Introduction
“Breathless in the Midwest” is the CDC Solve the Outbreak scenario chosen for analysis (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, n.d.). This paper examines this case within ten steps in the outbreak investigation and provides the student’s reflections on the course materials. It is possible to gain a better understanding of the outbreak field study procedure, which can be applied both in theory and in practice. Analyzing the scenario helps to gain insight into real cases that may arise. With the right approach, addressing the epidemic in advance may be possible.
Summarizing the Scenario
1-5 Steps
Preparation for fieldwork is the scenario’s first stage; its essence is to review the main aspects of preparation for investigation. In the “Breathless in the Midwest” case, the individuals responsible for the research were identified, and the sick individuals and their families consented to participate. Laboratory testing of the anthrax-causing bacteria and identifying safety concerns regarding the field team were crucial. Analyzing such data led to examining African instruments and drawing more precise conclusions about the causes of anthrax infection in sufferers. Diagnostic confirmation is the study’s second phase, which focuses on confirming assumptions about the spread of a particular viral infection.
The scenario includes interviews with key individuals involved in the investigation: Zeke (a 37-year-old musician), 85 individuals who are not ill but have participated in similar activities as those who are ill or have died, health authorities in Mali, and participants at the workshop (“Solve the outbreak,” n.d.). A clinical examination of the victims was performed, medical records were reviewed, and laboratory test results were obtained (King et al., 2018). Fears were confirmed, and a clear plan for the next steps was implemented to better understand the source of the disease.
The investigation’s third step involves determining whether an outbreak exists by screening out false information. In the “Breathless in the Midwest” case, a clear time frame was evident, indicating the high number of people complaining of malaise: 2 days (“Solve the outbreak,” n.d.). Some uncomplicated calculations were made to consider potential problems and limitations (King et al., 2018). The outbreak was detected relatively soon, thereby avoiding many health risks to citizens.
The purpose of step four is to identify and count cases. The scenario clearly defined the number of casualties (15 people) and the main symptoms of malaise: high fever, fatigue, coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing (“Solve the outbreak,” n.d.). Step five aims to tabulate and orient the data regarding time, place, and person. The anthrax outbreak occurred in Chicago and Milwaukee after people attended musical performances at the Chicago Concert Hall.
6-10 Steps
The sixth stage of the investigation involves considering control measures that can be implemented immediately. Control measures include a category of interventions that target the source of the infectious disease (prevention and treatment of animals) (King et al., 2018). In step seven, it is vital to develop and test hypotheses about the causative agent, source, or reservoir of the pathogen (King et al., 2018). The scenario obtained descriptive epidemiologic data and information through interviews of survivors (“Solve the outbreak,” n.d.). In the eighth stage, research is usually planned to improve data quality. The case study carefully checked respondents’ answers and the attack rate.
Step nine involves implementing and assessing control and prevention efforts. This phase primarily involves developing a targeted strategy to prevent the spread of further diseases. The “Breathless in the Midwest” scenario included a science-based recommendation to vaccinate farm animals annually in areas with a history of anthrax (“Solve the outbreak,” n.d.). Assessments should be implemented concurrently with control measures to mitigate the outbreak (King et al., 2018).
In step ten, informing the public of the investigation’s findings and the actions and decisions taken to contain the outbreak is essential. The study found that the epidemic’s primary source is unprocessed drums and goat hides from Mali (“Solve the outbreak,” n.d.). The threat’s cause is known; at this stage, it is crucial to take preventive measures (workshop participants received antibiotics) and monitor the outbreak until it can be declared over.
The Concept
The “Breathless in the Midwest” scenario explored the concept of attack rate. It was observed that patients in contact with anthrax attended musical events at the Chicago Concert Hall, where Zeke held his music seminar (“Solve the outbreak,” n.d.). Consequently, to obtain this information, each victim’s activity over the two weeks has been accounted for and recalculated using the “attack rate,” which is the proportion of an at-risk population.
Use of Knowledge
The student applied the knowledge gained in this course to provide comprehensive information about an outbreak investigation and process large datasets. Data processing techniques such as filtering, categorization, and analysis helped me to highlight the most relevant facts. The student studied symptoms, risk factors, and potential sources of infection. The course developed analytical and critical thinking skills, which help examine and evaluate data obtained, identify connections, and create logical chains of evidence.
Methods
Systematic data collection is the method the student applied to understand the epidemic environment. The student reviewed symptoms, scrutinized laboratory results, and scrutinized people’s responses who showed signs of illness. Another helpful method was data analysis; the student carefully examined all the collected evidence to identify common patterns and potential sources of infection, as well as critical factors contributing to the disease’s spread. These methods enabled me to obtain a comprehensive understanding of what was happening.
Conclusion
The student completed the “Breathless in the Midwest” scenario and evaluated it in terms of the ten steps in the outbreak investigation that serve as the basis for obtaining more accurate data on the source of the outbreak of infection and taking clear actions to contain and eradicate it. The student reflected on the essence and content of the course materials. The knowledge gained can be applied in analyzing real cases, conducting fundamental research, and clarifying sources of disease.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Breathless in the Midwest [Outbreak scenario in Solve the Outbreak]. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Breathlessinthemidwest (CDC)
King, M. E., Bensyl, D. M., Goodman, R. A., & Rasmussen, S. A. (2018). Conducting a field investigation. CDC.
