Understanding Disease Clusters: Public Health Investigations
Learn to analyze and investigate disease clusters in communities. Explore epidemiological methods and case studies.
Learn to analyze and investigate disease clusters in communities. Explore epidemiological methods and case studies.
This course on Disease Clusters provides a comprehensive introduction to the study and investigation of unusual patterns of disease occurrence in communities. Designed for both community members and aspiring public health professionals, it covers the fundamentals of disease cluster identification, investigation methods, and the challenges associated with these studies. Through a series of engaging modules, learners will explore real-world case studies, understand the roles of various stakeholders in cluster investigations, and gain insights into the complexities of establishing causal relationships in public health. The course emphasizes the importance of scientific rigor while also addressing the concerns and expectations of affected communities. By the end, participants will have a solid foundation in the principles of disease cluster analysis, equipping them with valuable knowledge for community advocacy or professional development in public health.
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What you'll learn
Explain how disease is studied and what constitutes a disease cluster
Describe the process and parameters of a disease cluster investigation
Assess the temporal and spatial aspects of disease cluster analysis
Explain challenges in studying disease clusters and interpreting results
Understand the roles of different stakeholders in cluster investigations
Analyze real-world case studies of disease clusters and their outcomes
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
168 Minutes PreRecorded video
3 assignments
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FullTime access
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There are 5 modules in this course
This course provides a comprehensive overview of disease clusters and their investigation in public health. Learners will explore the definition and identification of disease clusters, methods for studying disease patterns, and the challenges associated with cluster investigations. The curriculum covers key concepts in epidemiology, statistical analysis, and environmental health, with a focus on real-world case studies. Participants will learn about the roles of various stakeholders in cluster investigations, including health departments, researchers, and community members. The course emphasizes the importance of understanding both the scientific process and community concerns in addressing potential disease clusters. By the end of the course, students will have a solid foundation in the principles of disease cluster analysis and the complexities involved in public health investigations.
Introduction and What is Disease?
Module 1 · 1 Hours to complete
How is Disease Studied
Module 2 · 1 Hours to complete
Approaches to Possible Clusters
Module 3 · 2 Hours to complete
Why Are These Investigations Often Unsuccessful? (Suzanne Condon)
Module 4 · 44 Minutes to complete
What can community members do?
Module 5 · 1 Hours to complete
Fee Structure
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Instructors
Champion of Environmental Health Education and Policy
Dr. Megan Latshaw, PhD, MHS, is the Director of the MHS and ScM master's programs at Johns Hopkins University and co-Course Director for Environment & Your Health. She recently completed her term as Chair of the American Public Health Association's Environment Section and is now Chair-Elect of the Intersectional Council. Previously, she led the Environmental Health Programs at the Association of Public Health Laboratories, establishing the National Biomonitoring Network for environmental health surveillance, and served as Senior Director for Environmental Health Policy at the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. Dr. Latshaw holds a doctorate in Environmental and Occupational Health, a Master’s in Environmental Health Sciences, a Certificate in Risk Sciences and Public Policy, and a Bachelor’s in Biology from Johns Hopkins. She has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and presented at many national conferences.
Professor at Johns Hopkins University
Trained at Johns Hopkins University in geography and environmental engineering (PhD, '72) and Environmental Health Sciences (postdoctoral fellow, '72–75), I have built a career bridging science and public policy, focusing on integrating toxicological and epidemiological research into environmental and occupational health policy. My roles have included NIH staff fellowship, senior scientist at Environmental Defense, and professorship at the University of Maryland Medical School, as well as advisory positions with organizations like NTP-NIH, CDC, EPA, WHO, and PAHO. My current research emphasizes cardiovascular risks from arsenic, lead, and cadmium; mercury immunotoxicity; and the health impacts of industrial food animal production, exploring gene-environment interactions and antibiotic-resistant pathogens. My work spans international studies, including mercury research in the Amazon, heavy metal exposure in Mexico, mining impacts in Mongolia, and zoonotic diseases in Thailand and the Netherlands. In 2016, I was appointed Special Consultant to the WHO Food Safety Programme.
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4.7 course rating
312 ratings
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