Pandemic Influenza Plan - Questar III

Appendix 8-B
Contact Identification and Management
Surveillance of contacts of cases infected with a novel influenza virus may be helpful
in early control efforts. Through rapid identification, evaluation, and monitoring of
exposed contacts, further transmission of disease may be prevented or reduced.
Contacts who are found to be clinically ill can be quickly isolated to avoid further
novel influenza virus transmission. When contact identification and management is
indicated, surveillance of contacts will be conducted by LHDs, with assistance from
NYSDOH as needed. NYSDOH, in consultation with CDC and LHDs, will provide
guidance regarding if and when contact tracing should be conducted.
• Definitions
o Close Contact: A person who cared for or lived with a person with a novel
influenza virus or who had a high likelihood of direct contact with respiratory
secretions and/or body fluids of a person with a novel influenza virus (during
encounters with the patient or through contact with materials contaminated by
the patient), during the period of 24 hours prior to the patient’s onset to 14
days after onset of symptoms (note: the definition of the infectious period is
under discussion with the CDC). Examples of close contact include kissing or
embracing, sharing eating or drinking utensils, close conversation (< 3 feet),
physical examination, and any other direct physical contact between persons.
Close contact does not include activities such as walking by a person or sitting
across a waiting room or office for a brief time.
o Infectious Period: Period of time from the 24 hours prior to onset symptoms
to up to 14 days after the onset of symptoms (note: the definition of the
infectious period is under discussion with the CDC).
• Contact Identification and Tracing
o Determine the time period in which the case was infectious.
o Initiate identification of a case’s contacts as soon as possible after a diagnosis
of probable or confirmed infection with a novel influenza virus.
• Obtain information about the case and all contacts from the case,
next of kin, workplace representatives, or others with appropriate
knowledge of the case-patient’s recent whereabouts and activities.
o Attempt to locate and contact all close contacts within 12 hours of the
case/contact report.
• Use work and school contact numbers, telephone directories,
voting lists, neighborhood interviews, site visits, etc. to trace
contacts when locating information is unknown or incomplete.
• If having difficulty locating a contact, consult with STD and/or TB
staff who have contact tracing experience.
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