How an Outbreak is Investigated

It is worth summarizing and elaborating briefly on the steps (or activities) of outbreak investigation (Exhibit 1-1). Although the steps may not always occur in exactly this order, this is the general pattern of events. It is not unusual for more than one step to be occurring at the same time. Not all lists of outbreak investigation steps are identical, as some steps may be combined into one overarching step or may not be listed as a step but included in a discussion of outbreak methods. It is important to recognize that a list of outbreak investigation steps is less of a recipe to be followed precisely than it is guidance. Also, as the investigation progresses, knowing where one is at within the outbreak investigation steps can make it easier to stay organized and plan ahead for what may need to occur next. (The reader is also encouraged to examine other good reviews of outbreak investigation referenced at the end of this chapter.)1–3