Program Operations Guidelines for STD Prevention: Outbreak Response Plan

During the 1990s, the United States has experienced a significant decline in gonorrhea and syphilis. Historically, when STD rates decline, programs have reduced staffing and otherwise redirected program resources. In some areas, when morbidity continues to decline for extended periods, surveillance efforts sometimes fail to promptly detect an outbreak.

STD prevention programs must create, maintain, and utilize, plans to rapidly detect and respond to outbreaks. Outbreak plans should include careful and ongoing assessment of disease trends, establishment of disease thresholds, mobilization of resources, and efficient communication with the affected community. It is important to mount a rapid and thorough response so that small outbreaks do not become large ones. The diversion of resources and the restructuring of routine activities during an outbreak investigation and response require the program manager to carefully consider the potential consequences and benefits of a successful initiative. A deliberate decision to redirect resources, (e.g., to re-direct other prevention activities to implement the action), must include a consideration of potentially negative consequences as well.