Section: Module 1: Lesson 1: Introduction | Outbreak Investigation | NextGenU.org

  • Learning objectives:
    • Remember basic demographic and epidemiological aspects.
    • Explain the International Disease Reporting requirements.
    • Discuss the contested nature of models and concepts of health and disease 
    • Discuss the steps of an outbreak investigation.

    Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 1 hour and 53 minutes

    Click here to start this lesson

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      Required Learning Resources and Activities
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      Basic Epidemiological Definitions URL
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      This book on Principles of Epidemiology in Public Health Practice from the CDC will provide you with basic epidemiological definitions to understand the principles of Outbreak Investigation.

      Read Section 1 pages 2-3, and Section 1 pages 72-73

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      Cluster Investigations of Non-Infectious Health Events URL
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      This article provides an overview of the definition of Cluster and how to perform Cluster investigation.

      Read pages 1, 2 and 3 until section Step 1: Initial ascertainment of cluster

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      International Health Regulations (IHR) URL
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      Read the IHR coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO) that aims to keep the world informed about public health risks and events.

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      Deciding whether to investigate a possible outbreak URL
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      Read the section on Deciding whether to investigate a possible outbreak

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      Natural History and Spectrum of Disease URL
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      This book on Principles of Epidemiology in Public Health Practice from the CDC will help you understand the natural history of disease.

      Read Section 1 pages 52-68

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      Steps in an outbreak investigation Page
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      Forum: Reflect on the Outbreak response plan from your city/country
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      Start discussions: 1

      Reflect on your country/region outbreak response plan. Please describe in less than 150 words the following: 

      1. Whether your jurisdiction's plan is specific to one pathogen or is general for any outbreak.

      2. Is the identification of roles and responsibilities clear?.

      3. Does your jurisdiction's plan comply with International Health Regulations? 

      4. To post your response click on the button at the bottom of the screen labeled 'Add a new discussion topic.'

      5. You will also need to comment on at least one other post made by your peers in a respectful and professional manner. If a peer comments on your posting, please reply back. Tp post a reply, click on the particular discussion, then click on 'reply'.

      Note: If you cannot locate a plan for your own setting, see if you can use a different setting.

    • quiz icon
      Quiz: Module 1:Lesson 1

      To access the quiz, click on the name of the quiz provided above. On the following screen, click the "Preview quiz now" button to respond to the questions.

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      Additional Resources for Optional Learning
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      Pandemics: Risks, Impacts, and Mitigation URL
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      This book on Disease Control Priorities: Improving Health and Reducing Poverty will help you understand the main reasons to investigate an outbreak.

      Read pages 315-325

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      WHO Disease Outbreak News and Weekly Epidemiological Report URL
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      Reports of current verified outbreaks are included in the weekly WHO Disease Outbreak News. The Weekly Epidemiological report (WER) provides epidemiological information on cases and outbreaks of disease of public health importance.

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      ProMed URL
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      The global reporting system for outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases & toxins, open to all sources. ProMed- mail the Program Monitoring Emerging Diseases, is a program of the International Society for Infectious Diseases.


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      U.S. FoodNet Population Survey data URL
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      Useful resource from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for identifying food consumption patterns.


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      Public Health Agency of Canada Surveillance URL
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      Canadian government surveillance sistem of infectious and non infectious diseases.

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      FluWatch URL
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      FluWatch is Canada's national surveillance system that monitors the spread of flu and flu-like illnesses. FluWatch reports with information on flu activity in Canada are posted every Friday.

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      Canada Communicable Disease Report (CCDR) Weekly URL
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      The Canada Communicable Disease Report (CCDR) Weekly provides reports of national and international communicable disease issues and incidents.

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      West Nile Surveillance Information URL
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      Learn about the different types of surveillance for West Nile virus and the reported number of cases in humans.