- Prepare for field work
- Establish the existence of an outbreak
- Verify the diagnosis
- Construct a working case definition
- Find cases systematically and record information
- Perform descriptive epidemiology
- Develop hypotheses
- Evaluate hypotheses epidemiologically
- As necessary, reconsider, refine, and re-evaluate hypotheses
- Compare and reconcile with laboratory and/or environmental studies
- Implement control and prevention measures
- Initiate or maintain surveillance
- Communicate findings
Further Reading
- Lesson 6: Investigating an Outbreak, in Principles of Epidemiology in Public Health Practice, Third Edition.