HSA 535 DQ

Problems Faced When Investigating Outbreaks

Specialists talked about 12 problems of investigations. Problems fell into four groups.

CDC workers who did not cooperate.

CDC customers.

Trouble contacting them to ask them about their illness and what they ate.

Lack of cooperation. Some did not want to talk about symptoms or givestool samples.

Trouble finding out what they ate. Some could not remember.

Lack of knowledge about foodborne illness. Specialists had to teach customers before their questions could be answered.

Public health agency.

Lack of epidemiologic help or a team approach.

Lack of training and experience investigating outbreaks.

Lack of support from management.

Lack of teamwork between state and local agencies.

Lack of staff to conduct investigations....