Disease Clusters

Clive E Sabel

Research output: A Conference proceeding or a Chapter in BookChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Disease cluster studies are at times a controversial, but nevertheless critical, part of quantitative spatial epidemiology. They investigate unusual occurrences of cases, either spatially or spatial-temporally. Often arising from media alerts, investigations are frequently complicated by incomplete case data, methodological shortcomings, and complex statistical analyses. A large number of disease cluster packages or tools are now available to support analyses. Both infectious and non-infectious diseases can be examined, with the aim to provide clues as to the causation or source of the outbreak. Cluster studies are often seen as a form of pre-epidemiology, generating hypotheses worthy of follow-up.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationEncyclopedia of Health, Illness, Behavior, and Society
EditorsWilliam Cockerham, Robert Dingwall, Stella Quah
PublisherWiley-Blackwell
Edition1
ISBN (Electronic)9781118410868
ISBN (Print)9781444330762
Publication statusPublished - 6 Jan 2014

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