You discover a new bacterial pathogen that is terrifying. It can spread through all modes of transmission (waterborne, airborne, direct contact, indirect contact, etc.) even when the host is asymptomatic, is extremely virulent, is resistant to all antibiotics, and has a mortality rate of approximately 95%. While only 5% of the infected survive, early results suggest they maintain life-long immunity to the bacterial pathogen once they successfully fight it off. Which of the following would be the most effective method for limiting the morbidity and mortality associated with this new bacterial infectious disease?
Prophylactic antibiotic and immune stimulating medication use among those at high risk for contracting the disease
Nothing can be done to counter such a disease, it would be the harbinger of the apocalypse
Development and mass administration of a vaccine
Hand hygiene and other infection control procedures
Rapid identification of infected individuals followed by high dose multi-modal antibiotic therapy and quarantine