This is a beginner case study based on a local outbreak at a polka dance festival.
Learning Objectives
- Explain what constitutes a foodborne illness outbreak.
- Describe the steps in a foodborne illness outbreak investigation.
- List different outbreak investigation team members and their roles and responsibilities.
- Establish and apply an outbreak case definition.
- Describe outbreak-associated cases by time, person, and place.
- Create and interpret an epidemic curve.
- Describe the types of epidemiological studies used during an outbreak investigation.
- Calculate and interpret measures of association.
- Describe the purpose of conducting an environmental assessment.
- Define and give examples of contributing factors.
- Explain how to summarize and share outbreak investigation findings.
Format & Time Commitment
This case study is designed to be discussed in-person or via bi-directional video with a small
group (up to 15 participants) led by an instructor or facilitator with experience investigating
foodborne outbreaks. We recommend allowing 2 hours to complete the case study.
Required materials may include pens, paper, a whiteboard, and calculators. Some activities
would benefit from having internet access.
Prerequisites & Audience
No prerequisites. Appropriate audiences: public health students, new outbreak investigators, or public health staff needing a skill review.