Preparation for epidemics: benchmarks for BIOHAZARD PROTECTION

EssentialShort answer

To be retained

The starting points

Epidemic preparedness is based on surveillance capable of detecting and verifying signals, laboratories, coordination plans, clear communication and continuity of essential services. For the public, the first reflex is to consult the competent authority and the date of its instructions, without relaying an unconfirmed signal.

Deepen ▼

01Reference

The steps of an answer

The steps can overlap. An alert is useful only if it leads to an assessment and proportionate action.

Detect

Collect relevant clinical, biological, veterinary or environmental signals.

Check

Confirm source, case definition, period, location and data limitations.

Evaluate

To estimate the transmission routes, the people exposed and the possible consequences.

Act and reassess

Implement appropriate measures, monitor their effects and modify the response according to new data.

02Reference

Capacity to prepare upstream

Technical measures and human organization are complementary.

Laboratories and data

Define the circuits of sampling, confirmation and secure sharing of results.

Protection of persons

Provide hygiene, ventilation, appropriate equipment and training on a site basis.

Contingency

Identify critical services, replacements, useful stocks and appropriate working arrangements.

Communication

Identify who publishes the information, how the corrections are made and what audiences should be attached.

03Reference

Read a public alert

Information on an outbreak describes a date situation, which can change rapidly.

Source

Prioritise the Territory's health authority and then consult regional and international levels.

Date and place

Distinguish date of publication, period of cases and area actually concerned.

Certainty

Separate signal, suspicious case, confirmed case and official recommendation.

Action

Check to whom and when to apply the instructions.

LandPutting into context

Situations to be considered

A useful preparation describes the responsibilities and decisions before a situation accelerates.

Several cases are reported

Define what constitutes a case, the period and the place, and then check if the increase exceeds the expected variations.

An organization prepares its continuity

Identify essential functions, replacements, information channels and ways to protect exposed people.

Recommendations change

Record the date, authority, territory and reason for updating before amending a local protocol.

QuestionsClarifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Does an increase in cases mean an epidemic?

Not automatically. The data should be compared with the usual surveillance, case definitions and intensity of screening, and then consulted with the competent authority.

Where to follow an ongoing situation?

Consult the health authorities of the territory concerned's dated newsletters. The site's watch centre is oriented towards their original publications.

Should a plan include a single infectious agent?

A common foundation can cover alert, communication, responsibilities and continuity. The protective measures must then be adapted to the agent and its transmission.

Why do exercises?

They reveal the difficulties of coordination, transmission of information and access to resources before a real crisis makes them urgent.

Institutional sources

External sources can evolve. Check their date and instructions for your territory.

PratiqueCheck before deciding

De la préparation à la réponse

Reading guidance and interpretation limits
Concept or situation	What it describes	Point to watch
Avant le signal	Recenser interlocuteurs, capacités et besoins de continuité.	Tester le circuit d’information et l’accès aux procédures.
Signal à vérifier	Qualifier source, date, lieu et définition de cas.	Record the unknowns; a rumour is not a confirmed case.
Answer	Appliquer les consignes de l’autorité compétente.	Reassess measures using the data and share lessons learned.