Unexplained Respiratory disease outbreaks are a common public health problem and investigating them can be a challenge. Determining which pathogen is the cause (etiology) of an outbreak is critical to implementing appropriate control measures. However, it can be difficult to determine which pathogen is causing respiratory disease outbreaks as many pathogens could be the cause. Diagnostic testing can also be complicated as sometimes the appropriate diagnostic test may not be available locally or can be difficult to interpret.
Prevent Disease Transmission
The following measures to contain respiratory secretions are recommended for all individuals with signs and symptoms of a respiratory infection.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing;
- Use in the nearest waste receptacle to dispose of the tissue after use;
- Perform hand hygiene (e.g., hand washing with non-antimicrobial soap and water, alcohol-based hand rub, or antiseptic handwash) after having contact with respiratory secretions and contaminated objects/materials.
Supportive Links:
“Unexplained Respiratory Disease Outbreak working group activities-worldwide, March 2007-September 2011.” MMWR. Morbidity and mortality weekly report 61.26 (2012): 480.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22763885/
“Clusters of acute respiratory illness associated with human enterovirus 68–Asia, Europe, and United States, 2008-2010.” MMWR. Morbidity and mortality weekly report 60.38 (2011): 1301.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21956405/
“A novel hantavirus associated with an outbreak of fatal respiratory disease in the southwestern United States: evolutionary relationships to known hantaviruses.” Journal of Virology 68.2 (1994): 592-596.
Note: “Western Pharmaceutical” is defined as a system in which medical doctors and other healthcare professionals (such as nurses, pharmacists, and therapists) treat symptoms and diseases using drugs, radiation, or surgery. Quote from National Cancer Institute: http://www.cancer.gov
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