Outbreak Reporting

Page 11

The CDC defines an outbreak as “an occurrence of cases of disease that is more than expected, or cases clustered by time, space, or common behaviors.” In the event of an outbreak in your center or program, you have specific responsibilities that may change depending upon your state. 

​While each state has different reporting and notifying requirements, you will likely contact a state or local health department or infectious disease control agency.

Some of the standard responsibilities include:

• Notifying outbreaks or suspected outbreaks of a disease to local health jurisdictions in which the patient(s) reside.
• Other reporting of outbreaks or suspected outbreaks may also be required to licensing agencies, etc.​​

The purpose of reporting outbreaks or suspected outbreaks:

• To identify sources of transmission.
• To prevent further transmission.
• To assure treatment of infected individuals.
• To document diseases.

How to Report an Outbreak

Most communicable diseases that warrant reporting are reported to the local health department or jurisdiction. For some diseases such as Tuberculosis, cases are often reported to the State Infectious Disease office. While each state has different reporting and notifying requirements, you will likely contact a state or local health department or infectious disease control agency. If you are unsure of the requirements in your state, you should contact your licensor or licensing agency for specifics in outbreak reporting.

Optional Resources for Further Study

• National Outbreak Reporting System (NORS) by The CDC
  
• List of Notifiable Conditions and appropriate reporting agencies for Washington State, Washington State Department of Health
• Office of Infectious Diseases (OID),  CDC, HHS.gov U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
• National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
• National Foundation for Infectious Diseases

Course Navigation Menu

1. Course Agenda
2. Why is Vaccination Important?
3. Discussion: Vaccine Importance (1/5)
4. Vaccine Myths
5. Vaccine Myths (2/5)

6. Vaccine Preventable Diseases
7. Vaccine Tracking
8. Vaccine Tracking (3/5)
9. Unvaccinated Children
10. Immunization Status (4/5)

11. Outbreak Reporting
12. Seasonal Flu Vaccine
13. End of Course Quiz (5/5)
14. Course Evaluation Form​ 
​Parking Lot