contact tracing

American  

[kon-takt trey-sing] / ˈkɒn tækt ˌtreɪ sɪŋ /

noun

1. a public health measure undertaken to slow and eventually halt the spread of a disease that is transmitted person-to-person, in which people who have come in close proximity to or direct contact with an infected person are identified and monitored for signs of infection. These individuals, along with any of their contacts who manifest symptoms, are generally required to isolate themselves long enough to be treated, if necessary, before they can infect others.

   Rigorous contact tracing accompanied by widespread testing has proven effective in reducing deaths during an epidemic.

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Other Word Forms

• contact trace verb (used with or without object)
• contact tracer noun

Etymology

Origin of contact tracing

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

The first is how much it costs a local or state health department to address each case, which includes contact tracing, targeted vaccination mobilization and testing.

From MarketWatch

Rishi Sunak has not been called to give evidence to this three-week section of the Covid inquiry, which is looking at testing, contact tracing and isolation policies.

From BBC

But contact tracing may be difficult since Kampala, a bustling city of over four million people, serves as a major hub for travel to South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and other neighbouring countries.

From BBC

There are likely multiple factors that played a role in reducing the spread of STIs: Public health departments used funding issued as part of the COVID-19 pandemic, expanded testing in nontraditional settings like emergency rooms or churches, and funded a workforce of disease intervention specialists who perform contact tracing and connect people to treatment.

From Salon

If the virus is found, the third stage goes into action, triggering an even more granular investigation by identifying farms and herds that are positive — allowing for “rapid response measures,” including biosecurity programs such as movement controls and contact tracing.

From Los Angeles Times