What is contact tracing?

Contact tracing is a public health strategy used to identify and notify individuals who have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for a contagious disease, such as an infectious virus. This process is crucial in controlling the spread of infectious diseases, as it allows health officials to track the potential transmission of the disease and provide guidance on testing, quarantine, or treatment to those exposed.

In contact tracing, trained public health personnel may interview the infected individual to gather information about their close contacts during the period when they were likely infectious. They then reach out to these contacts to inform them of the exposure so that they can take appropriate steps to monitor their health and prevent further transmission of the disease.

This approach is integral to effective disease management in community health efforts, especially during outbreaks. It not only helps in reducing the number of new infections but also empowers individuals to take responsible actions concerning their health and the health of those around them.