Epi Response

Disease Reporting

  • The health department depends on the report certain disease conditions and all suspected outbreaks from its health care partners.
  • Physicians, hospitals, laboratory, and other organizations are required by law to send reports to the health department when they suspect or diagnose a reportable disease condition.
  • Epidemiologists and public health nurses work together to assess and investigate each disease report and suspected outbreak.
  • The health department works collaboratively with a number of partners to accomplish its assessment, testing, infection control, and monitoring of these situations.

Assessing the situation

  • Medical information is often collected to verify the situation, determine possible causes, and make preliminary recommendations.
  • A case definition or standard set of criteria is determined in order to evaluate cases under investigation.
  • Clusters of illness are assessed to determine if an outbreak is occurring.
    • Line lists are used to identify persons with similar symptoms, dates of onset, transmission within the facility, etc.
  • We identify and track new cases, individuals who have been exposed, and those at risk for severe illness.

Identifying the cause

  • Lab testing may be performed to identify the causative organism.
  • The state lab works closely with the local health departments to assist with specimen testing.
  • There are factors that may influence whether or not testing is recommended
    • Is there a public health surveillance need?
    • Has there been recent testing of situations with similar illness?
    • Are affected persons available or willing to submit specimens?
    • Will lab results change treatment or infection control recommendations?
  • Testing for outbreaks must be coordinated through the local health department.

Providing recommendations

  • Recommendations will be made based on the suspected or identified organism.
  • Information will be shared regarding signs/symptoms, contagious period, treatment for cases, prophylaxis for contacts, reporting procedures, testing requirements, and other public health actions.

Monitoring the situation

  • Follow up will be done to see if additional cases have occurred.
  • The health department will assess infection prevention and control measures and determine if changes are needed.
  • Gaps in receiving, developing, and disseminating information will be identified and addressed until the situation is resolved.

Additional Resources

Healthcare Resources

Fit Testing

Infection Prevention

Specimen Collection

School Health Resources

 

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