Northeast Colorado Health Department staff members say cast investigation and contact tracing is the best tool to manage COVID-19 in a proactive way while allowing the economy to thrive again.
COVID-19 case investigation and contact tracing is important; here’s why
There has been a lot of discussion around COVID-19 case investigation and contact tracing, but what is it and why is it so important now that our counties are reopening?
Case investigation and contact tracing is valuable in protecting friends, family and community members from future disease spread and potential outbreaks.
The concept of tracing the origin of a disease is nothing new. In fact, it was a major factor to beating smallpox and polio and was a core disease control measure to prevent the spread of many infectious diseases throughout the 20th century. It is still utilized today for tuberculosis, H1N1, HIV, measles, E.coli and sexually transmitted infections, among many others.
“Engagement with the public during contact tracing is imperative,” said Northeast Colorado Health Department response coordination officer Mike Burnett. “Since we are out in the public again and interacting more frequently, this is the best tool we have to manage this disease in a proactive way while allowing our economy to start to thrive.”
Case investigation and contact tracing is a very lengthy process conducted by public health workers. It starts with the case investigation of a patient who has tested positive for COVID-19 by quickly locating and talking with them, assisting in arranging isolation plans for themselves and working to identify people with whom they have been in close contact.
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