Summary of key lessons for future emerging infections.
| Public health lessons: > Behavioural and political factors contribute to outbreak spread and should be central to the outbreak response. > Assessment of the epidemiology of transmission, including R0 and route of transmission, should inform the magnitude of the response to emerging infections. |
| Clinical lessons: > Screening for suspected cases requires a systematic approach and a high index of suspicion. Presentation may not be typical, but case identification is key to effective outbreak control. Reliable rapid tests would have helped early interventions. > Healthcare work-associated risks should be addressed to reduce healthcare worker morbidity and nosocomial transmission > Implementation of supportive management strategies may reduce mortality. Evaluation of such strategies is required to inform an evidence-based approach |