Laboratory Biosafety for Testing of Ebola Virus Disease in Taiwan

Abstract

Since the first case of Ebola virus disease (EVD) was found in Guinea in West Africa in December 2013, it spread rapidly to neighboring countries in Africa. Until July 2014, it extended more severe. The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) has been concerning for international Ebola outbreak and prepared for responding to the cross-border suspected case. In September 2014, Taiwan CDC announced the ＂Guidance on laboratory biosafety for handling specimens from patients under investigation for Ebola virus disease (EVD) and pathogens＂ and required the Health department in each county to inspect preparedness status of the laboratory department in the hospitals and to report the preparation results by October 2014. Unfortunately, a nurse from Spain and two from U.S. were infected with Ebola virus when caring for patients in October 2014. The incidence has prompted many countries to review and modify the personnel protection measures when managing EVD patients. Taiwan CDC also accorded the latest international guidelines to revise the guidance for laboratory biosafety, and required laboratories and hospitals that are authorized to test of EVD infection by law to practice drill exercises in case of infection incidents or accidents in laboratory. Taiwan CDC has now prepared well in laboratory biosafety to respond to the international Ebola outbreak. Ensure that laboratory personnel and healthcare workers are well protected to provide strong support when testing of infectious diseases.