About Outbreak
A disease outbreak occurs when the number of cases of a particular infectious disease is greater than what would be expected in a community, geographic area or season. Outbreaks are almost always maintained by infectious agents that spread directly from person to person, or via an insect vector (zoonotic). Outbreaks can be local, affecting only one community or region or they may become a pandemic and affect people worldwide.
The investigation of a suspected outbreak starts with the collection of data and then the evaluation of this information to find an explanation for the increased disease incidence. Descriptive epidemiology is used for this purpose and the use of standard variables – time, place and person – is essential to the analysis. This analytical process is a key step in the identification of pathogens, sources and modes of transmission for outbreak control.
Previous studies have shown that during a lockdown, depression symptoms increase for many individuals due to serious disruptions in their daily routines, separation from friends and family and restrictions on travel. BU researchers found that young adults and those with lower incomes were the most affected by the lockdown, as well as those who reported several COVID-19-related troubles such as financial issues, lost work or the illness or death of a loved one. Those who had pre-existing mental health problems also were more likely to report depression symptoms. The results of this study suggest that a psychiatric response is needed to help the individuals who are struggling due to the current lockdown.