Outbreak Toolkit

Outbreak Toolkit

Providing the tools to investigate disease outbreaks, collect data and guide response activities

WHO / Lindsay Mackenzie
© Credits

Generic tools for outbreak investigation

Initial generic case investigation form using EpiCore variables (T0)

To help field investigators to rapidly understand the outbreak and propose initial control measures.

Case investigation form for outbreaks of unknown cause (T1)

To collect detailed information on any situation involving an outbreak of (initially) unknown origin.

One Health outbreak investigation resources

To conduct outbreak investigations with a One Health approach., notably for zoonotic disease outbreaks.

If you suspect a specific exposure route or the clinical syndrome has been identified, the following forms could be useful



Exposure case investigation form: food and water

When to use this: To collect detailed information regarding potential exposure to food and waterborne pathogens in individuals showing symptoms consistent with a food/water suspected outbreak.

Questionnaire 1. Generating a hypothesis

Questionnaire 2. Testing hypothesis

Exposure case investigation form: respiratory symptoms

When to use this: To document information related to exposure history for individuals presenting with symptoms of respiratory infections.

Acute respiratory syndrome:  Generic respiratory disease case investigation form.

Formulaire d’investigation des flambées  épidémiques Annex 6D. Fiche d'investigation de cas.


Exposure case investigation form: diarrheal diseases

When to use this: To capture key clinical data and exposure history for individuals with symptoms of diarrheal diseases.

Diarrheal disease case investigation form.