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Rapid Response Team

 
We work with provincial and federal partners to prevent, prepare for, detect, respond to, and recover from communicable (infectious) diseases of public health concern. 

Our work

We focus on communicable diseases in the following three areas:
  1. Reportable enteric, zoonotic and vector-borne diseases (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli, rabies, Lyme Disease)
  2. Respiratory viral diseases (e.g., COVID-19, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus)
  3. Emerging and re-emerging diseases of public health concern (e.g., Ebola Virus Disease)
We use a One Health approach, which recognizes that the health of humans is interrelated with the health of animals and the environment. We use this approach to bring together different partners and perspectives when responding to complex provincial public health issues. 


Communicable disease epidemiology and surveillance

We systematically collect, characterize, analyze and interpret the spread of diseases across the province in our three communicable disease areas. We lead the investigation, management and containment of provincial outbreaks, and support our regional and federal partners. We also conduct surveillance on new or emerging communicable diseases. 

Risk assessment and situational awareness

We communicate with provincial public health partners about priority public health issues and planned and current response measures. We also work with provincial and federal public health partners to assess and understand risks to provincial public health.

Public health guidelines 

In partnership with other BCCDC Service Lines, we maintain the Communicable Diseases Manual to guide public health practice in BC. We also develop educational resources for the public. Our recommendations are rooted in scientific evidence for effectiveness and safety; are guided by respect for individuals and communities; and strive to reduce health inequities and optimize sustainability. 

Rapid response to emerging and re-emerging pathogens

We provide rapid support to convene our public health partners when emerging situations arise. This includes:


SOURCE: Rapid Response Team ( )
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