Extraordinary Occurrence Of Illness, Including Clusters

01. Reporting Requirements. Cases, suspected cases, and clusters of extraordinary or unusual illnes s must be reported to the Department or Health District within one (1) working day by the diagnosing person. (3-17-22) a. Unusual outbreaks include illnesses that may be a significant risk to the public, may involve a larg e number of persons, or are a newly described entity. (3-17-22) b. Even in the absence of a defined etiologic agent or toxic substance, clusters of unexplained acut e illness and early-stage disease symptoms must be reported to the Department or Health District within one (1 ) working day and investigated. (3-17-22) 02. Investigation. Each reported case of extraordinary occurrence of illness, including clusters, mus t be investigated to confirm the diagnosis, determine the extent of the cluster or outbreak, identify the source o f infection or exposure, and determine whether there is a risk to the public warranting intervention by a public healt h agency. Evaluation and control measures will be undertaken in consultation with the Department and othe r appropriate agencies. The Department may elect to investigate by conducting special studies as outlined in Sectio n 070 of these rules. (3-17-22) 03. Handling of Report. The Department and the Health District will exchange reported informatio n within one (1) working day on any reported case or suspected case. (3-17-22) 261. -- 269. (RESERVED)