8.3 Why Investigate an Outbreak?

There are several reasons listed by prof. Liew, including but not limited to:

1. Control or prevention

   We can answer questions such as: what is the causative agent or pathogen of the outbreak? What is the natural course of the outbreak? How is the disease transmitted? But more importantly, what control measures are available?

2. Opportunities to learn

   While controlled studies may not be able to be performed, obsevational studies can be performed, hence increasing the scientific community’s collective knowledge on a known pathogen.

8.3.1 Should we investigate pathogens or leave them be?

Unfortunately, there are barriers to investigation that may improve knowledge on pathogens:

1. Public, political, or legal concerns

   Not only do investigations incite fear within the public, but it may also be a violation of workplace safety (i.e., legal reasons).

2. Investigations bring benefits to the community

   While outbreaks can be indicative of a failure of some program (even more so if the program is targeted at case reductions), investigations can also help identify weaknesses in previous approaches and suggest further areas for improvement.