This online resource, specially crafted for complex emergencies and limited resource settings, offers epidemiologists and field investigators a wide range of up-to-date, comprehensive tools for investigating outbreaks of infectious and non infectious diseases and hazards. It serves as a valuable asset in addressing public health challenges in challenging environments.
When a disease outbreak occurs, responding swiftly and effectively is critical to protect public health and minimize the spread of disease. The following steps outline a systematic approach to investigating an outbreak, from confirming its existence to communicating findings for future preparedness. Each step is designed to ensure that the outbreak is thoroughly understood, controlled, and appropriately managed in coordination with national authorities, local communities, and other relevant stakeholders. By following these steps, public health responders can make informed decisions and take action to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission.
WHO recommends that individuals in areas where it is winter take normal precautions to prevent the spread and reduce risks posed by respiratory pathogens, especially to the most vulnerable. People with mild symptoms should stay home to avoid infecting other people and rest. People at high risk or with complicated or severe symptoms should seek medical care as soon as possible. Individuals should also consider wearing a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or bent elbow, practice regular handwashing, and get recommended vaccines as per physician and local public health authorities’ advice. [2]
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Currently approved COVID-19 vaccines continue to provide protection against severe disease and death. To ensure approved vaccines remain effective, the WHO Technical Advisory Group on COVID-19 Vaccine Composition (TAG-CO-VAC) continues to monitor and review the impact of SARS-CoV-2 evolution on the performance of available vaccines. In May 2025, TAG-CO-VAC advised that monovalent vaccines targeting the or lineages remain appropriate . They also noted that vaccines targeting the lineage can be considered as a suitable alternative. Vaccination should not be delayed. However, in anticipation of access to latest variant-containing vaccines, there is a greater benefit in ensuring that persons at high risk of developing severe COVID-19 receive a dose of any available vaccine as compared to delaying vaccination.
The events reported in the DON is not an exhaustive list of events that WHO is responding to globally but include those that meet the criteria for information to be made available to the public.
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