Infection Control · single question
A father brings his son (who has fever and a rash after recent international travel) to the dental office. What should you do?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Call the department of infectious disease
✓ C) Call the department of infectious disease (public health) is correct.
A child with fever + rash + recent international travel raises concern for an exotic/notifiable infectious disease (measles, dengue, viral hemorrhagic fever, etc.). The correct protocol: (1) move the patient to an isolated area; (2) contact the local health department or infectious disease department for guidance; (3) do not perform dental treatment. Some sources say isolate both — the best answer for boards is to notify infectious disease authorities, as this may be a reportable public health emergency requiring expert guidance beyond what a dental office can manage.
A child with fever + rash + recent international travel raises concern for an exotic/notifiable infectious disease (measles, dengue, viral hemorrhagic fever, etc.). The correct protocol: (1) move the patient to an isolated area; (2) contact the local health department or infectious disease department for guidance; (3) do not perform dental treatment. Some sources say isolate both — the best answer for boards is to notify infectious disease authorities, as this may be a reportable public health emergency requiring expert guidance beyond what a dental office can manage.
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