Goals of the Phase 3 surveillance strategy
The goals of EVD surveillance during Phase 3 (as in earlier phases of the Ebola epidemic) are to promptly
detect new, suspected EVD cases and deaths so as to trigger an appropriate response, including rapid
diagnosis, case isolation and management, contact tracing and safe burial, and the identification of
transmission chains.
The activities carried out to achieve both objectives cover four distinct periods in each country. Periods A-C
covers Phase 3. In period D the approach to surveillance is essentially given by IDSR.
A. From October 2015 until the last known opportunity for transmission (following discharge of the last
patient from an Ebola treatment centre, or after burial of the last Ebola death), and for 42 days (end
of the outbreak) (Objective 1)
B. After the end of the outbreak, a further 90-day period of heightened surveillance (Objective 2)
C. From 90 days up to one year (Objective 2)
D. After one year (after Phase 3)
General considerations