Public Health

Question 1

Steps to take in an outbreak

Answer 1

Outbreak investigation team
(Consultant in communicable diseases or health protection), consultant microbiologist/virologist, environmental health officer)
Consider media press officer, infection control nurse, director of public health)
1. Confirm the outbreak( review results, interview, further ix needed?)
2. Verify diagnosis
3. Case definition who/what/where/who at risk?
4. Descriptive epidemiology - line list of specific characteristic of individuals
5. Generate hypothesis as to cause
6. Control measures - prophylaxis, rx source
7. Evaluate control measures
8. Enhanced surveillance through lab and hcp
9. Communication - agree media strategy
10. Publish outbreak report
Consider international outbreak - global public health intelligence network