Case definitions for investigation of international FWD outbreaks (tool 3)
The purpose of this tool is to identify unique components that might need to be included in a case definition relating to an international foodborne outbreak and provide examples of case definitions that could be useful to Member States, the ECDC and any other potential stakeholders.
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Guidance document on case definitions for international food- and waterborne outbreaks - EN - [PDF-619.46 KB]
Table containing examples of case definitions from published food- and waterborne outbreaks - EN - [PDF-577.71 KB]
Background document on constructing a case definition - EN - [PDF-543.63 KB]
In an international foodborne outbreak, it is important that cases identified in different countries are defined the same way. This helps ensure that the scope and severity of the event are not overestimated, or conversely, underestimated. Additionally, a common case definition allows data on cases to be shared more easily between countries.