MCQ – 101593

Many patients with unexplained rash and fever were reported from a village close to the Primary Health Centre (PHC). What is the first step in initiating the investigation of such an epidemic?

A.	Rapid search for all cases
B.	Verification of diagnosis
C.	Confirm existence of epidemic
D.	Defining the population at risk

Show Answer

Correct Answer » B Explanation

The first step in outbreak/epidemic investigation is to verify the diagnosis. Before proceeding with epidemiological investigations, it is essential to ensure that the reported cases are correctly diagnosed and not due to laboratory error, misclassification, or incorrect clinical assessment.

The usual sequence of outbreak investigation is:

1. Verify the diagnosis
2. Confirm the existence of an epidemic/outbreak
3. Define and identify cases (case definition)
4. Search for additional cases and collect data
5. Define population at risk
6. Analyze data by time, place, and person
7. Formulate and test hypotheses
8. Implement control measures
9. Communicate findings

Therefore, the first step is Verification of diagnosis.