Courses in Communicable Disease Investigation and Control 

Oregon local public health officals can self-register on the  DHS/OHA Learning Center and select from a variety of online or classroom-based courses. The Learning Center employs a web-based training tracker and offers courses of interest to CD investigators. 

In consultation with seasoned investigators from Oregon local health departments, ACDP epidemiologists have developed two e-learning courses on communicable disease (CD) investigation and control. They feature the use of Oregon-specific tools like the Investigative Guidelines, the Compendium of Acute Foodborne Diseases, and others available on the ACDP web site.

Introduction to Communicable Disease and Epidemiology – Course #C00337

This course teaches the basics of epidemiology, infectious disease agents and transmission characteristics. Familiarize yourself with Oregon laws regarding reportable diseases and with specific tools for investigating cases. Scenarios take you from the basics of identifying reportable conditions, to public health notification, to prevention of further spread. Course length is approximately 40 minutes.

Target Audience

Primarily local public health CD nurses. This course is also fitting for environmental health specialists and others for whom cross-training in CD control would improve LHD surge capacity. Other public health officials, healthcare professionals and anyone who wants to understand the basics of epidemiology and communicable disease may also find it worthwhile.

Introduction to Outbreak Investigation - Course #C00546

This self-paced e-learning course provides an intermediate level training of how to conduct an outbreak investigation in Oregon. This includes the steps necessary for reporting in Oregon, and the use of specific investigation forms, reports and guidelines to assist in the investigation. Course length is approximately 45 minutes.                                               

Prerequisite: Participants should have a basic familiarity with epidemiology terms and concepts of communicable  disease epidemiology. We recommend that those without epidemiology knowledge first complete the Introduction to Communicable Disease and Epidemiology online module.

Target Audience

Primarily local public health officials who may be called to investigate outbreaks. Other public health officials, healthcare professionals and anyone who wants to understand how outbreaks are investigated may also find it worthwhile.