So where does case investigation fit into the bigger picture of outbreak response?
- Generally, health professionals notify the local Public Health Unit (PHU) of suspected cases based on clinical findings, or health professionals and medical laboratories notify of cases based on test results.
- At this point you, in your role as case investigator, are called in to investigate suspected cases by interviewing them.
- Once interviews are completed the information goes electronically via the EpiSurv system to the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR).
- ESR collates and analyses the information and shares the results with the Ministry of Health, Public Health Units and with others to inform public health action and policies.
