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 language | English |
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Title of host publication | The Wiley Blackwell Encyclopedia of Health, Illness, Behavior, and Society |
Editors | William C Cockerham, Robert Dingwall, Stella Quah |
Publisher | Wiley-Hindawi |
Pages | 405-411 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9781118410868 |
ISBN (Print) | 9781444330762 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 21 Feb 2014 |