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HIV Cluster and Outbreak Detection and Response

HIV Care ContinuumHIV cluster and outbreak detection and response (CDR) is a public health strategy for identifying when and where HIV is quickly spreading.

An outbreak is defined as the occurrence of more cases of a disease than expected in a given geographical area, or among a specific group of persons over a particular period of time. Disease outbreaks can result in significant morbidity (Illness) and associated adverse health outcomes, disruption of services, and anxiety in a community.

A transmission cluster is a group of persons with HIV—diagnosed or undiagnosed HIV—who are connected by HIV transmission (the action of passing something from one person to another). Transmission clusters can represent recent and ongoing HIV transmission in a population, and prevention efforts could prevent new infections.

Transmission clusters can identify risk networks (groups of interconnected people) that are concerning because of ongoing transmission, poor outcomes, or other reasons, such as transmission in a particularly vulnerable or underserved population, or transmission of drug resistance.

A quick and effective response is crucial for saving lives.


DSHS CDR Plan | Tiered Response Plan | Fact Sheets | Information for the Public | Provider Resources | Program Resources


Other Resources

The Evidence Base for Initial Intervention Strategies for Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S.

CDC HIV Cluster Detection and Response

  1. CDR Overview
  2. CDR Community Spotlights (includes San Antonio; Lawrence and Lowell, MA; and Minneapolis, MN) 


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