Anti-epidemic Measures in the Focus of Infection

Anti-epidemic measures in the focus of infection are carried out at the occurence of infection within the population. The focus of infection is represented by its source and its nearest neighborhood. The introduced measures have a repressive character, and are included below.

Early and Correct Diagnosis of the Disease
This is a basic pre-condition for the execution of quick and effective anti-epidemic measures. It helps to set up the correct diagnosis by properly executed epidemiological history-taking and by properly executed clinical and laboratory examinations, such as microbiological, serological etc.

Notification of the Sick and the Ones Suspected of Infection
As soon as the diagnosis is confirmed or when there is a suspicion of an infectious disease, the affected individuals are notified immediately. The physician who examines the patient is responsible for notifying the respective departments. In conformity with legal provisions, the announcement is made through the forms sent to the epidemiological department of the medical establishment responsible for that region. In case of highly contagious diseases or in case of epidemic outbreaks, the Ministry of Health should be informed.

Isolation of the Sick
Separation of the sick, re-convalescents and carriers of an infectious organism is done to prevent transmission of infection to susceptible individuals. The physician is responsible for this isolation of patients. The epidemiologist may also isolate the patient by following the list of diseases which require institutional isolation.

Epidemiological Investigation in the Focus of Infection
Epidemiological investigation is carried out immediately. A short history is taken from the patients before their transportation to tbe hospital.