New computer-based case study teaches outbreak investigation skills.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), agency of the U.S. Public Health Service since 1973, with headquarters in Atlanta; it was established in 1946 as the Communicable Disease Center. (CDC See Control Data, century date change and Back Orifice. CDC - Control Data Corporation ) has released a computer-based case study, "E. coli E. coli: see Escherichia coli. E. coli in full Escherichia coli Species of bacterium that inhabits the stomach and intestines. E. coli can be transmitted by water, milk, food, or flies and other insects. O157:H7 Infection in Michigan." Based on a real-life outbreak investigation, this self-instructional, interactive exercise teaches public health practitioners epidemiologic skills in outbreak investigation and allows them to apply and practice those skills. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Students work through the E. coli O157:H7 investigation from beginning to end. They see photographs from and details of the outbreak, answer questions, help make decisions about the investigation, and see the end results. In addition, they can access a variety of tools, including reference materials, Web sites, and special lessons that provide more instruction in epidemiology and foodborne diseases. "E. coli O157:H7 Infection in Michigan" is the second in the Foodborne Disease Outbreak Investigation Case Study Series. The first is "Botulism botulism (bŏch`əlĭz'əm), acute poisoning resulting from ingestion of food containing toxins produced by the bacillus Clostridium botulinum. in Argentina," released in 2002. Created for students with knowledge of basic epidemiologic and public health concepts, these case studies have advantages over traditional classroom training and some distance-learning formats in that students * can complete the case study when it is convenient and at their own pace, * do not need an instructor or special meeting place, * can select which learning activities to undertake and can focus on areas in which they are deficient or on areas that are most relevant to their job activities, and * must process information, not simply regurgitate re·gur·gi·tate v. 1. To rush or surge back. 2. To cause to pour back, especially to cast up partially digested food. re·gur facts and formulas. Both "E. coli O157:H7 Infection in Michigan" and "Botulism in Argentina" can be downloaded for free or purchased on CD-ROM CD-ROM: see compact disc. CD-ROM in full compact disc read-only memory Type of computer storage medium that is read optically (e.g., by a laser). through the Public Health Training Network (PHTN PHTN Public Health Training Network PHTN Pulmonary Hypertension , Newborn ) Case Studies Web site at www.phppo.cdc.gov/phtn/casestudies. Students can receive continuing-education credits for completing each case study and have fun while they do it! |
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