Outbreak investigations--a perspective

Emerg Infect Dis. 1998 Jan-Mar;4(1):21-7. doi: 10.3201/eid0401.980104.

Abstract

Outbreak investigations, an important and challenging component of epidemiology and public health, can help identify the source of ongoing outbreaks and prevent additional cases. Even when an outbreak is over, a thorough epidemiologic and environmental investigation often can increase our knowledge of a given disease and prevent future outbreaks. Finally, outbreak investigations provide epidemiologic training and foster cooperation between the clinical and public health communities.

MeSH terms

  • Communicable Disease Control
  • Communicable Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Communicable Diseases / etiology
  • Disease Outbreaks*
  • Epidemiologic Methods
  • Humans
  • Models, Theoretical