Introduction

Identification of an effective team that will help with the resources and research involved in the investigation process is the natural starting point in setting up an investigation of H1N1 virus outbreak. Such a team would include trained professionals from different institutions equipped with requisite knowledge pertaining various disease pathogens (Smith, 2006). The Center for Disease Control (CDC) exists for this very reason; controlling the spread of such communicable disease pathogens as H1N1 virus. The team created will therefore include a formidable team of professionals from CDC’s H1N1 division (Smith, 2006; Fatiregun, Olowwoke, & Oyebade, 2011). Disease investigation specialists will also be incorporated in the team for clarity purposes. Additionally, to collect the samples from patients, local teams comprising of nurses, a subject matter consultant, a nurse consultant will be instrumental in careful collection, preparation, and organization of samples from patients for testing. With a formidable team in place, the investigation can then commence.

Investigation Process

The consequent step after getting a team is establishing the presence or absence of an H1N1 virus outbreak. That entails ascertaining and researching any increase in the symptoms of H1N1 virus outbreaks among the populace. H1N1 virus patients experience symptoms such as red watery eyes, cough, headaches, fatigue and chronic fever as the virus takes hold of the body (Fatiregun, Olowwoke, & Oyebade, 2011). Thus, the assembled team must watch out for these symptoms in the general population.

After establishing the presence of the virus in the general population, the third step entails verifying the symptoms with a H1N1 diagnosis. To accomplish that, the team must obtain any relevant major lab reports and medical records from H1N1 outbreak research. However, all engagements with the virus by the team, relevant regulations must be adhered to through infection preventer and public health epidemiologists. The team must also consult with its CDC branch and the state lab to verify the diagnosis arrived at from the third stage.

The fourth step entails constructing a case definition. This is whereby the team identifies infected persons and the specific illness they are suffering from. Additionally, the report must also indicate the specific location the individual suspects the were exposed to the virus. Based on the disease’s incubation period, the time of the H1N1 outbreak should be indicated for reference in tracing the pattern of the outbreak (Fatiregun, Olowwoke, & Oyebade, 2011). The case definition should be constructed in specific and detailed outline to ensure generation of the best outbreak research report possible.
The consequent fifth step is development of a line of listing through a systematic finding of cases in the particular H1N1 outbreak. That entails an analysis of the expansive clinical data collected detailing the symptoms ad duration of the outbreak. Major details to consider are the onset date based on the incubation period and the first date the outbreak was first reported. Using the collected demographic information, the team then determines the rate the disease spread from when it was first reported (Smith, Vijaykrishna, & Bahl, 2009). It is especially important that all suspected areas of exposure are well listed. That eventually ensures that the team retraces the outbreak’s ground zero.

The sixth step entails performing a descriptive epidemiology of the disease outbreak. That is, development of the outbreak’s hypothesis. Essentially, that involves tracing epic curves showing the line lists. It also entails establishing the source of the exposure, and the type of exposure. Most importantly, the team should establish the nature how the virus is spreading from one person to the other (Smith, Vijaykrishna, & Bahl, 2009). It is also imperative that the exposure agent of the outbreak is identified and promptly noted.

Evaluation of the hypotheses is the seventh step of the investigation process. That helps in assessing the exposure rate of the virus among the infected and the non-infected. That reveals the risk of exposure for non-infected members of the population.

After mapping out the outbreak, the next step entails implementing established control measures intended for H1N1 outbreaks. The firsts move here is isolating the infected. With the source of the outbreak identified, a product recall should be carried out to prevent any further spread of the outbreak (Smith, Vijaykrishna, & Bahl, 2009). The next step entails reporting the findings of the research to the public.

Ultimately, the research team must surveil the H1N1 outbreak and its course over time. That ensures that the research team can report when the outbreak is over as well as document the efficacy and efficiency of control measures taken.

Levels of Prevention

A H1N1 virus outbreak can be prevented in primary, secondary and Tertiary levels of prevention. At the primary level it can be prevented by vaccination of the entire population in preparation for any outbreak. It can also be prevented in this level by washing hands with soap and water frequently (Smith, 2006). At the secondary level it can be prevented through respiratory hygiene such as covering mouth and nose when sneezing. A surgical mask should also be used by personnel in screening areas and isolation wards. At the tertiary level, hospitals can help prevent the spread of the virus through visual alters instructing people to inform healthcare personnel any symptoms of respiratory infection. Additionally, contaminated surfaces, equipment and fomites should be decontaminated using disinfectants such as ammonia compounds, sodium hypochlorite and alcohol at least daily (Smith, Vijaykrishna, & Bahl, 2009).

Criteria of Screening H1N1 virus and Evaluating Effectiveness of the Process

For screening to take place, the outbreak must be deemed serious and already causing massive casualties. Its latent period; when it is contracted and symptom start appearing, should also be established before screening. Screening should only take place with requisite and adequate treatment facilities identified and set aside (Fatiregun, Olowwoke, & Oyebade, 2011). Effectiveness of the screening process is primarily evaluated on the accuracy of the results in helping combat the virus. It should also be a cheap, reliable, and safe process which is specific and sensitive to candidates (Fatiregun, Olowwoke, & Oyebade, 2011).

Conclusion

Investigating a H1N1 virus outbreak starts with identifying a team for the research and ultimately terminates with the final report of the team and an evaluation of the control measures taken. Appropriate measures should be taken throughout the whole process. For instance, all prevention measures should be adhered to at all levels.

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