What to know
Overview
Review each of the following case studies (#1-3) and answer the questions listed below. When you're ready, each case study section includes a video covering a summary of the case study and the answers to these questions.
Questions
- What type of analytic output would you ask for? Why?
Qualitative assessment
Nowcast
Short-term forecast
Scenario model
- What information should you be prepared to provide to the modeling and analytics team?
- What other epidemiological information would be useful, and how would you explain it?
- What sources of uncertainty might affect the models the team develops?
Case Study 1
It is late August. You are a county epidemiologist asked to consult with the local board that advises 50 long-term-care facilities (LTCFs).
The board is considering adopting a restricted visitor policy in advance of the winter holidays to reduce the impact of seasonal respiratory diseases. Aware that restricting visitors has important social impacts on residents and families, the board wants to make a well-informed decision based on how effective the restricted
Review and answer the questions above before proceeding to Case Study 1 Overview and Answer.
Overview and Answer
Case Study 2
You are the incident manager for a major hurricane response trying to plan staffing over the next 3 weeks.
Much of the city has been evacuated, and more than 2,000 individuals are being temporarily housed in an evacuation center in a sports stadium. Prior to the hurricane, a measles outbreak had been declared in the state, and you know that MMR vaccination rates in the local area are well below desirable levels.
Five days after the stadium evacuation center opening, 2 individuals sheltering there presented to the healthcare team with febrile rashes and are later confirmed to have measles. A week later, 5 more cases have been confirmed, and 9 more cases over the next 10 days. You reach out to your state health department to ask how many measles cases you might expect within the evacuation center over the coming weeks.
Review and answer the questions above before proceeding to Case Study 2 Overview and Answer.
Overview and Answer
Case Study 3
You are the health officer in a large metropolitan jurisdiction. You were just informed by the city's main hospital that a healthcare worker recently returned from an international support trip and has been diagnosed with a viral hemorrhagic fever. A preliminary medical history interview conducted by hospital staff revealed that the patient first experienced symptom onset the day before they presented to care and had commuted via public transit while symptomatic. You anticipate media attention and public concern about how travelers, commuters, and the public may be impacted.
Review and answer the questions above before proceeding to Case Study 3 Overview and Answer.