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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Meghan Harris, BS, MPH, Sarah Brend, MPH, and Pamila Deichmann, RN, MPH. Center for Acute Disease Epidemiology, Iowa Department of Public Health, 321 E 12th St., Des Moines, IA 50319, 515-281-7134, mharris@idph.state.ia.us

This presentation provides an overview of the epidemiologic methods and findings used to characterize the Iowa mumps epidemic and how epidemiologic and historical data was used to manage the mumps outbreak. Presenters will share their real-life experiences in managing the largest U.S. mumps outbreak in 20 years, with emphasis on the importance of working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, local public health and health care partners. Prevention and control strategies were constantly evaluated and debated as the epidemic evolved. Several educational products were developed as part of Iowa's prevention and control strategies and certain communication methods were more effective than others. The Iowa Department of Public Health utilized an Incident Management System (IMS) to incorporate staff not frequently involved in infectious disease outbreaks to build depth in department's ability to respond and manage the outbreak. The IMS was instituted in the epidemic and continued to function with lessons learned with each new week. There were many lessons learned in all areas of Iowa's response. These lessons may be applied to any situation that requires a large-scale public health response that may or may not involve an infectious agent.

Learning Objectives: