Use this checklist when there is a high possibility of managing a VHF case.
| Check | Action |
|---|---|
| ☐ | Isolate the patient immediately in a single room with door closed. If possible, use negative pressure ventilation room |
| ☐ | Use Level 1 or Level 2 PPE precautions (see Personal protective equipment) |
| ☐ | Restrict entry to the room to necessary staff only |
| ☐ | In non-designated health services where minimal PPE/isolation facilities are available (for example, primary care), minimise the patient’s movement in health services and isolate them with the door shut. Use the maximum level of PPE available |
| ☐ | Keep the patient informed of what is happening |
| ☐ | Notify LPHU immediately – 1300 651 160 (24/7). A liaison person will be identified |
| ☐ | Notify:
|
| ☐ | Avoid diagnostic sampling (throat swab, aerosol-generating procedure or venipuncture), unless necessary or advised by the department |
| ☐ | Keep aside any pathology samples that have been taken as per the laboratory (see Laboratory) DO NOT send them to the laboratory without discussion with the department. |
| ☐ | Collect sample in discussion with the department and in accordance with Appendix 4: Specimen collection and transport for suspected VHF |
| ☐ | Transfer to a designated hospital (RMH/RCH) after discussion with the department. The department will liaise with the designated hospital and Ambulance Victoria to arrange urgent transfer |
| ☐ | Compile a list of patients and staff (with contact details) who engaged with the patient or were in the immediate vicinity of the patient. Further contact tracing will be advised by the department |
| ☐ | Environmental cleaning, disinfection and waste management are to be managed as detailed in Environmental cleaning and in discussion with the department. |
Downloads
Victorian guideline on VHF - checklist of high possibility of VHF
Reviewed 26 February 2026