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Dr. Megan Weil Latshaw, PhD
and
Dr. Ellen Silbergeld
Do a lot of people in your neighborhood all seem to have the same sickness? Are people concerned about high rates of cancer? Your community may want to explore the possibility of a disease cluster, which happens when there is a higher number of cases of disease than expected.
Read more
Do a lot of people in your neighborhood all seem to have the same sickness? Are people concerned about high rates of cancer? Your community may want to explore the possibility of a disease cluster, which happens when there is a higher number of cases of disease than expected.
Read more
Do a lot of people in your neighborhood all seem to have the same sickness? Are people concerned about high rates of cancer? Your community may want to explore the possibility of a disease cluster, which happens when there is a higher number of cases of disease than expected.
When communities hear about cases of disease in their neighborhood, they are rightfully concerned. However, the results of investigations by the health department often find no evidence of a cluster.
This course will help you understand what a disease cluster is and how it is studied. The goal is to empower community (or citizen) scientists, and to help build better relationships between communities and health officials.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/vzogch/disease
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What's inside
Syllabus
Introduction and What is Disease?
Welcome! We're excited to lay out the rationale behind this course and begin to talk about disease and it's study.
Read more
Syllabus
Introduction and What is Disease?
Welcome! We're excited to lay out the rationale behind this course and begin to talk about disease and it's study.
Read more
How is Disease Studied
Now we dive into the study of disease, looking at how we can break things down by place and over time. . . with a special focus on unusual disease events. The five question quiz asks about what we've covered up to that point.
Approaches to Possible Clusters
How do people working in health departments handle disease cluster investigations? Who else is involved? Module 3 starts off with some videos and a discussion. We look forward to engaging with you! At the end of the module, a quiz asks about material covered since your last quiz.
Why Are These Investigations Often Unsuccessful? (Suzanne Condon)
As we've mentioned, the tools available to public health often don't lead to the answers for which a community hoped. This module covers some of the reasons for that. Your final quiz asks about material presented in Module 4.
What can community members do?
Around the world, many communities grapple with disease clusters every day. Hear from an organization in the US working with those communities to help answer their questions. Your final assignment asks to you bring together everything you've learned to develop a plan for how you will (or would) handle a disease cluster investigation. We hope to see lots of innovative ideas!
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Examines disease clusters, which provides a foundation for analyzing unusual disease events
Teaches methods used in public health departments to investigate disease clusters, empowering community members
Presents real-world examples and case studies, ensuring relevance to practical situations
Discusses challenges and limitations in disease cluster investigations, providing a well-rounded perspective
Taught by experts in disease investigation and community engagement, ensuring credibility and expertise
Save this course
Save Disease Clusters to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Reviews summary
Well-received disease cluster course
Learners say that Disease Clusters is a well-received course. They describe the course as engaging and informative and appreciate the case studies embedded in the course. Some learners found the course challenging, but they also felt it gave them new knowledge and skills. Overall, learners say that this course is a valuable addition to their studies or careers in public health.
Instructors are knowledgeable and professional.
"Loaded with experts and professionally produced videos."
"The course instructors were excellent. "
"I really enjoyed the explanation and examples. I really loved the field of Public Health and this was one of the better courses I have taken. "
Learners gain valuable knowledge in disease cluster investigation.
"This course is really challenging for me, and it really gave me a new knowledge about public health which in this case are disease clusters."
"I learned a lot of various terms and techniques that may help me in my career within this field.."
"The course is beneficial to those who want to get acquainted with disease clusters definitions and investigation mechanisms and study case examples, really very helpful."
Course includes engaging lectures, readings, and case studies.
"Very information, engaging, and educational!"
"Great learning experience .Content of course is crisp and clean and helps you gain confidence over skills you learn"
"It was great learning the fundamentals of disease cluster investigation and I really enjoyed the case studies."
Some learners found the course content to be repetitive at times.
"The course overall is good, but the fact that uses peer reviews make it unfair."
