Last Updated on Tuesday, 23 February 2010 06:20 Written by Temuulen Monday, 08 February 2010 03:59

Field epidemiology is the application of epidemiologic methods to unexpected health problems when a rapid on-site investigation is necessary for timely intervention (M. Gregg, Field Epidemiology, 2002). Field Epidemiologists are disease detectives; they are invited on-site to study diseases in order to better understand and control them. This "shoe-leather" epidemiology involves helping the investigation team define, find and interview cases, coordinate the collection and analysis of specimens, apply statistical methods to assess factors responsible for illness and recommend control measures.