Outbreak

Question 1

Describe outbreak

Answer 1

• An incidence affecting two or more people with a suspected common exposure and experience similar illness or proven infection
• Can also be a increased rate of illness which is unexpected, occurring from cross-infection or person to person

Question 2

8 steps in management of outbreak

Answer 2

1. Determine outbreak exists – Ensure definition of outbreak is met
2. Confirm diagnosis – Eyewitness confirmation by doctors or lab confirmation of atleast some cases
3. Define and count cases – Create a case definition to determine who is a confirmed case and probable case
4. Orientate data in time, place and person:
5. Determine population at risk – Helps you identify the size of the problem and to institute effective control measures
6. Develop/test hypothesis – Consider clinical and laboratory evidence to come up with a hypothesis and then test it via a case control study or retrospective cohort study
7. Initiate control and prevent measures – Carry out prevention and control measures to prevent any further incidences
8. Prepare a written report – Interim reports provide info that can influence action and can ensure those at risk are made aware so they can get help

Question 3

Ways to orientate data

Answer 3

a) Orientate data in time – Allows you to produce a histogram of all the causes when they occurred, telling you that it can be (I) Point source, (II) person to person spread, or (III) continuing source
b) Orientate data in place – Look at geographical distribution which might provide evidence of disease source and mode of spread
c) Orientate data in person – Look at the characteristics of the cases - age, sex etc