High Consequence Infectious Disease Surge
Overview
Over the last twenty years the world has faced many high consequence infectious disease (HCID) outbreaks that have traveled from country to country. Recent outbreaks such as Marburg virus disease in Tanzania (2023), Ebola virus disease in Uganda (2022), Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS) in Saudi Arabia (2018) and Nipah Virus in India (2026) serve as a reminder that there are many HCIDs circulating at any given time. These outbreaks generate substantial public health, security, and economic consequences.
Although HCIDs are uncommon in our state, they remain a threat to the health of Minnesotans. Planning for these HCID is very important.
Definition
While there is no standardized list of high consequence infectious diseases (HCIDs) or special pathogens, expert consensus defines these as infectious agents that may be novel or re-emerging, easily transmitted from from person-to-person, may have limited or no medical countermeasures (such as an effective vaccine, prophylaxis, or treatment), have a high mortality in otherwise healthy people, require prompt identification and implementation of infection control activities (for example, isolation, special personal protective equipment), and require rapid notification to public health authorities.
Adapted from High-consequence Infectious Diseases or Special Pathogens - Understanding The Requirements (NPG.15.02.01) | Joint Commission.
