety Research
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law
  • Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

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