These case studies are interactive exercises developed to teach epidemiologic principles and practices. They are based on real-life outbreaks and public health problems and were developed in collaboration with the original investigators and experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The case studies require students to apply their epidemiologic knowledge and skills to problems confronted by public health practitioners at the local, state, and national level every day.
Two types of epidemiologic case studies are available. The computer-based case studies can be used as self-study and in the classroom setting. The classroom case studies are primarily for use in a group setting with a knowledgeable instructor.
Salmonella in the Caribbean
For years, Salmonella was a pathogen of public health concern in the Caribbean. Because of limited resources, however, the problem received inadequate attention. When outbreaks of diarrhea occur among tourists at luxury hotels in the region, staff from the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) collaborate with the ministries of health from the affected countries and agricultural and tourism agencies to find the source. How do case characteristics provide clues to the problem? What studies should be undertaken? What can be done to control the problem? Work through this case study and help CAREC find the answers to these questions and more.....more
Gastroenteritis at a University in Texas
After receiving a call from two university students, health department investigators learn that many more students are sick with vomiting and diarrhea. Do the cases represent an outbreak and, if so, what is the source? How should the problem be investigated? What can be done to stop it? Work through this case study and help health department investigators find the answers to these questions and more....more
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