How is an outbreak investigated?

In module 8, students learn how public health experts follow steps of an outbreak investigation and communicate their findings. Using data from an outbreak at a summer camp, students develop hypotheses, analyze data, and design tailored communication materials for different audiences. Students also learn the collaborative roles of different public health experts, including epidemiologists, infection prevention specialists, behavioral scientists, biostatisticians, health communication specialists, laboratory scientists, and public health nurses.

This video introduces students to the concepts they will be exploring in CDC NERD Academy Module 8: How is an outbreak investigated? This video explains the basics of investigating a disease outbreak and why it is important. Students learn about outbreak investigations and how the public health experts from previous modules work together to address and prevent the spread of disease. The video describes a hypothetical disease outbreak and how a public health investigation team responds by constructing a case definition, collecting information on confirmed and possible cases, and looking for patterns in the data. Students then learn how an outbreak investigation can help identify the source of an outbreak, and how the public health team can implement control and prevention strategies to address the current outbreak and prevent further spread. After this video, students will be able to answer the question, “How is an outbreak investigated?” and they will be ready to participate in an outbreak investigation activity and group discussion.

This instructional video guides educators through the activities of Module 8: How is an outbreak investigated? The video provides a brief explanation of the activities students will participate in for this Module, including following all of the steps of an outbreak investigation from Modules 1-7 and using findings to develop communication materials. It shows educators how to organize their classroom, prepare and distribute handouts, and group students for participation in the learning activity. The video explains how students will work together to collaboratively complete the hypothetical outbreak investigation and create communication strategies to share their findings with the public. The video provides suggested timing for the activity, guidance for class discussion, and tips for success.

During an outbreak investigation, public health experts work as a team. They each bring diverse backgrounds, specialized skills, and experiences that contribute to the overall goal of reducing the spread of disease.

Download posters to display in the classroom for reference and discussion when you talk about outbreak investigations. Encourage students to explore public health STEM careers.

To learn about each career featured in NERD Academy, visit the collection of public health career spotlights where you’ll find posters and videos highlighting various public health STEM careers.

To learn more about public health STEM careers at CDC, encourage students to visit See Yourself in a Public Health Career.