Epidemiology, programme evidence and infection prevention
A school outbreak assessment needs a working case definition with person, place, time and relevant clinical features. Record cases and exposures consistently, describe the pattern and coordinate with public-health authorities while implementing appropriate immediate controls. Similar symptoms do not prove one pathogen, and a rumor is not a laboratory confirmation.
Incidence counts new cases in a defined period among an appropriate population at risk. Prevalence describes existing cases at a stated point or period. State the numerator, denominator and time basis before calculating a percentage. In a fictional cohort, compare attack proportions among exposed and unexposed groups; a difference suggests an association but does not by itself eliminate bias or confounding. A screening test's positive predictive value depends on the screened setting as well as its sensitivity and specificity.
Standard precautions apply to every student encounter according to anticipated exposure, including hand hygiene and appropriate protection for blood or body fluids. Gloves do not replace hand hygiene. Airborne or other additional precautions depend on the suspected pathogen and current guidance. Korean reporting obligations, exclusion rules and return criteria must be checked with the actual current authority rather than transferred from a foreign credential.