cruises, unusual severity of illnesses or complications, or a large number of persons reporting the illness over a brief period of time. 14.4.1.7 Rapid Response Conducting an outbreak investigation aboard a vessel demands a rapid, organized, and comprehensive response. Because of the turnover of passengers, and sometimes the crew members, the investigation must be rapid to be able to collect data needed to identify the cause. 14.4.1.8 Collaboration The investigation is a collaborative effort between the cruise line, the passengers and crew members aboard the vessel, and CDC. An organized plan drafted between the organizations and individuals involved, therefore, is crucial in conducting a successful investigation, a comprehensive effort that includes epidemiologic, environmental, and laboratory studies. Recommendations based on the success of the investigation can then be implemented to prevent a recurrence on the following cruise. 14.4.2 Objectives The objectives of an investigation are to Determine the extent of the gastrointestinal illness among passengers and crew; Identify the agent causing the illness; Identify risk factors associated with the illness; and Formulate control measures to prevent the spread of the illness. 14.4.3 Outbreak Investigation Procedures 14.4.3.1 Contingency Plan The early stages of an investigation are usually coordinated aboard the vessel by the medical staff in cooperation with engineering staff vessel’s and hotel staff. It is important to have a coordinated contingency plan in place on board the vessel before the need for plan implementation. All staff with a potential for involvement investigation should be familiar with the contingency plan. 14.4.3.2 Periodic Review This preliminary preparation will assist the vessel with the necessary rapid implementation of investigation and response measures before the arrival of the VSP team. The outbreak contingency plan should be periodically reviewed to ensure it will still meet the needs in dealing with an vessel’s outbreak. 14.4.3.3 Specimens and Samples Timely collection of medical specimens and food and water samples are important in the disease investigative process. The proper materials and
cruises, unusual severity of illnesses or complications, or a large number of persons reporting the illness over a brief period of time. 14.4.1.7 Rapid Response Conducting an outbreak investigation aboard a vessel demands a rapid, organized, and comprehensive response. Because of the turnover of passengers, and sometimes the crew members, the investigation must be rapid to be able to collect data needed to identify the cause. 14.4.1.8 Collaboration The investigation is a collaborative effort between the cruise line, the passengers and crew members aboard the vessel, and CDC. An organized plan drafted between the organizations and individuals involved, therefore, is crucial in conducting a successful investigation, a comprehensive effort that includes epidemiologic, environmental, and laboratory studies. Recommendations based on the success of the investigation can then be implemented to prevent a recurrence on the following cruise. 14.4.2 Objectives The objectives of an investigation are to Determine the extent of the gastrointestinal illness among passengers and crew; Identify the agent causing the illness; Identify risk factors associated with the illness; and Formulate control measures to prevent the spread of the illness. 14.4.3 Outbreak Investigation Procedures 14.4.3.1 Contingency Plan The early stages of an investigation are usually coordinated aboard the vessel by the vessel’s medical staff in cooperation with engineering staff and hotel staff. It is important to have a coordinated contingency plan in place on board the vessel before the need for plan implementation. All staff with a potential for involvement investigation should be familiar with the contingency plan. 14.4.3.2 Periodic Review This preliminary preparation will assist the vessel with the necessary rapid implementation of investigation and response measures before the arrival of the VSP team. The outbreak contingency plan should be periodically reviewed to ensure it will still meet the vessel’s needs in dealing with an outbreak. 14.4.3.3 Specimens and Samples Timely collection of medical specimens and food and water samples are important in the disease investigative process. The proper materials and
VSP_Operations_Manual_Draft_Final_3_2010.docx