When should local or state public health officials be notified about an outbreak?

Local or state public health officials should be notified when an outbreak has been determined to exist because timely reporting enables them to assess the situation effectively and mobilize necessary resources to manage and mitigate the outbreak. Reporting at this stage allows for collaboration between health facilities and public health agencies, ensuring that appropriate measures are taken to protect public health, contain the spread of the infection, and implement control measures swiftly.

Additionally, notifying officials only upon symptom reports could delay intervention, and waiting until after initial verification of cases might hinder prompt action that can prevent further transmission. Informing public health officials before an investigation could obfuscate the data-gathering process or lead to unnecessary alarm. Therefore, the correct timing for notification is critical and occurs once an outbreak is confirmed to ensure an effective public health response.