Recommendations for when to consider an internationally coordinated investigation (tool 1)

Tools for public health
These recommendations concern outbreaks affecting more than one country

Tool 1.1: When to consider a coordinated approach

English (546.87 KB - PDF)
Related files

Tool 1.2: Tables to help assess when to consider performing an internationally coordinated investigation

English (43.46 KB - DOCX)

EWRS Technical Guidance Document

English (83.4 KB - PDF)

International Health Regulations, WHO - Technical guidance

English (236.23 KB - PDF)

Infosan - Technical guidance

English (19.04 KB - PDF)

There are different types of food- and waterborne (FWD) disease outbreaks that affect more than one country in the EU:

  • FWD outbreaks caused by exposure in one country (e.g. outbreaks occurring at international events, mass gatherings, tourist destinations or during international travel)
  • FWD outbreaks caused by exposure in several countries (e.g. by a contaminated food/drink items marketed or distributed in more than one country)

These outbreaks may be detected through different channels:

  • Inquiry or alert posted through international alert systems or media (see also Tool 8)
    • ECDC-FWD (EPIS)
    • EWRS
    • IHR (WHO)
    • INFOSAN (WHO-FAO)
    • Global Foodborne Infections Network (previous Global Salm-Surv)
    • PulseNet International
    • Other sources, eg CDC, ProMed, media etc.
  • Clusters detected in surveillance data (national or European (Tessy))
  • Reports of a food-borne hazard during a routine inspection or a food safety investigation with the potential to cause human illness (including incidents reported through RASFF)