1. Describe the key components of the case definition for the outbreak scenario.
2. Explain the 10 steps used in the outbreak investigation and include an example for each step.
F. In your presentation, discuss methods used to determine the existence and scope of the outbreak scenario.
1. Discuss the active and passive surveillance methods used to identify cases in the outbreak scenario.
2. Provide the number of suspect cases in the entire outbreak scenario.
3. Provide the number of probable cases in the entire outbreak scenario.
4. Discuss the mode of transmission for the outbreak scenario for both locations, including specific examples from the scenario.
5. Discuss how the cumulative incidence can be utilized with the outbreak scenario.
6. Calculate the cumulative incidence for the entire outbreak scenario.
G. In your presentation, justify your study design choice to guide your analysis of the outbreak scenario by doing the following:
1. Construct a purpose statement for your outbreak scenario research project.
2. Describe the data collected for the outbreak scenario research project from parts F1 and F2.
3. Present a screen capture of the outbreak plot that is clear and provides correct information.
a. Analyze the significance of the epi curve.
4. Analyze the significance of the incubation period of the outbreak scenario.
5. Describe the differences between an endemic, an epidemic, and a pandemic.
a. Discuss whether this scenario outbreak is experiencing an endemic, epidemic, or pandemic.
6. Calculate the case fatality rate.
Sample Solution
1. The key components of the case definition for the outbreak scenario include:
• Characteristics of Cases: Describes who is included in the investigation and what symptoms or signs are present that make them potential cases.
• Timeframe: Defines a specific time frame for when symptom onset or exposure occurred during which individuals must have been exposed to be considered part of this particular outbreak.
• Location: Describes where the outbreak occurred, including geographic boundaries as well as locations like specific buildings, institutions, businesses, etc.
2. The 10 steps used in an outbreak investigation and example for each step include:
Step 1 – Notification and Recognition of Suspected Outbreak – An alert health provider suspects an unusual cluster of illnesses in their patients.
Example – A nursing home identifies several residents with similar symptoms such as fever, headache, and body aches within a short period of time.
Sample Solution
1. The key components of the case definition for the outbreak scenario include:
• Characteristics of Cases: Describes who is included in the investigation and what symptoms or signs are present that make them potential cases.
• Timeframe: Defines a specific time frame for when symptom onset or exposure occurred during which individuals must have been exposed to be considered part of this particular outbreak.
• Location: Describes where the outbreak occurred, including geographic boundaries as well as locations like specific buildings, institutions, businesses, etc.
2. The 10 steps used in an outbreak investigation and example for each step include:
Step 1 – Notification and Recognition of Suspected Outbreak – An alert health provider suspects an unusual cluster of illnesses in their patients.
Example – A nursing home identifies several residents with similar symptoms such as fever, headache, and body aches within a short period of time.
