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. 2012 May-Jun;127(3):267-74.
doi: 10.1177/003335491212700306.

From SARS to 2009 H1N1 influenza: the evolution of a public health incident management system at CDC

Stephen S Papagiotas  1 , Mark Frank, Sherrie Bruce, Joseph M Posid
Affiliations

From SARS to 2009 H1N1 influenza: the evolution of a public health incident management system at CDC

Stephen S Papagiotas et al. Public Health Rep. 2012 May-Jun.

Abstract

The organization of the response to infectious disease outbreaks by public health agencies at the federal, state, and local levels has historically been based on traditional public health functions (e.g., epidemiology, surveillance, laboratory, infection control, and health communications). Federal guidance has established a framework for the management of domestic incidents, including public health emergencies. Therefore, public health agencies have had to find a way to incorporate traditional public health functions into the common response framework of the National Incident Management System. One solution is the development of a Science Section, containing public health functions, that is equivalent to the traditional incident command system sections. Public health agencies experiencing difficulties in developing incident management systems should consider the feasibility and suitability of creating a Science Section to allow a more seamless and effective coordination of a public health response, while remaining consistent with current federal guidance.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
CDC organizational structure for the response to the 2003 SARS outbreak, using the team concepta
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
All-hazards CDC incident management system organizational structure, using a Technical Specialty Unit, based on lessons learned from the response to the 2005 hurricane season
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
CDC incident management system structure for the response to 2009 H1N1 influenza, modified to include task forces
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
Current all-hazards CDC incident management system structure, incorporating a Science Section
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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    1. Department of Homeland Security (US). Homeland Security presidential directive 5: management of domestic incidents. 2003. [cited 2009 Apr 15]. Available from: URL: http://www.dhs.gov/xabout/laws/gc_1214592333605.shtm.
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