Learning content last updated: September 2026
Module 26: Introduction to Outbreak Disease Surveillance
Overview
The goal of this module is to educate front-line healthcare workers on their role in epidemiologic surveillance of emerging or re-emerging infectious diseases. This course should enable healthcare workers to identify and notify the wider public health system of potential threats from emerging infectious disease outbreaks.
What You'll Learn
- Appreciate how epidemiology fits into public health practice
- Understand the role of outbreak disease surveillance in improving public health
- Identify early warning indicators of a potential outbreak by recognizing patterns, unusual trends and case presentations
- Know how to report a potential outbreak in your context
Module Materials
Learner Materials
Facilitator Materials
How to Use the Materials
Time to complete: Approximately 120 minutes
- Designed for facilitated, interprofessional group workshops (participants from different roles such as nurses, clinicians, pharmacists, clinic staff, community health workers learning together)
- Can also be used for independent learning
- Focus discussion on topics relevant to your local context
- Adapt activities based on your setting, available time, and participant needs