Common source spread

Definition

Common source spread is an outbreak pattern where a group of people are all infected from the same source, such as contaminated food or water. This type of spread typically results in a sharp rise in cases followed by a rapid decline once the source is identified and mitigated.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Common source spreads often lead to acute outbreaks with many cases occurring in a short period.
2. Epidemiologists can track common source spreads by identifying the time and location where exposure occurred.
3. Examples include outbreaks from contaminated food, water, or air sources.
4. Once the common source is removed or contained, the number of new cases usually drops quickly.
5. Outbreaks from a common source can be further classified into point-source outbreaks and continuous common-source outbreaks.

Related terms

Index Case: The first documented patient in an outbreak.

Propagated Spread: An outbreak where infection spreads person-to-person.

Point-Source Outbreak: A type of common source outbreak where exposure occurs over a relatively short period.