To identify an outbreak we need the facts at our fingertips. A decision-support system or "intelligent database" was envisioned as a map of the knowledge domain of all diseases that could present as outbreaks. The content would include emerging infectious diseases, bioterrorism, chemical weapons, occupational diseases, foodborne illnesses, infections related to travel and insect vectors, zoonoses, and other communicable diseases. The system would include these key features: Information will be comprehensively collected. A content expert, familiar with toxicology, infectious diseases, and clinical diagnosis, will gather the information. All information will be selected or not selected based on its usefulness for the early detection of outbreaks. Information will be systematically indexed. A content expert will systematically classify all information using hierarchical categories and a vocabulary that is structured and unambiguous. A computer-based relational database with a graphical user interface will enable the sorting of hundreds of records in a fraction of a second and allow users to find information quickly.