Epidemic Intelligence Service

Epidemic Intelligence Service

Logo of the Epidemic Intelligence Service

The Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) is a program of the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is a two-year, postgraduate training program in epidemiology, with a focus on field epidemiology. The EIS was established in 1951, primarily to address the threat of biological warfare and to respond to epidemics and other public health emergencies.

History

The EIS was founded by Dr. Alexander Langmuir, who was the chief epidemiologist at the CDC. The program was created in response to the Korean War and the perceived threat of bioterrorism. Over the years, the EIS has evolved to address a wide range of public health issues, including infectious diseases, chronic diseases, environmental health, and injury prevention.

Training and Activities

EIS officers, often referred to as "disease detectives," are trained to investigate outbreaks of disease, conduct research, and implement public health interventions. The training includes both classroom instruction and field assignments. EIS officers are deployed to various locations, both domestically and internationally, to respond to public health emergencies.

Field Assignments

During their field assignments, EIS officers work on the front lines of public health, investigating outbreaks of diseases such as influenza, Ebola virus disease, and Zika virus. They collect and analyze data, develop strategies to control the spread of disease, and communicate their findings to public health officials and the public.

Classroom Instruction

In addition to fieldwork, EIS officers receive classroom instruction in epidemiology, biostatistics, public health surveillance, and communication. This training equips them with the skills needed to effectively respond to public health threats.

Impact

The EIS has played a critical role in responding to numerous public health emergencies, including the H1N1 influenza pandemic, the West African Ebola outbreak, and the COVID-19 pandemic. EIS officers have been instrumental in identifying the sources of outbreaks, implementing control measures, and preventing the spread of disease.

Related Pages

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Epidemiology
• Public health
• Infectious disease