Definition: The term "Outbreak" has differing meanings in differing circumstances. For foodborne illness, it is 2 or more cases from a common source; for other diseases it may require 3 or more linked cases; if linkage is vague, the possibility of an outbreak must always be considered until further investigation proves otherwise.

The Communicable Disease Nurse (or person assuming that role) will obtain the following information as soon as possible and enter it on the Acute and Communicable Disease Report Form (or the current protocol form for the disease being reported.)

1. Regarding the individual reporting the incident:

1. Name and role of individual reporting the incident
2. Telephone # of individual reporting the incident
3. The disease being reported

2. Regarding the individual affected with the disease:

1. Affected individual's name
2. Phone # of the person affected
3. Address of the affected individual
4. Date of birth of the affected individual
5. Sex of the affected individual
6. Source of exposure, if known
7. Date of exposure, if known
8. Date symptoms began
9. Date of laboratory tests and results, if known
10. Name and Phone # of the health care provider
11. Medications and/or treatment rendered
12. Contacts… i.e., family, workplace, school, childcare center, etc.