An epidemiologist studies how diseases are prevented or transmitted. They are like disease detectives, searching for the source, how it is transmitted, whom it is affecting, and how to prevent it from spreading. Epidemiologist may study chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, or they may investigate isolated outbreaks such as food poisoning, sexually transmitted diseases, the West Nile Virus.

Responsibilities Often Include:
• Interviewing people with the relevant diseases
• Conducting experiments in laboratories
• Analyzing data
• Identifying trends
• Studying diseases
• Investigating causes of outbreaks
• Evaluating patient history
• Reporting to local, state and federal officials
• Educating

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