"The course has some repetition, but overall it is a good course."
Peer review process can be challenging and unfair.
"The course overall is good, but the fact that uses peer reviews make it unfair."
"First because not everybody is at the same level of preparation, second because not everybody is making the same effort, so you are submitted to the opinion of someone that maybe is not taking the course serious, so the reviews can be unfair and frustrating."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Disease Clusters with these
activities:
Review your notes from previous courses in statistics and epidemiology
Show steps
Reviewing this material will ensure that your foundational knowledge in statistics and epidemiology is strong, which will aid your understanding of cluster disease studies, analysis, and interpretation.
Browse courses on
Statistics
Show steps
-
Go over your old textbooks or notes from previous statistics and epidemiology courses
-
Take a practice quiz to test your knowledge
Attend a community workshop on disease clusters
Show steps
Attending a workshop will provide you with a holistic learning experience by providing additional information and reinforcement of concepts discussed during the course.
Show steps
-
Find a community workshop on disease clusters in your area
-
Register for the workshop
-
Attend the workshop
-
Take notes during the workshop
-
Summarize key points for review later
Attend a disease cluster conference
Show steps
Conferences offer a gateway to connect with experts in the field, learn about the latest research, and engage in discussions about cutting-edge cluster disease research and practices.
Browse courses on
Epidemiology
Show steps
-
Find a disease cluster conference that aligns with your interests
-
Register for the conference
-
Attend the conference
-
Network with other attendees
-
Attend workshops and presentations
Two other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all five activities
Write a blog post about disease clusters
Show steps
Writing a blog post about the material you're studying can help you connect, remember, and solidify your understanding of key concepts of disease cluster investigations.
Browse courses on
Community Health
Show steps
-
Choose a specific topic related to disease clusters
-
Research your topic thoroughly
-
Write an outline for your blog post
-
Write the first draft of your blog post
-
Edit and proofread your blog post
-
Publish your blog post
Volunteer with a local health department or community health center
Show steps
Volunteering will allow you to observe and participate in real-world disease cluster investigations, providing invaluable hands-on experience and insights.
Browse courses on
Community Health
Show steps
-
Find a local health department or community health center that accepts volunteers
-
Apply to volunteer
-
Complete any required training
-
Volunteer your time
Review your notes from previous courses in statistics and epidemiology
Show steps
Reviewing this material will ensure that your foundational knowledge in statistics and epidemiology is strong, which will aid your understanding of cluster disease studies, analysis, and interpretation.
Browse courses on
Statistics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Go over your old textbooks or notes from previous statistics and epidemiology courses
- Take a practice quiz to test your knowledge
Attend a community workshop on disease clusters
Show steps
Attending a workshop will provide you with a holistic learning experience by providing additional information and reinforcement of concepts discussed during the course.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a community workshop on disease clusters in your area
- Register for the workshop
- Attend the workshop
- Take notes during the workshop
- Summarize key points for review later
Attend a disease cluster conference
Show steps
Conferences offer a gateway to connect with experts in the field, learn about the latest research, and engage in discussions about cutting-edge cluster disease research and practices.
Browse courses on
Epidemiology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a disease cluster conference that aligns with your interests
- Register for the conference
- Attend the conference
- Network with other attendees
- Attend workshops and presentations
Two other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all five activities
Write a blog post about disease clusters
Show steps
Writing a blog post about the material you're studying can help you connect, remember, and solidify your understanding of key concepts of disease cluster investigations.
Browse courses on
Community Health
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a specific topic related to disease clusters
- Research your topic thoroughly
- Write an outline for your blog post
- Write the first draft of your blog post
- Edit and proofread your blog post
- Publish your blog post
Volunteer with a local health department or community health center
Show steps
Volunteering will allow you to observe and participate in real-world disease cluster investigations, providing invaluable hands-on experience and insights.
