Protocol for the investigation of acute respiratory illness outbreaks of unknown etiology
The burden of respiratory disease on global health is considered to be significant and resulting in millions of deaths annually. Additionally, acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are the leading cause of death for children under the age of five in developing countries. Respiratory disease can be caused by a number of infectious agents including bacteria viruses and potentially agents of unknown etiology.
As per International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) requirements, Member States are required to build core capacities in a number of areas including surveillance, laboratory and response so that action can be rapidly initiated if a disease of known or unknown etiology results in a public event of international concern, for example an influenza pandemic.
The purpose of this document is to provide Member States with a comprehensive guide for instances when investigation of a respiratory disease outbreak where the etiology is unknown is warranted. In line with the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) and the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005), this document outlines methods of detecting outbreaks of respiratory disease including community-based surveillance (CBS), and the critical components of and steps for the investigation of an outbreak of acute respiratory illness. Topics including; establishment of rapid response teams, communication requirements and plans, laboratory and epidemiological investigations, control measures and reporting requirements are described and facilitate the use of this document as a field resource.
The application of the information in this document will contribute in minimizing morbidity and mortality associated with acute respiratory disease outbreaks.
