Prioritizing Emerging Infectious Disease Cases and Contacts for Follow-Up
May 13, 2026 | Amelia Poulin
Prioritizing infectious disease cases and contacts for health department follow-up is essential for controlling outbreaks, particularly when public health resources are stretched. This five-step framework guides health agencies through developing a prioritization strategy, embedding interest holder engagement, data collection and evaluation, and reflection throughout:
- Identify Prioritization Criteria: The first step and section is about identifying prioritization criteria (e.g., transmission dynamics, disease severity, disproportionate impact, outbreak potential, and availability of early intervention). These criteria include disease- and context-specific factors, and matter most for prioritizing case investigation and follow-up.
- Assess Disease Potential and Response Capacity: This step transforms values and concepts into practical decision-making tools by assessing both the epidemiologic characteristics of diseases and the response capacity of the jurisdiction. Agencies may begin by ranking each disease area against the criteria established in Step 1.
- Develop Response Strategy: This next step and section is about translating findings into a response strategy. This requires careful consideration of feasibility, values, community impact, legal authority, and operational realities (e.g., reporting requirements). Strong strategy development ensures that the prioritization plan is not only technically sound but also aligned with the jurisdiction’s goals and constraints.
- Enact the Prioritization Plan: Enactment of a prioritization framework represents formal adoption and authorization to use the prioritization plan. This stage is about exercising the authority, legitimacy, and structure necessary for a prioritization plan to guide public health action effectively.
- Implement the Prioritization Plan: Finally, it’s time to translate the policy into operational practice through workforce training, clear communication, and continuous learning.
Developing and implementing a prioritization plan for emerging infectious disease cases and contacts for follow-up requires a thoughtful balance between evidence, operational capacity, community context, and the evolving nature of outbreaks. By following a structured policy development process, health agencies can build frameworks that are intentional, practical, and responsive to community needs.
Reviewed by Meredith Allen, DrPH, MS, Vice President of Health Security; Ericka McGowan, MSPH, Senior Director of Emerging Infectious Disease; and Andy Baker-White, JD, MPH, Senior Director of State Health Policy.
This publication is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $100,000 with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government.