Assignment – 6

Instructions:

Epidemiologists have widely recognized and reported the
occurrence of infectious disease outbreaks associated with
recreational water contact. In the 1991 article “Shigellosis from
swimming in a park pond in Michigan,” Joel Blostein discusses the
epidemiologic investigation of an infectious disease outbreak.
Please read the article and answer the following questions. The
article can be accessed at:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1580235/pdf/pubhealthrep00190-0095.pdf

Describe the infectious agent in terms of its microbial
classification and incubation period.

The investigator identifies several potential sources of
infection in this outbreak. Are there any other potential sources
of infection not identified in this study?

The investigator utilizes a case-control study design to assess
infection and identify possible sources of infection. Could you use
a different study design to assess infection and identify possible
sources of infection? Describe how you would carry out an outbreak
investigation using that study design.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of questioning
individuals not affected by the outbreak?

What problems can you identify in this study design? How could
you correct those problems?

Given the likely sources of infection in this outbreak, what
protective public health measures would you recommend?

Please make sure that you answer each part of the question,
using complete sentences, proper spelling, and correct grammar.
Make sure your answers are thorough––yet concise––and that you
support your responses with at least two appropriately cited
references. Wikipedia is not an acceptable reference.

References

Blostein, J. (1991). Shigellosis from swimming in a park pond in
Michigan. Public Health Rep., 106, 317-322.