Table 6.1 Relative Priority of Investigative and Control Efforts During an Outbreak, Based on Knowledge of the Source, Mode of Transmission, and Causative Agent
Source/Mode of Transmission
(How people are getting exposed to the agent)
Known
Unknown
Causative Agent
Known
Investigation +
Control +++
Investigation +++
Control +
Unknown
Investigation +++
Control +++
Investigation +++
Control +
+++ = highest priority
+ = lowest priority
Source: Goodman RA, Buehler JW, Koplan JP. The epidemiologic field investigation: science and judgment in public health practice. Am J Epidemiol 1990;132:9–16.