Ebola Virus Disease Case Definition Lacks Sensitivity and Specificity

Among patients admitted to an Ebola holding unit in Liberia, the WHO case definition had a sensitivity of 79.7% and specificity of 31.5% for EVD.

Because of insufficient bed capacity, patients with suspected Ebola virus disease (EVD) during the recent outbreak were observed in holding units pending test results. In a retrospective cohort study, investigators analyzed the presenting clinical characteristics of such patients at Connaught Hospital in Sierra Leone between May and December 2014. Of the 850 individuals admitted during the study period, 724 had Ebola virus polymerase chain reaction results and were included in the analysis.

Laboratory results, available after a median of 2 days, confirmed EVD in 464 (64%) of the 724 patients. An EVD risk factor (e.g., contact with an ill person) was identified in 22% of case-patients and 15% of non–case-patients. EVD probability was signific…

Reviewing Author

Mary E. Wilson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardOneHealthTrust (formerly Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy); Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsJournal of Travel Medicine

Mary E. Wilson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardOneHealthTrust (formerly Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy); Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsJournal of Travel Medicine

Ebola Virus Disease Case Definition Lacks Sensitivity and Specificity

Topics

Reviewing Author