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Outbreaks in South Africa 2004-2011, the Outbreak Response Unit of the NICD, and the vision of an inspired leader
DOI:
10.1080/10158782.2011.11441450
Author(s):
L BlumbergCheryl Cohen Epidemiology Division, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Service, , G de JongCheryl Cohen Epidemiology Division, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Service, , J ThomasCheryl Cohen Epidemiology Division, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Service, , B N ArcherCheryl Cohen Epidemiology Division, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Service, , A CengimboCheryl Cohen Epidemiology Division, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Service, , C CohenCheryl Cohen Epidemiology Division, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Service, ,
Abstract
The Outbreak Response Unit was established in 2004 by Prof Barry Schoub and was envisioned as a comprehensive unit for reporting of suspected communicable disease outbreaks, and for the provision of technical support for outbreak response within South Africa and the region, with special emphasis on optimising the role of the laboratory. The unit has grown in size and broadened in scope and expertise over the past seven years, and has responded to complex, high-profle and large outbreaks, including highly pathogenic infuenza A H5N2 affecting ostriches, the new arenavirus (Lujo), cholera, the 2009 infuenza pandemic, emergence of rabies in Limpopo province and Rift Valley fever, among many others.
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