Field Epidemiology

Field epidemiology involves the application of epidemiologic methods to unexpected health problems when a rapid, on-site investigation is necessary for timely intervention. Based on decades of experience investigation epidemics of both infectious and non-infectious diseases by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this book describes in simple and practical terms the distinct approach, tasks and actions needed for successful epidemiologic field investigations. For the first time in a single text, guidance is given on such issues as how to perform surveillance, manage and execute the investigation of an epidemic in the field, collect and analyze data, perform surveys and sampling, adapt a personal computer for field use, and communicate the findings. Further information and advice are provided in such areas as responding to interviews by the news media, carrying out investigations in hospitals, day-care and international settings, and the legal aspects of field studies. Finally, an entire chapter is devoted to the proper collection and handling of both infectious and non-infectious agents in the field, including current laboratory testing, procedures for most infectious agents. This textbook gives public health professionals and students of epidemiology a ready, practical, and complete reference to use in virtually any field investigation setting.