Introduction to Outbreak Investigation

Competencies Addressed

This module provides an awareness-level training in the following epidemiology competency and subcompetencies developed by the University of Washington (UW Epidemiology Competencies).

Competency 2: Design and conduct an outbreak investigation.

Subcompetency A: Monitor for recognition of a potential disease outbreak.

Subcompetency B: Determine if a potential outbreak exists.

Subcompetency D: Establish a case definition based on person, place and time.

Subcompetency F: Establish the background rate of disease.

Subcompetency G: Find additional cases, determine extent of the outbreak.

Subcompetency H: Examine the descriptive features of the outbreak.

Subcompetency I: Formulate a hypothesis of disease causation.

Subcompetency K: Collect and test clinical and environmental samples.

Subcompetency L: Put control measures into effect.

Subcompetency M: Interact with the public and the media.