What is the purpose of contact tracing in infectious disease management?

The purpose of contact tracing in infectious disease management is focused on identifying and notifying individuals who may have been exposed to an infectious disease. This process is crucial because it helps to contain the spread of infection by ensuring that those who might be at risk are informed and can take necessary precautions, such as self-isolating or getting tested. By identifying contacts of infected individuals, public health officials can track the transmission of the disease and implement control measures to protect both the individuals at risk and the wider community.

In contrast, treating infected individuals involves medical care and treatment, but does not specifically address the spread of the disease in the population. Conducting laboratory tests on symptoms is a diagnostic aspect of infectious disease management, which is important but separate from the tracing of contacts. Developing vaccines is a preventative measure that tackles diseases at a population level but does not directly relate to the tracking of those exposed to an infection.