PIDSR: Epidemic Response

Akot, Rolie Ahmad S.

Dayoc, Axle Brent A.
Escalona, Zeeham P.
Maquiling, Earvin F.
Ministerio, Lito P.
Resurreccion, Mayann Joy B.
Tanggol, Rizwanah D.

Flow of Discussion
· How epidemics are detected and when to investigate.
· The functions of the epidemic investigation control team.
· What agencies have the authority to declare and epidemic
· The roles of the LGUs during epidemic investigation and response.

I. Epidemic Detection
How are epidemics detected?
Epidemics can be detected through the following surveillance systems:
1. Case-based – routine collection of data, analyzed on a periodic basis (e.g. NESSS).
2. Event-based – reports are received anytime from sources outside the routine reporting system
(e.g. Media reports).
3. Laboratory-based – reporting of laboratory results based on criteria (e.g. Influenza surveillance).

Who should verify reported epidemics?

The Disease Surveillance Coordinators at the RHUs and CHOs shall promptly verify reports of epidemics
received from health facilities, laboratories, or through community rumors. A feedback (verbal or
written) to stakeholders (LCE, Province, CHD, and NEC) should be provided within 24 hours. This is
important to ensure that timely decisions are made and to prevent expending resources on investigating
events that are not true epidemics.

Triggers for Epidemic Detection

1. Case-based surveillance – Alert and epidemic thresholds have been reached.
2. Event-based surveillance – Reports of public health concern have been confirmed.
3. Laboratory-based surveillance – Detected laboratory results fulfills the criteria for notification.

What is the role of the Bureau of Quarantine in detecting epidemics?

· The Bureau of Quarantine shall immediately notify NEC/CHD/local health authorities of any
suspected case of notifiable disease detected in airports and ports of entries.
· Travel itinerary and other health-related documents shall be submitted to NEC/CHD/local health
authorities.

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II. Epidemic Investigation
III. Declaring an Epidemic
IV. Response

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V. Evaluation
There should be a thorough assessment of the following component areas:
1. Preparedness
2. Surveillance
3. Response
- Investigation
- Treatment of cases
- Public health measures
- Risk communication
- Epidemic management
Each component should be assessed according to:
• Timeliness
• Efficiency
• Effectiveness
• Cost
• Lost opportunities
• Policy gaps and unimplemented policies

The team leader of the epidemic management committee will be the one to organize the evaluation. All
members of the management committee, the investigation team and control team, and other persons
involved in the epidemic surveillance and response should be present during the evaluation.

A post-epidemic assessment report should be documented and used as a reference for improving
epidemic preparedness and response.

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