Which option is the least effective strategy to control an outbreak of an emerging infectious disease?

• A. Having scientists study the structure of the pathogen so they can work on producing a vaccine.
• B. Conducting public awareness campaigns to educate people on how to prevent the spread of the disease.
• C. Restricting travel to and from the area that experienced the outbreak to contain the disease.
• D. Focusing solely on treating symptomatic individuals and not conducting wider research on the disease.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the goal of outbreak control, which is to reduce transmission, prevent new cases, and ultimately stop the spread of the infectious disease.
2. Step 2: Evaluate each strategy based on its impact on controlling the outbreak: studying the pathogen helps develop vaccines, public awareness reduces transmission, and travel restrictions limit spread to new areas.
3. Step 3: Recognize that focusing only on treating symptomatic individuals addresses only those already sick but does not prevent new infections or help understand the disease dynamics.
4. Step 4: Consider that without wider research and preventive measures, asymptomatic carriers or undetected cases can continue spreading the disease, making this approach less effective.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the least effective strategy is the one that does not include prevention, research, or containment efforts beyond treating symptoms.