What is a line list and which fields are essential for monitoring an outbreak?

• A. A line list is a simple table of cases used for description and analysis. Essential fields: case identifier, onset date, basic demographics, exposure history, clinical status, lab results, and outcome
• B. A line list is a calendar of events with attendees' details
• C. A line list is a graph of trends over time
• D. A line list is a summary report of resources used

Answer: (A)

In outbreak surveillance, a line list is a simple, tabular record of each case that lets you describe who was affected and how the outbreak progressed. The fields listed—unique case identifier, onset date, basic demographics (age, sex), exposure history, clinical status, laboratory results, and outcome—are essential because they capture the core information needed to describe the timeline, identify exposure groups, assess severity, confirm diagnoses, and measure what happened to each patient.

The onset date is crucial for building the epidemic curve and defining the exposure window. Demographics help reveal who is most affected and can highlight disparities. Exposure history points to potential sources and transmission pathways. Clinical status indicates illness severity and care needs. Lab results provide diagnostic confirmation and can offer detail on the form of the disease. Outcome shows recovery or death, enabling calculations like case fatality and resolution rates.

Other options represent different tools: a calendar of events tracks attendance rather than individual cases; a graph of trends summarizes patterns over time rather than detailing each case; a summary of resources focuses on response capacity rather than per-case information.