During an evolving public health emergency, a simple algorithm for initial patient identification and management is essential for providers on the front lines. This article recommends a 3-pronged system of Identify, Isolate, Inform to describe the actions necessary in the first few minutes of encountering a potential Ebola patient. Application of the "vital sign zero" triage concept of early recognition of potential threats coupled with this novel algorithm will optimize protection of health care workers and the public health while concurrently providing a safe method for individual patient care.

Copyright © 2015 by the article author(s). Measles (rubeola) is a highly contagious airborne disease that was declared eliminated in the U.S.in the year 2000. Only sporadic U.S. cases and minor outbreaks occurred until the larger outbreakbeginning in 2014 that has become a public health emergency. The "Identify-Isolate- Inform" toolwill assist emergency physicians to be better prepared to detect and manage measles patientspresenting to the emergency department. Measles typically presents with a prodrome of high fever,and cough/coryza/conjunctivitis, sometimes accompanied by the pathognomonic Koplik spots.Two to four days later, an erythematous maculopapular rash begins on the face and spreads downthe body. Suspect patients must be immediately isolated with airborne precautions while awaitinglaboratory confirmation of disease. Emergency physicians must rapidly inform the local public healthdepartment and hospital infection control personnel of suspected measles cases.