Strengthening surveillance of and response to foodborne diseases: stage one manual (part B):  investigating foodborne disease outbreaks

Overview

This publication updates the document published in 2017 entitled “Strengthening surveillance of and response to foodborne diseases: a practical manual. Stage 1. Investigating foodborne disease outbreaks”.

Guidance is provided on conducting systematic investigations of foodborne disease outbreaks using a ten-step approach that supports early detection, assessment, control, and documentation. Procedures to follow before departing for the field, during field activities, and after the initial investigation are described, along with the coordination required among epidemiological, laboratory, environmental, and food safety functions.

Updates include an explanation of the World Health Organization outbreak toolkit and an example of a national outbreak toolkit. Questions that help determine whether an outbreak may be occurring have been expanded to support structured early decision-making. A framework for strengthening hypothesis generation is introduced to guide the identification of plausible sources and exposures.

Annexes include practical tools such as questionnaires, line lists, food-frequency templates, and an outline for preparing investigation reports, enabling consistent, well-documented outbreak investigations.