Methods and strategies of epidemiological investigation for cases from abroad with suspected infectious disease

Abstract

With the development of globalization, the growing influence of China and the increasing number of international mass gathering events in the country, imported infectious diseases are turning out to be a major public health concern of cosmopolitan cities like Beijing. During the epidemiological investigation of suspected infectious cases from other countries, the investigators are required to have good ability of foreign language, inter-cultural communication competence and expertise in epidemiology. Moreover, certain investigation strategies will enable the public health practitioners to deal with the situation more efficient. The investigators should collect certain information, from the subjects, including personal profile, travel history, clinical manifestations, and possible exposures. This study will shed some light on the epidemiological investigation methods and strategies for cases from abroad with suspected infectious disease, and assist public health practitioners to improve their professional literacy. Key words: Communicable disease control; Epidemiologic methods; Population characteristics; Cultural characteristics