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There are several sources of information you can use to help identify outbreaks. Surveillance systems routinely track and store data on the number of illnesses in a defined region. Increases in illnesses can be detected by comparing current data to historical data in the system, which acts as a baseline.

For multistate outbreaks, investigators review DNA fingerprint information on cases reported through PulseNet. State and local officials may also look at other information to find cases that may be part of the outbreak and work to get DNA fingerprinting information, including: Reviewing regular surveillance reports.

Identify investigation team and resources. Establish existence of an outbreak. Verify the diagnosis. Construct case definition. Find cases systematically and develop line listing. Perform descriptive epidemiology/develop hypotheses. Evaluate hypotheses/perform additional studies as necessary. Implement control measures.

Propagated (progressive source) epidemic. This outbreak of measles begins with a single index case that infects a number of other individuals. (The incubation period for measles averages 10 days with a range of 7-18 days.)

The outbreak investigation and management includes several steps, among them most important are the establishment of the case definition and case-finding techniques, collection of data, and description of cases in terms of time, place, and affected person.

To determine if there is an outbreak, the current number of new cases (incidence) can be compared with past levels of the same disease over a similar time period (base line level). If the number is unusually large or unexpected for the given place and time, an outbreak may be occurring.