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Updated: Jul 11, 2026
06:55
A High-throughput Platform for the Screening of Salmonella spp./Shigella spp.
Published on: November 7, 2018
[Uncovering the giardiasis-outbreak in Bergen 2004]
Knut-Arne Wensaas1, Nina Langeland, Guri Rørtveit
1Seksjon for allmennmedisin, Institutt for samfunnsmedisinske fag, Universitetet i Bergen, 5020 Bergen. awensaas@online.no
Summary
Doctors in Bergen discussed cases to diagnose a large giardiasis outbreak, highlighting the need for better communication between clinicians and public health authorities during public health emergencies.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Clinical Diagnostics
Context:
- A significant community outbreak of giardiasis occurred in Bergen in autumn 2004.
- The outbreak was recognized approximately two months after the initial patient illnesses.
Purpose:
- To describe the diagnostic strategies employed by clinicians facing an unrecognized public health issue.
- To analyze clinician responses upon detection of a communicable disease outbreak.
Summary:
- Focus group interviews with clinicians revealed that collaborative discussions were key to diagnosing the giardiasis outbreak.
- No single diagnostic pathway was followed; instead, clinicians collectively addressed the emerging problem.
- Contact with public health authorities occurred upon confirmation of linked diarrheal disease cases.
Impact:
- Highlights the critical role of peer-to-peer clinical discussion in outbreak detection.
- Underscores the necessity for improved communication protocols between healthcare providers and public health bodies for suspected communicable disease outbreaks.
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