Principles of Biomedical Technology (Principles of Biomedical Science)
Outbreak line list
Outbreak line list
Unit 3: Unit 3.1 Outbreak EvidencePBS 3.1Biotechnology Research and Experiments
Build A Line List
Use infection evidence to build a line list step by step.
Builds on (2 levels back)inferred · high confidence
- Transmission basics: Outbreak work depends on agent, host, route, time, and place.
- Case definition: Students need a rule for who counts as a case before counting cases.
Prerequisites are inferred: pending teacher review.
Re-learn the skill with worked practice and clear examples.
Use infection evidence to build a line list step by step.
Step 1: Learn the key
Track the [blank], route of transmission, time pattern, and exposed [blank] before making an outbreak claim.
| Case | Symptom | Onset | Exposure |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | cramps | Tue 8 PM | cafeteria |
| B | cramps | Tue 9 PM | cafeteria |
| C | none | -- | no cafeteria |
Step 2: Use the model
Read the figure, table, control, range, or protocol before choosing an answer.
Step 3: Name the limit
Say what the evidence can support and what it cannot prove yet.
Practice
Use the infection figure/table. Which evidence best supports a shared-source outbreak?
Reviewed| Case | Symptom | Onset | Exposure |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | cramps | Tue 8 PM | cafeteria |
| B | cramps | Tue 9 PM | cafeteria |
| C | none | -- | no cafeteria |
- A.Several cases share the same exposure and close onset times
- B.One person feels tired with no exposure data
- C.A graph has bright colors
- D.No cases meet the definition
Show the worked solution ▾
Answer: A. Several cases share the same exposure and close onset times
- Step 1: Find shared exposure: A shared source means cases have a common exposure.
- Step 2: Check timing: Close onset times strengthen the pattern.
Why it's right: Shared exposure plus close timing supports a shared-source outbreak.
Why the others miss:
- B: One vague symptom is weak.
- C: Colors are not epidemiologic evidence.
- D: No cases means no outbreak pattern.
Aligned to Biotechnology Research and Experiments · reading level ~grade 9
Where you'd see this
- In Unit 3.1 Outbreak Evidence, this skill turns class evidence into a result another person can check.
Video library
Watch: Build A Line List
CDC NERD Academy Student Quick Learn: How is an outbreak investigated?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) · 6 min
Guided notes
Fill these in as you work through the lesson.
Big idea: Use infection evidence to build a line list step by step.
Key terms: write the meaning
- Pathogen (disease-causing agent):
- Transmission (how a pathogen spreads):
- Reservoir (where pathogen lives):
- Case (person who fits outbreak definition):
The rule
Track the , route of transmission, time pattern, and exposed before making an outbreak claim.
Check yourself
- Who fits the case definition?
- What exposure do cases share?
- What timing pattern appears?
Work one example
Use the infection diagram or line list to practice build a line list.