This week, public health professionals from across the United States and beyond are gathering in Atlanta for the annual Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) Conference, hosted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The event brings together disease detectives—CDC’s frontline epidemiologists trained to investigate outbreaks and public health threats—to share findings, discuss emerging challenges, and strengthen global preparedness. As infectious disease risks continue to evolve in an interconnected world, the conference serves as a critical platform for collaboration, innovation, and the application of science to real-world health emergencies.
The EIS program, often referred to as CDC’s “disease detective” training initiative, has been preparing physicians, veterinarians, scientists, and other health professionals for outbreak response since 1951. Officers in the two-year fellowship program are deployed domestically and internationally to investigate everything from foodborne illnesses and respiratory infections to antimicrobial resistance and environmental health hazards. Their work frequently informs public health policy, guides emergency responses, and contributes to scientific understanding of disease transmission patterns. This year’s conference highlights both the enduring relevance of field epidemiology and the growing complexity of modern public health threats.
According to the CDC’s official announcement, the 2026 EIS Conference is taking place from April 22 to April 25 at the CDC’s Roybal Campus in Atlanta, Georgia. The event features scientific presentations, poster sessions, and panel discussions led by current EIS officers and alumni, covering investigations conducted over the past year. Topics include responses to avian influenza outbreaks, multistate Salmonella investigations, innovations in wastewater surveillance, and efforts to address health disparities in underserved communities. The conference also includes training workshops on outbreak investigation methods, data visualization, and effective risk communication—skills essential for translating epidemiological findings into public action.
“The EIS Conference is where science meets service,” said Dr. José R. Romero, Director of the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, in a statement released by the agency. “It’s where our officers show how field investigations lead to real-world impact—whether it’s identifying the source of a foodborne outbreak, tracking the spread of a novel virus, or helping communities build resilience against future threats.” His remarks underscore the program’s dual focus on rigorous scientific inquiry and practical public health application.
One of the key themes emerging from this year’s presentations is the expanding role of wastewater surveillance in early disease detection. Several EIS teams reported using wastewater sampling to detect SARS-CoV-2 variants, influenza viruses, and even poliovirus in communities where clinical testing was limited. This approach allows public health officials to identify trends in infection levels before they appear in hospital or clinic data, offering a valuable tool for proactive intervention. The CDC has expanded its National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS) in recent years, and EIS officers have played a central role in implementing and evaluating its effectiveness across diverse geographic settings.
Another focus area is the investigation of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a growing global health concern. EIS officers presented findings from hospital-based studies tracking resistant pathogens such as carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and Candida auris. Their work often involves detailed chart reviews, interviews with healthcare staff, and environmental sampling to understand how resistant organisms spread within healthcare facilities. By identifying lapses in infection control practices or gaps in antimicrobial stewardship, EIS investigations help hospitals implement targeted improvements that reduce transmission and protect vulnerable patients.
The conference also highlighted the importance of addressing health inequities in outbreak response. Several teams shared lessons from investigations in rural and urban underserved communities, where access to testing, healthcare, and timely information can be limited. For example, one EIS team investigated a prolonged outbreak of hepatitis A among people experiencing homelessness in a major metropolitan area, collaborating with local shelters and mobile clinics to deliver vaccinations and education. Their findings emphasized the need for culturally competent outreach and flexible delivery models to reach populations most at risk during public health emergencies.
International collaboration remains a cornerstone of the EIS mission. Officers frequently support outbreak investigations abroad through CDC’s Global Disease Detection program and partnerships with ministries of health worldwide. At this year’s conference, presentations included joint efforts to monitor zoonotic diseases in East Africa, strengthen laboratory capacity in Southeast Asia, and respond to cholera resurgence in regions affected by conflict or natural disasters. These global engagements not only assist partner countries but also enhance U.S. Preparedness by improving early detection of threats that could cross borders.
Looking ahead, the CDC continues to accept applications for the next EIS class, with the deadline for the 2027 cohort typically falling in mid-September. Prospective applicants—including physicians, veterinarians, nurses, scientists, and other health professionals—can find eligibility requirements, application guidelines, and testimonials from current officers on the CDC’s EIS program website. The fellowship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on field experience while contributing to national and global health security.
As the 2026 EIS Conference concludes, the work of these disease detectives extends far beyond the meeting rooms of Atlanta. Their investigations shape outbreak responses, inform prevention strategies, and strengthen the public health infrastructure needed to protect communities everywhere. In an era where emerging infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and environmental health challenges demand constant vigilance, the EIS program remains a vital investment in science, readiness, and the collective effort to stay ahead of the next threat.
For ongoing updates on CDC’s outbreak investigations, public health advisories, and training opportunities, visit the official CDC website or follow the agency’s verified social media channels. To learn more about the Epidemic Intelligence Service and how to apply, explore the EIS program page directly through CDC.gov.
We invite readers to share their thoughts on the role of field epidemiology in public health safety. What aspects of outbreak investigation do you find most critical? Join the conversation in the comments below and help spread awareness by sharing this article with others interested in global health security.