title: Tracking sickness through social networks - the practical use of social network mapping in supporting the management of an E. coli O157 outbreak in a primary school in London.
abstract: This paper describes the practical use of social network diagrams in the management of an outbreak of Escherichia coli O157 (VTEC) in a primary school in London. The diagrams were created during the outbreak to establish the extent and nature of person-to-person transmission in the cases and their contacts. The diagrams supported a tailored public health action, and hence aided in the control of the outbreak. We conclude that for selected infectious diseases, social network diagrams can provide a valuable tool in the management of an outbreak.
authors: Health Protection Agency (HPA), North West London Health Protection Unit (NWLHPU), London, UK. d.devakumar@ucl.ac.uk
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Devakumar
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Kitching
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Zenner
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Tostmann
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Meltzer
mesh_terms: D016358:Contact Tracing / Q000379:methods*; D019468:Disease Management; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D004927:Escherichia coli Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission; D019453:Escherichia coli O157 / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D008131:London / Q000453:epidemiology; D012574:Schools; D060756:Social Networking