By educating the general public about basic infection control measures such as hand-washing, we take a critical step in preventing spread of disease. Heightening awareness of proper preparation, handling, and storage of food prevents foodborne outbreaks. And finally, improved sanitation and environmental control can prevent disease due to cyclospora , hantavirus , and cryptosporidosis . Increased drug resistance has complicated nosocomial and community infections, especially when Streptococcus pneumonia , S. aureus , enterococci , and M. tuberculosis are involved. To limit the spread of these diseases, a multidisciplinary approach is needed to monitor and advance diagnosis.
Interdisciplinary communication facilitates prompt, reasonable action.
Pharmacists are particularly important when medications, especially antibiotics, are used to treat, prevent, or control outbreak. In the eyes of the infection control officer, pharmacists take the lead when a problem necessitates drug use. Finally, we all need to be aware of changes in environment and technology to improve communication, advance diagnostic testing, and eradicate communicable disease. Don't forget the library. In most cases, the outbreak is an established organism with a known modus operandi , and standard sources will provide current information about effective treatments and possible pitfalls.