Showing results for "contact tracing"

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Pop Culture dictionary results for contact tracing.

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

Etymology

Origin of contact tracing

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

In DR Congo, the health ministry says it has stepped up surveillance systems, contact tracing and treatment infrastructure, with dedicated centres in several affected towns.

From BBC • Jun. 19, 2026

Centers for Disease Control to conduct contact tracing.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 14, 2026

Attempts to tackle the spread are forced to rely mainly on precautions and rapid contact tracing.

From Barron's • May 25, 2026

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also mobilized international response efforts, including disease surveillance and contact tracing, laboratory testing and viral sequencing, and distributing protective equipment in hard-hit areas.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

Some of those cruises are also famous in the scientific literature—one of the foundations of modern contact tracing comes from an outbreak of gastroenteritis on a cruise ship.

From Slate • May 16, 2026