Steps of an Outbreak Investigation

Question 1

Steps of an Systematic outbreak Investigation

Answer 1

1. Preparation
2. Descriptive Epidemiolgy
3. Analysis
4. Implementation of Measures

Question 2

Preparation Steps

Answer 2

• prepare for field work
• establish the existence of an outbreak
• verify the diagnosis

Question 3

Descriptive Epidemiology steps

Answer 3

4. construct a working case definition
5. find cases systematically and record them
6. Perform descriptive epidemiolgy
7. develop a hypothesis

Question 4

Analysis Steps

Answer 4

8. Evaluate hpothesis Epidemiologically
9. Reconsider Refine and Re-evaluate Hypothesis
10. Comapre and Reconcile with Laboratory and/or Environmental Studies

Question 5

Implementation of Measures

Answer 5

11. Implement Control and Prevention Measures
12. Initiate or Maintain surveillance
13. Communicate Findings

Question 6

2 types of Field Work

Answer 6

A. Scientific and Investigatice issues
B. Management and Operationsl

but you need both

Question 7

Scientific and Investigative Issues

Answer 7

• learn about the disease at hand
• know what you need to do the job, and how to protect yourself
• plan the action and objectives

Question 8

The Team in Management and Operational Issues

Answer 8

WHho will do what? Who are your local contacts? The team should know their expected roles and responsibility in the field.

Question 9

Management and Operational Issues

Answer 9

1. The team
2. Who to Involve
3. Communication
4. Operational/logistical details

Question 10

Who to involve in Management and Operational Issues

Answer 10

the number of involved agencies and depending to their speciality

Question 11

Communications in Management and Operational Issues

Answer 11

communication quickly and effectively with elected officials and the public.

Question 12

Operational/Logistical Details in Management and Operational Issues

Answer 12

Arrange to bring the apropriate supplies, and managing travel, lodgings etc.

Question 13

Outbreak

Answer 13

the occurrence of more cases of disease than expected in a given area or a specific group of people over a particular period of time

Question 14

Cluster

Answer 14

a group of cases in a given area over a particular period without regard to whether the number of cases is more than expected

Question 15

Establish the Existence of an Outbreak

Answer 15

verify that a cluster in indeed an outbreak

• ## can exceed expected numbers, may not necessarily indicate an outbreak

Question 16

Verify the Diagnosis

Answer 16

needed to rule out lab errors

Steps:
1. review clinical findings and laboratory results
2. talk with patients
3. summarize are clinical features equal to diagnosis

Question 17

Case Definition

Answer 17

a standard set of criteria for deciding whether an individual should be classified as hacing the health condition of interest

includes criteria, restrictions by time, place and person in outbreak investigation

DOES NOT INCLUDE THE EXPOSURE OR RISK FACTOR BEING EVALUATED

Question 18

confirmed case

Answer 18

laboratory verification

Question 19

probable case

Answer 19

has typical clinical features of the disease without lab confirmation

Question 20

possible case

Answer 20

has fewer of the typical clinical features

Question 21

Find Cases Systematically and Record Info

Answer 21

first- healthcare practitioners and facilities

info about each case:
- Indentifying information
- demographic info
- clinical information
- risk fator (tailored to disease being investigated)
- reporter information

Question 22

Passive Surveillance

Answer 22

sending a letter describing the situation and asling for reports of similar cases, no active search

Question 23

active surveillance

Answer 23

telephoning or visitng the facilities to collect information ony any additional cases. Usually more sensitive and much more detailed

Question 24

Perform Descriptive Epidemiology

Answer 24

helps become familiar with data, enbling to indetify and correct errors and missing values
a lot of summarizing what is known

Question 25

Develop Hypotheses

Answer 25

can address, the srouce of the agent, the mode (and vehicle or vector) of transmission, and the exposures that caused the disease

should be testable

Question 26

Evaluate Hypothesis Epidemiologically is done in one of two ways…

Answer 26

• compare to the established facts
• using analytic epidemiology to quantify relationships and assess the role of change

Question 27

Communicate findings are usually done in one of 2 ways.

Answer 27

oral breifing to local autorities and a written report