Protocol to investigate non-seasonal influenza and other emerging acute respiratory diseases

Overview

This protocol provides an approach for public health authorities and investigators at all levels to plan for and conduct investigations of nonseasonal influenza and other emerging respiratory diseases and provides tips and reminders for linking the information from the investigation with risk assessment. The disease etiology is not always known at the onset of the event; therefore, this protocol focuses on important but broadly applicable steps that should be undertaken in the investigation of an acute respiratory disease event, especially those occurring at the animal–human interface. The protocol reflects and incorporates the practical field experience gained by investigators working at international, national and subnational levels during previous investigations of non-seasonal influenza, SARS and MERSCoV outbreaks. This protocol and its tools can serve as a basis for national and local authorities to develop their own procedures, tailored to their specific needs.