Outbreak Verification: A New Approach to Global Disease Surveillance
Author Information
Author(s): Thomas W. Grein, Kande-Bure O. Kamara, Guenael Rodier, Aileen J. Plant, Patrick Bovier, Michael J. Ryan, Takaaki Ohyama, David L. Heymann
Primary Institution: World Health Organization
Hypothesis
How can outbreak verification improve epidemic disease control?
Conclusion
Outbreak verification provides timely and accurate information about important disease outbreaks, enhancing epidemic preparedness and response.
Supporting Evidence
- 246 outbreak reports of potential importance were identified and disseminated from July 1, 1997, to July 1, 1999.
- 71% of initial reports were retrieved from informal or unofficial sources.
- The median time between reported onset of an outbreak and the verification team's receipt of the first report was 18 days.
- Timely dissemination of outbreak information is crucial for effective epidemic response.
- 72% of Outbreak Verification List recipients found the list very useful or indispensable.
Takeaway
This study shows that checking and confirming disease outbreak reports helps keep people safe and informed about health risks.
Methodology
The study describes the processes of outbreak verification and information dissemination by the WHO.
Potential Biases
Information bias may arise from uneven access to technology and language representation in media.
Limitations
The selection process for outbreak reports may lack transparency and is subject to information bias due to reliance on media sources.
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