Investigating outbreaks

Investigating Fungal Outbreaks in the 21st Century

Public attention has been drawn to recent high-profile outbreaks of mycotic diseases, such as those of fungal meningitis and other infections linked to contaminated steroids [1] and an outbreak of necrotizing cutaneous mucormycosis linked to a tornado [2]. However, fungal outbreaks are more common than most people appreciate, and reports of outbreaks caused by unusual fungal pathogens are incre...

Investigating Outbreaks of Respiratory Disease in Older Foals

Respiratory disease outbreaks in foals between 1 and 9 months of age are a common problem on breeding farms. A systematic approach to identification of primary and secondary respiratory outbreak pathogens and correcting predisposing management and environmental problems can limit economic losses and decrease morbidity and mortality on most farms. Author’s address: Department of Veterinary Clini...

Challenges of Investigating Community Outbreaks of Cyclosporiasis, British Columbia, Canada

Investigations of community outbreaks of cyclosporiasis are challenged by case-patients' poor recall of exposure resulting from lags in detection and the stealthy nature of food vehicles. We combined multiple techniques, including early consultation with food regulators, traceback of suspected items, and grocery store loyalty card records, to identify a single vehicle for a cyclosporiasis outbr...

Guidance on investigating cases, clusters and outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease

Investigating disease outbreaks under a protocol to the biological and toxin weapons convention.

The Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention prohibits the development, production, and stockpiling of biological weapons agents or delivery devices for anything other than peaceful purposes. A protocol currently in the final stages of negotiation adds verification measures to the convention. One of these measures will be international investigation of disease outbreaks that suggest a violation ...