What is one common goal of outbreak investigations?

One common goal of outbreak investigations is to determine the source of infection and prevent further spread. This objective is fundamental to public health responses during an outbreak, as identifying the source allows health officials to implement control measures to limit exposure and transmission. For instance, if a particular food source is found to be contaminated, actions can be taken to remove it from the market, inform the public, and establish guidelines for safe food handling practices.

In addition to controlling the immediate public health threat, understanding the source of an outbreak can also provide insights into the factors that allowed the disease to spread, helping to develop strategies to prevent similar outbreaks in the future. This goal is essential for curbing outbreaks and protecting the population from further infections.