Browse courses on
Community Health
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a local health department or community health center that accepts volunteers
- Apply to volunteer
- Complete any required training
- Volunteer your time
Career center
Learners who complete Disease Clusters will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists study the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations. They investigate disease outbreaks, conduct research to identify risk factors for disease, and develop and evaluate public health programs to prevent and control disease. A course on disease clusters would be helpful for Epidemiologists because it would provide them with the knowledge and skills needed to investigate and respond to disease clusters. This course would also help Epidemiologists to understand the different factors that can contribute to disease clusters, and how to work with communities to reduce their risk of exposure to environmental hazards.
Registered Environmental Health Specialist
Registered Environmental Health Specialist
Registered Environmental Health Specialists (REHSs) work to protect public health by identifying and controlling environmental hazards. They work with businesses, governments, and communities to develop and implement environmental health programs, and conduct inspections to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. A course on disease clusters would be helpful for REHSs because it would provide them with the knowledge and skills needed to identify and investigate disease clusters. This course would also help REHSs to understand the different factors that can contribute to disease clusters, and how to work with communities to reduce their risk of exposure to environmental hazards.
Research Scientist
Research Scientist
Research Scientists conduct research to study the causes and treatments of diseases. They may work in a variety of fields, including medicine, public health, and environmental science. A course on disease clusters would be helpful for Research Scientists because it would provide them with the knowledge and skills needed to investigate and research disease clusters. This course would also help Research Scientists to understand the different factors that can contribute to disease clusters, and how to develop strategies to prevent and control disease outbreaks.
Environmental Health Scientist
Environmental Health Scientist
Environmental Health Scientists study the relationship between environmental factors and human health. They work to identify and assess environmental hazards, and develop solutions to protect human health from these hazards. A course on disease clusters would be helpful for Environmental Health Scientists because it would provide them with the knowledge and skills needed to investigate and respond to disease clusters. This course would also help Environmental Health Scientists to understand the different factors that can contribute to disease clusters, and how to work with communities to reduce their risk of exposure to environmental hazards.
Public Health Nurse
Public Health Nurse
Public Health Nurses work to promote health and prevent disease in communities. They conduct health assessments, provide health education, and work with communities to develop and implement health promotion programs. A course on disease clusters would be helpful for Public Health Nurses because it would provide them with the knowledge and skills needed to identify and investigate disease clusters. This course would also help Public Health Nurses to understand the different factors that can contribute to disease clusters, and how to work with communities to reduce their risk of exposure to environmental hazards.
Toxicologist
Toxicologist
Toxicologists study the effects of toxic substances on human health and the environment. They work to identify and assess the risks of exposure to toxic substances, and develop strategies to protect human health from these risks. A course on disease clusters would be helpful for Toxicologists because it would provide them with the knowledge and skills needed to investigate and assess the risks of disease clusters. This course would also help Toxicologists to understand the different factors that can contribute to disease clusters, and how to develop strategies to prevent and control disease outbreaks.
Industrial Hygienist
Industrial Hygienist
Industrial Hygienists identify, evaluate, and control workplace hazards that may cause illness or injury to workers. They work with employers to develop and implement safety and health programs, and conduct training for workers on how to protect themselves from workplace hazards. A course on disease clusters would be helpful for Industrial Hygienists because it would provide them with the knowledge and skills needed to identify and investigate disease clusters in the workplace. This course would also help Industrial Hygienists to understand the different factors that can contribute to disease clusters, and how to work with employers to reduce workers' risk of exposure to hazardous substances.
Sanitarian
Sanitarian
Sanitarians work to protect public health by ensuring that食品and other products are safe and free from contamination. They inspect food establishments, water supplies, and other potential sources of contamination, and enforce public health regulations. A course on disease clusters would be helpful for Sanitarians because it would provide them with the knowledge and skills needed to identify and investigate disease clusters. This course would also help Sanitarians to understand the different factors that can contribute to disease clusters, and how to work with communities to reduce their risk of exposure to environmental hazards.
