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Epi Hub

WHO/CDC standard tools for epidemiological analysis & surveillance

Outbreak Investigation

CDC 10-step protocol - guided workflow with linked analysis tools

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Step 1: Prepare for Field Work

Assemble team, gather supplies, review background information, ensure laboratory capacity.

Key Actions

  • 1Form investigation team (epidemiologist, laboratorian, environmental specialist)
  • 2Review disease background, case definitions, and previous outbreaks
  • 3Prepare data collection instruments and specimen kits
  • 4Coordinate with local health authorities

Begin contacting the reporting source and relevant stakeholders immediately.

Step 2: Establish the Existence of an Outbreak

Compare observed vs expected cases. Verify diagnosis. Rule out artefacts.

Step 3: Verify the Diagnosis

Confirm cases through clinical and laboratory criteria.

Step 4: Construct a Working Case Definition

Define confirmed, probable, and suspected case categories.

Step 5: Find Cases Systematically - Active Surveillance

Identify all possible cases using multiple sources.

Step 6: Perform Descriptive Epidemiology

Characterize the outbreak by time, place, and person.

Step 7: Develop Hypotheses

Generate hypotheses about source, mode of transmission, and exposures.

Step 8: Evaluate Hypotheses - Analytical Study

Test hypotheses using case-control, cohort, or cross-sectional studies.

Step 9: Refine Hypotheses & Perform Additional Studies

If initial analysis is inconclusive, refine and repeat.

Step 10: Implement Control Measures & Communicate Findings

Put actions in place to stop current outbreak and prevent future ones.

Recommendations

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Info

Early phase of investigation. Focus on confirming the outbreak and establishing case definitions.