Tracking sickness through social networks – practical use during an E. coli O157 outbreak in a primary school in London

This paper describes the practical use of social network diagrams in the management of an outbreak of Escherichia coli O157 (VTEC) in a primary school in London. The diagrams were created during the outbreak to establish the extent nurseryand nature of person-to-person transmission in the cases and their contacts. The diagrams supported a tailored public health action, and hence aided in the control of the outbreak. We conclude that for selected infectious diseases, social network diagrams can provide a valuable tool in the management of an outbreak.

Epidemiology and Infection / FirstView Article, pp 1-9

D. Devakumar, A. Kitching, D. Zenner, A. Tostmann and M. Meltzer

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A former professor of food safety and the publisher of barfblog.com, Powell is passionate about food, has five daughters, and is an OK goaltender in pickup hockey. Download Doug’s CV here. Dr. Douglas Powell editor, barfblog.com retired professor, food safety 3/289 Annerley Rd Annerley, Queensland 4103 dpowell29@gmail.com 61478222221 I am based in Brisbane, Australia, 15 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time