Learning Objectives
Describe the Health Alert Network (HAN) structure and message types
Identify nurse responsibilities for disease reporting in Nevada
Understand syndromic surveillance systems
Recognize when and how to report unusual disease clusters
Health Alert Network (HAN)
The CDC's Health Alert Network is the primary method for sharing urgent public health information with clinicians, public health professionals, and emergency responders.
Health Alert
HIGHEST urgency
Immediate action required
Health Advisory
Moderate urgency
Important situation info
Health Update
Lower urgency
Updated recommendations
Nurse Reporting Responsibilities
Nevada nurses must report to local/state health department:
- Unusual clusters of similar symptoms
- Suspected Category A agent exposure
- Any pattern suggesting intentional release
- Rare diseases in healthy individuals
Reporting Hierarchy
IMMEDIATE REPORTING
DO NOT WAIT for laboratory confirmation before reporting!
Early notification allows public health to begin investigation and response.
Key Takeaways
HAN is CDC's primary system for urgent public health communication
Health Alert = highest urgency requiring immediate action
Report unusual disease clusters immediately - don't wait for lab confirmation
Nevada nurses have legal duty to report suspected bioterrorism