Epidemiologist how-to

How to Investigate a Foodborne Outbreak

Fast work stops more illness.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Fast work stops more illness. In short: confirm; write; find, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Confirm the outbreak.

  2. Write a case definition.

  3. Find cases.

  4. Interview cases.

  5. Build an epi curve.

  6. Find the source.

Safety reminders for epidemiologists

  • Protect patient privacy
  • Use PPE in field work
  • Follow lab biosafety
  • Follow reporting laws

Incidence · Prevalence · Outbreak · Case definition · Surveillance · Risk factor: see the full epidemiologist glossary.

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