Epidemiologic Surveillance after Natural Disaster
Lesson 4 - Operational aspects of disease surveillance after disaster
Study Guide
This lesson discusses four major steps in communicable disease
surveillance after disaster: (1) carrying out field investigation of rumors and
reports of outbreaks of disease; (2) gaining access to laboratories to obtain
definitive diagnoses and support for epidemiologic investigations; (3)
presenting epidemiologic information to decision makers; and (4) guaranteeing
surveillance during and after the recovery phase.
Learning Objectives
Become aware of the need to investigate rumors and reports of
communicable disease outbreaks.
Recognize the importance of using
laboratories in disaster situations.
Understand the importance of presenting
epidemiologic information to decision makers.
Recognize the importance of
surveillance during and after the recovery phase.
Learning Activities
Read pages 41-52 in the manual.
Study, but do not memorize,
Table 3 in the manual.
Study, but do not memorize, Annex 3 in the manual.
Note: Reference to Annex 3 is correct here. It ought to be
corrected on page 50 in the manual.
Evaluation
Complete the Self-Assessment Test.
Notes
Lesson 4 - Self-Assessment Test
Multiple Choice
Circle the correct answer:
1. The likelihood of releasing mistaken or exaggerated information
to the media will be diminished if:
a. seasoned health workers lead relief teams
b.
there are briefings about the policy of dealing with the media
c. there is an
open relationship between the media and the relief coordinator
d. all of the
above
e. b and c
2. Rumors may be spread by:
a. relief headquarters staff
b. radio and other
media
c. field relief workers
d. all of the above
e. b and
c
True/False
Indicate T or F:
____3. Epidemiologic surveillance activities related to disasters
should be phased out as soon as possible following a disaster and normal control
efforts resumed.
____4. The national relief coordinator usually has full authority
to institute epidemiologic control measures when they are required.
____5. Reporters often assume that information provided by a
doctor or nurse on the scene is more accurate and reliable than that in releases
from official sources.
____6. When the epidemiologist investigating a rumor encounters
patients with symptoms compatible with the disease in question, it is usually
not necessary to collect specimens for diagnosis.
____7. If the central epidemiologist is not satisfied with the
field staff's ability to investigate a rumor, one or more epidemiologists should
be sent to the field.
____8. The investigation of rumors requires specialized skills
most epidemiologists do not have.
____9. Mistaken diagnosis of a communicable disease may be given
because of lack of experience of the medical staff.
____10. In reporting epidemiologic information to higher
authorities the epidemiologist should present the preferred solution in
nontechnical terms, since the decision makers do not have the background
knowledge to choose from a number of alternatives.
____11. Political issues and the nature of public outcry, rasher
then public health priorities, often have determined the perceived severity of a
rumor or report.
Answer Key
