A. Suspected foodborne disease outbreak
Key messages for the public
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Avoid eating or serving the suspected food. Do not taste it to check whether it is safe.
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Keep receipts, labels, packaging, lot numbers, and photographs. Follow public health instructions about whether and how to retain the product for testing; do not handle or store it in a way that could contaminate other foods.
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Write down foods and drinks consumed, places visited, travel, animal contact, and other relevant exposures before symptoms began. Investigators may ask about several days or longer, depending on the suspected pathogen.
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Monitor for diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pain or cramps, nausea, fever, and signs of dehydration.
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To replace fluids lost through diarrhoea or vomiting, take frequent small sips of safe water and use oral rehydration solution (ORS) — a specially prepared drink that replaces water and salts lost through diarrhoea or vomiting — as directed. Fluid needs vary; there is no single number of glasses suitable for everyone.
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Seek medical care for bloody diarrhoea; diarrhoea lasting more than 3 days; fever above 38.9°C (102°F); vomiting that prevents you from keeping liquids down; little urination, dry mouth, or dizziness; severe pain; or worsening illness.
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Seek advice early for infants and young children, pregnant persons, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems or serious underlying conditions.
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Report suspected illness through the channels identified by your national Ministry of Health or local health authority.
Key messages for CMS / health authorities
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Verify the signal, establish whether cases are linked, and initiate investigation using national protocols.
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Develop a working case definition and line list; describe cases by person, place, and time.
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Obtain appropriate clinical, food, water, animal, and environmental specimens in consultation with the responsible laboratories and according to referral and chain-of-custody requirements.
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Interview cases promptly using a standardized questionnaire and a pathogen-appropriate exposure period.
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Assess whether control measures or a public advisory are needed; communicate what is known, unknown, and being done.
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Notify CARPHA through established official national and regional channels when regional laboratory, epidemiological, risk-communication, or coordination support is required.