Epidemic Curves Ahead (FOCUS, Volume 1.5)

Fee: none
Length: 1 hour

To register for a login and password, click on the Registration Form link. If you have already registered, click on our Already Registered link. If you are returning to this training, please click the Resume Training link. Please read over the information on this page if you wish to receive FREE Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) for this training.

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This focus issue discusses the importance of case finding and line listing, challenges that arise while collecting relevant information, and proper management of the data.

Target Audience

These trainings are applicable to all public health, medical, veterinary, pharmacy, emergency management, hospital and other professionals interested in public health preparedness and field epidemiology. The periodicals and supplemental material are created by doctoral students and graduates of the UNC-CH Department of Epidemiology and reviewed by UNC-CH School of Public Health faculty and topic experts.

Educational Objectives

Discuss the importance epidemic curves as a method to graphically depict outbreaks

Discuss outbreak patterns of spread, magnitude of the outbreak, outbreak time trend, outbreak outliers, period of exposure and incubation period

Describe methods to make epidemic curves

Competencies Addressed

This training addresses selected applied epidemiology, core public health, and emergency preparedness and response competencies as noted below. (Please note: The following training does not provide comprehensive or in-depth treatment of specified competencies, it provides basic knowledge of the competencies listed below.)

Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals

11) Uses information technology to collect, store, and retrieve data (1: Analytic/Assessment Skills)

References

CDC. Botulism in Argentina Foodborne Outbreak Investigation.
http://www.phppo.cdc.gov/phtn/casestudies/computerbased/botarg.htm

CDC. Principles of Epidemiology, 2nd Edition. Atlanta, GA: Public Health Practice Program Office, 1992.

Dwyer DM, Groves C. Outbreak Epidemiology. In: Nelson KE, Masters Williams C, Graham NMH, eds. Infectious Disease Epidemiology: Theory and Practice. Gaithersburg, MD: Aspen Publishers, Inc, 2001: 119-148.

Arness MK, Feighner BH, Canhan ML. Norwalk-Like Viral Gastroenteritis Outbreak in U.S. Army Trainees. EID 2000; 6(2):204-207.

CDC. Norwalk-Like Viruses: Public Health Consequences and Outbreak Management. MMWR 2001; 50 (RR09): 1-18.

CDC. Principles of Epidemiology, 2nd Edition. Atlanta, GA: Public Health Practice Program Office, 1992.

Weber DJ, Menajovsky LB, Wenzsel R. Investigation of Outbreaks. In: Weber D, Thomas J, eds. Epidemiologic Methods for the Study of Infectious Diseases. NY, NY: Oxford University Press, Inc, 2001: 291-310.

Author:

Michelle Torok

Reviewers:

Amy Nelson, MPH, PhD, Focus Workgroup

To get FREE Continuing Education Credits (CEUs):

If you would like to receive FREE Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) for completing this training, please read the information below and then follow the directions at the bottom of the page to proceed.

Read over the Technical Requirements to ensure that you have the required plug-ins and that they are functioning properly.

Read the Educational Objectives for this training.

Browse the references and resources for the activity.

Once you have read over the material on this page, click on the Registration Form link at the bottom.

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Read the FOCUS on Field Epidemiology newsletter.

After you have read the corresponding newsletter, complete the Training Evaluation. When you have submitted the Training Evaluation, you will be directed to fill out a form for generating a certificate, which indicates that you have received CEUs for this activity. Note: You must listen read the FOCUS on Field Epidemiology newsletter and complete the Training Evaluation form to receive Continuing Education Credits (CEUs).

Continuing Education Credit:

This course meets requirements for (1 hour; 0.1 CEUs) of continuing education credit. There is no cost to the participant for these CEUs.

IMPORTANT: When you complete this course, your registration information will be sent to the CEU Office at the Friday Center for Continuing Education at UNC CH where a permanent transcript of all CEU courses taken from UNC CH are maintained. We will send in registration information to the Friday Center on a quarterly basis.

CME/AMA PRA Category 2:

Physicians can also claim this activity for 1 hour of CME/AMA PRA Category 2 credit. Document the nature of the educational activity, the date, and the hours earned. It is important to note how the learning experiences have improved the care you provide to your patients. The recording of Category 2 hours is the responsibility of the individual physician.