Confirm the validity of the outbreak by reviewing diagnoses and case interviews. Establish a baseline for what the immediate threats and consequences of the outbreak are.
Review the transmission mechanisms of the diagnosed outbreak. Determine to what extent these mechanisms can be controlled and removed to lessen the severity and spread of the outbreak.
Establish control measures that address the rate of the outbreak. Determine the severity of the population's susceptibility to the infection. Provide the necessary containment measures needed to address treatment of those already infected.
Put in place personnel who are able to assess and analyze additional hazards, and can come up with possible solutions to reverse the impact of the outbreak. Communicate with the appropriate local and federal agencies to receive assistance and resources in bringing about a plausible solution to the outbreak.
Mobilize health professionals to address the medical situations within and around the perimeter of the infected area. Ensure medical personnel take precautionary measures to prevent spread of the infection.
Conduct a study of the environmental effects of the infection. Determine whether it will affect the water, air and food supplies used by the general population.
Establish appropriate responses for the authorities within the local, state and national governments. Create careful media responses to inform the public about any measures that have been taken. Let people know what actions they should take to address the outbreak.
Conduct continual surveillance of the affected areas. Continue to provide a steady flow of information to the necessary authorities. Generate any hypotheses for further evaluation of the outbreak.
Maintain a central control area even after the outbreak is contained and the level of illness and exposure decreases. Continue research and analysis of best practices and lessons learned to provide training and develop policies in the event of another outbreak.