Nurse
Nurse
Nurses provide care to patients, and work to prevent and treat disease. They assess patients' health conditions, administer medications and treatments, and provide education to patients and their families. A course on disease clusters would be helpful for Nurses because it would provide them with the knowledge and skills needed to identify and investigate disease clusters. This course would also help Nurses to understand the different factors that can contribute to disease clusters, and how to work with communities to reduce their risk of exposure to environmental hazards.
Health Educator
Health Educator
Health Educators work to promote health and prevent disease by educating individuals, families, and communities about health issues. They develop and implement health education programs, and work with individuals and groups to help them make healthy choices. A course on disease clusters would be helpful for Health Educators because it would provide them with the knowledge and skills needed to educate communities about disease clusters. This course would also help Health Educators to understand the different factors that can contribute to disease clusters, and how to work with communities to reduce their risk of exposure to environmental hazards.
Community Health Worker
Community Health Worker
Community Health Workers (CHWs) serve as a liaison between health care systems and the communities they serve. They help to promote health and prevent disease by working with individuals, families, and communities to improve their health literacy and access to care. A course on disease clusters would be helpful for CHWs because it would provide them with the knowledge and skills needed to identify and investigate possible disease clusters in their communities. This course would also help CHWs to understand the different factors that can contribute to disease clusters, and how to work with communities to reduce their risk of exposure to environmental hazards.
Medical Doctor
Medical Doctor
Medical Doctors provide medical care to patients, and work to prevent and treat disease. They diagnose and treat diseases, and prescribe medications and other treatments. A course on disease clusters would be helpful for Medical Doctors because it would provide them with the knowledge and skills needed to identify and investigate disease clusters. This course would also help Medical Doctors to understand the different factors that can contribute to disease clusters, and how to work with communities to reduce their risk of exposure to environmental hazards.
Veterinarian
Veterinarian
Veterinarians provide medical care to animals, and work to prevent and treat animal diseases. They diagnose and treat diseases, and prescribe medications and other treatments. A course on disease clusters would be helpful for Veterinarians because it would provide them with the knowledge and skills needed to identify and investigate disease clusters in animals. This course would also help Veterinarians to understand the different factors that can contribute to disease clusters, and how to work with communities to reduce the risk of animal-to-human transmission of disease.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/vzogch/disease
Reading list
We've selected nine books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Disease Clusters.
Cluster Investigation Techniques provides guidance on how to investigate disease clusters in a variety of settings.
Save
Epidemiology provides an overview of the science of epidemiology and the methods used to study the occurrence of diseases in human populations.
Investigating Clusters of Health Events guide for investigating disease clusters in low-resource settings.
Environmental Epidemiology complements topics in the course by providing a comprehensive introduction to the study of environmental causes of diseases in humans.
Covers methods for clustering data and finding their natural groupings. It is useful for anyone interested in learning about the techniques used to identify disease clusters.
This journal publishes research on the relationship between environmental factors and human health. It useful resource for staying up-to-date on the latest research in this field.
Measuring Environmental Health Risks and Impacts provides a detailed overview of the methods used to measure environmental health risks and impacts.
Save
Statistical Methods in Epidemiology provides a comprehensive overview of the statistical methods used in epidemiology.
This journal publishes research on a wide range of topics related to environmental health, including air and water pollution, climate change, and hazardous waste management.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/vzogch/disease
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Effort
5 weeks of study, 3 hours per week
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Johns Hopkins University
Instructors
Dr. Megan Weil Latshaw, PhD
Dr. Ellen Silbergeld
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
Français
Português
Deutsch
Italiano
中文
العربية
한국어
日本語
हिंदी
Nederlands
Svenska
Pусский
Türkçe
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Good to know
Examines disease clusters, which provides a foundation for analyzing unusual disease events
Teaches methods used in public health departments to investigate disease clusters, empowering community members
Presents real-world examples and case studies, ensuring relevance to practical situations
Discusses challenges and limitations in disease cluster investigations, providing a well-rounded perspective
Taught by experts in disease investigation and community engagement, ensuring credibility and expertise
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