CDC Disease Detective
Directions: This activity is a game of “Solve the Outbreak.” It gives you an idea of what epidemiology is like and what types of information and data epidemiologists need to gather. This homework assignment is for credit, but your score is not associated with a grade (in other words, if you receive a low score, it has no impact on your grade). You are not expected to know how to investigate outbreaks, but rather, this is a fun way for you to gain a deeper understanding of what ‘disease detectives’ (epidemiologists) do.
• Go to the following website link: https://www.cdc.gov/mobile/applications/sto/web-app.html
• Choose “Level One”
• Select one of the 12 possible game scenarios (ie., “Breathless in the Midwest,” “The Queens Killer,” “Hiding in Plain Sight,” etc.)
• Once you have selected your scenario, enter the scenario and click, “I Accept this Mission”
• Each scenario will then have an overview of various aspects of the outbreak. Be sure that you are reading each clue, reading the notes, accompanying definitions, data, health tips and other accompanying information. Answer each of the questions that are posed to you below each clue. Following that, a summary of several components of the outbreak will be provided for each scenario. Be sure that you are reading each clue, reading the notes, accompanying definitions, data, health tips and other accompanying information. Give your responses to each of the inquiries that are posed to you underneath each clue.
Answer the questions below:
1) Which scenario did you choose?
2) Give a brief overview of the situation (in your own words—do not copy and paste from the website).
3) What was your overall score (and total possible score)?
4) What was the most difficult aspect of this game?
5) What was the most enjoyable aspect of this game?
6) What type of data and information did you need to gather as an epidemiologist throughout the scenario? Give at least three.
