Epidemiology Rapid Response Teams

Division of Epidemiology and Health Planning
HS2E-B, Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 564-3418

Background

The Epi Rapid Responders are a small group of multi-disciplinary investigators who mount immediate, comprehensive response to reports of disease outbreaks. Teams ordinarily include a nurse, environmentalist and epidemiologist at the local health department level.

Appropriate discipline-specific team members investigate cases to determine the actual extent and potential spread of the disease. Communication among responders and with principal contacts is maintained until all infected persons have been treated, all required contacts have been made and all at-risk persons have been adequately interviewed and/or received preventive treatment. Team stand down only when all members agree that the disease has sufficiently been controlled.

ERRT Training Agenda

HIPAA and Public Health

Hepatitis A Outbreak

Norovirus

• Communicable Diseases: The Reporting Law and Incidence in Southeastern Kentucky
• Communicable Diseases: The Reporting Law and Incidence in Southeastern Kentucky Part 2
• Evaluation of Reportable Disease and Surveillance in KY by County and Region
• Summary of Current Bioterrorism/Outbreak/Emerging Public Health Threat Surveillance Activities
• Dog Bite Septicemia: Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) from Capnocytophaga Septicemia in an Asplenic Patient
• Pandemic Influenza Preparedness
• Rash Investigation
• Mercury Exposure in Larue County

Available on request

• Kentucky Public Health Laboratory (available upon request)
• Mercury - EPA Emergency Response Case Studies (available upon request)

• Kentucky - Electronic Disease Surveillance System (KY-EDSS)
• Epidemiology of Poisoning in Kentucky
• The Epi Team Diary
• Gastro Enteritis Outbreak in a Residential Complex for the Elderly
• Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome Investigation
• Q Fever in a Family
• Salmonella typhimurium Casey County, KY
• Typhoid Fever Outbreak

Visit the following websites for contact hours: UNC or UAB. Four hours are required per year for ERRT membership.