The Epidemiology Program Office Case Studies

• A Cluster of Group A Streptococcal Postoperative Wound Infections (1989)
• A Measles Outbreak in a Highly Vaccinated Population: Health Sector Muyinga, Burundi 1988-1989 (1992)
• A Mixed Bag in Michigan (The PBB Story) (1991)
• An Epidemic Disease in South Carolina (1992)
• An Outbreak of Appendicitis in Oneida (1988)
• An Epidemic of Thyrotoxicosis (pdf)
• An Outbreak of Enteritis During a Pilgrimage to Mecca
• An Outbreak of Hemorrhagic Fever in Africa ("Ebola")
• An Outbreak of Jaundice in a Rural County
• An Outbreak of Neurologic Syndrome Among Factory Workers (1991 update)
• Cigarette Smoking and Lung Cancer (pdf)
• Epidemic Measles in a Divided City (Texarkana) (1990)
• Injury Surveillance (1990 update)
• Listeriosis in Costa Rica (1990)
• L-Tryptophan and Eosinophilla-Myalgia Syndrome (1992 update)
• Oral Contraceptive Use and Ovarian Cancer (1992 update)
• "Oswego:" An Outbreak of Gastrointestinal Illness Following a Church Supper (pdf)
• Screening for Antibody to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus
• Suspected Legionnaires' Disease in Bogalusa
• Tampons and Toxic Shock Syndrome (1992 update)
• Vinyl Chorlide and Cancer (1988)
• Oral Contraceptive Use and Ovarian Cancer
• Paralytic Illness in Ababo
• Surveillance of E-Coli 0157:H7 - Information for Action
• Texarkana - Epidemic Measles in a Divided City

The case studies in applied epidemiology have been developed at CDC and used in training for Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) Officers, “disease detectives”. They allow students to practice their epidemiologic skills in the classroom to carefully crafted exercises that detail real public health problems such as infectious diseases, chronic illnesses, occupational health, and environmental health.

View List of EIS Case Studies

 

Instructor Guides

To request Instructor guides for teachers/trainers send requests here.

How are the case studies used?

The case studies are a component of an applied epidemiology curriculum. Use them to reinforce principles and skills already covered in a lecture or background reading. The case studies can be used in two ways.

 

1. In class: Students read the case study up to the first question. Then they perform calculations, construct graphs, or engage in a discussion of the answer. Sometimes, different students are asked to play different roles in answering the question. After the group has discussed the answer satisfactorily, the students read on to the next question.
2. For homework: Students read the case study and answer the questions. In class the case study and findings are discussed. This requires less class time, but the elements of discovery and of surprise are lost.

The Prevention Effectiveness Activity Office Case Studies

 

• Comparing the Effects of Cholesterol Screening and Treatment Programs (1993)
• Evaluating Programs Designed to Increase the Use of Bicycle Helmets (1993)
• Health Economics: Options for a STD Clinic (1993)
• Mammography for Women 40-49 Years Old and Impact on Breast Cancer Mortality (1993)
• Meta-Analysis of Alcohol and Breast Cancer (1992)

 

 

 

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