Ten Steps to Investigating an Outbreak

Question 1

What is the first step?

Answer 1

Prepare for Field Work

Question 2

What is the second step?

Answer 2

Establish the Existence of an Outbreak - Consider Severity, Potential for Spread, Public Concern, and Availability of Resources, and

Question 3

What is the third step?

Answer 3

Verify the Diagnosis

Question 4

What is the fourth step?

Answer 4

Define and Identify Cases - Case Definition and Line Listing

Question 5

What is the fifth step?

Answer 5

Describe and Orient the Data in Terms of Person, Place, and Time - Descriptive Epidemiology

Question 6

What is the sixth step?

Answer 6

Develop Hypotheses (Agent/Host/Environment Triad) = Chain of Transmission

Question 7

What is the seventh step?

Answer 7

Evaluate Hypotheses - Analytical Studies (MUST Have a Control Group)

Question 8

What is the eighth step?

Answer 8

Refine Hypotheses and Carry Out Additional Studies

Question 9

What is the ninth step?

Answer 9

Implement Control and Prevention Measures

Question 10

What is the tenth step?

Answer 10

Communicate Findings