Steps of an outbreak investigation
Epidemiology in the Classroom » How to Investigate an Outbreak
Steps of an Outbreak Investigation
On this Page
Step 1: Prepare for Field Work
Step 2: Establish the Existence of an Outbreak
Step 3: Verify the Diagnosis
Step 4: Define and Identify Cases
Step 5: Describe and Orient the Data
Step 6: Develop Hypotheses
Step 7: Evaluate Hypotheses
Step 8: Refine Hypotheses
Step 9: Implement Control and Prevention Measures
Step 10: Communicate Findings
In investigating an outbreak, speed is essential, but getting the right answer is essential, too. To satisfy both requirements, epidemiologists approach investigations systematically, using the following 10 steps:
Prepare for field work Establish the existence of an outbreak Verify the diagnosis Define and identify cases Describe and orient the data in terms of time, place, and person Develop hypotheses Evaluate hypotheses Refine hypotheses and carry out additional studies Implement control and prevention measures Communicate findings
The steps are presented here in conceptual order. In practice, however, several may be done at the same time, or they may be done in a different order. For example, control measures should be implemented as soon as the source and mode of transmission are known, which may be early or late in any particular outbreak investigation.
Step 1: Prepare for Field Work
Before leaving for the field, you should:
Research the disease and gather the supplies and equipment you will need Make necessary administrative and personal arrangements for such things as travel, and Consult with all parties to determine your role in the investigation and who your local contacts will be once you arrive on the scene.
Back to Top Step 2: Establish the Existence of an Outbreak
One of your first tasks as a field investigator, or disease detective, is to verify that a suspected outbreak is indeed a real outbreak.
Steps of an Outbreak Investigation
On this Page
Step 1: Prepare for Field Work
Step 2: Establish the Existence of an Outbreak
Step 3: Verify the Diagnosis
Step 4: Define and Identify Cases
Step 5: Describe and Orient the Data
Step 6: Develop Hypotheses
Step 7: Evaluate Hypotheses
Step 8: Refine Hypotheses
Step 9: Implement Control and Prevention Measures
Step 10: Communicate Findings
In investigating an outbreak, speed is essential, but getting the right answer is essential, too. To satisfy both requirements, epidemiologists approach investigations systematically, using the following 10 steps:
Prepare for field work Establish the existence of an outbreak Verify the diagnosis Define and identify cases Describe and orient the data in terms of time, place, and person Develop hypotheses Evaluate hypotheses Refine hypotheses and carry out additional studies Implement control and prevention measures Communicate findings
The steps are presented here in conceptual order. In practice, however, several may be done at the same time, or they may be done in a different order. For example, control measures should be implemented as soon as the source and mode of transmission are known, which may be early or late in any particular outbreak investigation.
Step 1: Prepare for Field Work
Before leaving for the field, you should:
Research the disease and gather the supplies and equipment you will need Make necessary administrative and personal arrangements for such things as travel, and Consult with all parties to determine your role in the investigation and who your local contacts will be once you arrive on the scene.
Back to Top Step 2: Establish the Existence of an Outbreak
One of your first tasks as a field investigator, or disease detective, is to verify that a suspected outbreak is indeed a real outbreak.