Case Background

As we work through this case study, assume you are the Town of Dunnit's local board of health (LBOH) public health nurse assigned to investigate the case.

As the case unfolds, assess information as it becomes available and make decisions to investigate and control the spread of disease. You might want to take notes as you move along in the case.

Disease Reporting

As Dunnit's LBOH public health nurse, you know that the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) relies on LBOH to assess and monitor population health and to investigate, diagnose and address health hazards and root causes.

 

You also know that the surveillance and control of infectious diseases in Massachusetts requires collaboration between MDPH, LBOH, health care providers, laboratories, and other public health personnel to report the occurrence of reportable diseases.

 

Importance of Reporting

Reporting data allows MDPH to accurately monitor trends, detect unusual occurrences of diseases (such as outbreaks), and appropriately address and evaluate the effectiveness of control and prevention activities.

If you haven't bookmarked MDPH's Guide to Surveillance and Reporting (Guide), do so now. You will use this Guide throughout the training.

 

The Guide is an online resource developed to assist with specific surveillance, response, and reporting responsibilities for infectious diseases reportable to MDPH. Each chapter is disease-specific and contains general information about the disease, as well as control recommendations and reporting requirements.

View the tabbed activity below for examples of the types of information contained in each chapter. We'll use botulism as an example.

 

Timeliness

Timely reporting is crucial to controlling infectious disease. Be sure to click on and bookmark the lists of diseases reportable to MDPH and LBOH by healthcare providers and laboratories.

Note that:

  • Suspected and confirmed cases of the diseases listed in RED must be reported immediately by phone
  • Cases of the diseases listed in BLACK must be reported within 24 hours electronically or by phone

 

 

Dunnit, Massachusetts

Dunnit is a suburban community with the following demographics.

  • Population = 26,000
    • 85% Caucasian
    • 10% Asian
    • 5% Black/African American
  • Medium household income = $200,000 (vs. $65,000 median household income for Massachusetts)