Disease outbreak toolboxes

1. Learn basic knowledge about the suspected disease.

Follow the links to key reference documents:

• Disease fact sheets: study the topic in a concise manner;
• Disease information page: reach the WHO public webpage that includes links to technical documents, reports, guidelines, WHO position papers, press releases and updated news; 
• WHO outbreak response guidelines (if available): an overview of WHO recommendations for the control of the outbreak. 

2. Develop the case definition: 

Find here the most updated case definitions validated by the WHO expert groups. 

• Adapt the case definition: include persons, time and place boundaries.
  Example of case definition: “Any patient with symptoms as listed, and aged between 0 and 15 years old, and with a date of onset of first symptoms after 30/09/2019 and resident in the district of Lingula”;
• Adapt the medical signs to fit with the local capacities: e.g. If it is not possible to do an X-ray in a remote setting, this does not need to be included in the case definition.  

3. Organise the data collection with tools:  

• Download the case reporting form(s) when available;
• Copy the list of variables to construct your line list or download the excel line list proposed
• Learn if the disease-specific software dedicated to case-based data collection is available and where to find it.  

4. Confirm the outbreak with laboratory confirmation: 

Follow the links and read updated guidance for specimen collection, storage conditions, shipment procedures and laboratory testing contained in the respective disease technical documents.  

5. Learn about responses tools & resources 

to support national and sub-national authorities to manage the response to the outbreak.

6. Watch online training: 

Acquire the latest specific knowledge for you and your team when available. 

7. Find other resources: 

Further documents addressing specific issues of the response. 

Hepatitis A Outbreak Toolbox