Outbreak investigations typically follow a series of steps: 1. Confirm the Outbreak: Verify the diagnosis and confirm that the number of cases exceeds the expected baseline. 2. Define and Identify Cases: Establish a case definition and identify affected individuals through interviews and medical records. 3. Describe and Orient the Data: Characterize the outbreak by time, place, and person to identify patterns. 4. Develop Hypotheses: Generate possible explanations for the outbreak based on initial findings. 5. Test Hypotheses: Conduct analytical studies to evaluate the hypotheses. 6. Implement Control Measures: Take steps to control and prevent further spread of the disease. 7. Communicate Findings: Share results with stakeholders and the public.
