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“An outbreak may be defined as the occurrence of infections at a rate greater than that expected within a specific geographical area and over a defined period of time.“
Department of Health and Ageing, Infection Control Guidelines for the prevention of transmission of infectious diseases in the health care setting, 2004.
It is recommended that health care facilities have a clearly documented procedure for detecting and managing outbreaks. If an outbreak is suspected there are steps to follow that can assist with identification and control of the outbreak.
Further information on outbreak investigations is available from the National Infection Control Guidelines. |
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- refer Outbreak investigation - refer Part 3 - Chapter 21
There are 10 basic steps to handle an outbreak in a hospital setting listed below.
(adapted from Michael Gregg, Field Epidemiology, 2nd Edition, 2002).
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Establish that an outbreak is occurring.
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Confirm the clinical diagnosis using standard laboratory techniques.
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Specify your case definition, and count cases accordingly.
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Characterise the details of the cases in terms of time, person, and place.
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Consider who else might be at risk of becoming ill.
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Explain how you think the specific exposure may have caused disease and test your hypothesis by applying appropriate statistical techniques.
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Consider your hypothesis against the established facts of the investigation.
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Consider further studies to answer particular questions riased by the investigation.
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Document the investigation, its findings and its recommendations.
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Implement control and prevention measures.
If you require a more detailed outline of these steps they are available via the link below.
The 10 Steps To Outbreak Investigation (pdf - 73 kb)
Specific advice regarding outbreaks of infection within a health care facility can be obtained from the Infection Control Service. Email to ics@health.sa.gov.au.
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