What is the role of the Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS)?

• A. To develop international health policy
• B. To respond to public health threats that overwhelm local capacity or involve uncommon/dangerous pathogens
• C. To provide routine clinical care during outbreaks
• D. To conduct routine health surveys

Answer: (B)

The Epidemic Intelligence Service is about rapid, on-the-ground epidemiologic response to disease threats. Trained public health professionals are deployed to outbreaks or events where local capacity is overwhelmed or the pathogen is uncommon or high-risk. They conduct field investigations, collect and analyze data, identify sources and transmission routes, and help implement control measures. This focus on rapid assessment and outbreak intervention distinguishes EIS from efforts that shape international health policy, provide routine clinical care, or conduct routine health surveys, which are handled by other parts of the public health system.