Solve the Outbreak

Name: Solve the Outbreak
Author: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

DOCUMENTED

Published in academic literature

For:General Public & EnthusiastsKids & Youth

Free

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App Summary

Solve the Outbreak is an educational game from the CDC that allows the public and students to step into the role of a 'Disease Detective,' using clues and data to solve simulated public health crises. The associated research explains that the game is designed to teach scientific methodology through scenarios based on historical events, and a debriefing study (N=16) with undergraduate epidemiology students found it effective for applying course knowledge. The authors conclude that instructors should consider using the app as a tool for teaching students about the process of investigating infectious outbreaks.

App Screenshots

Detailed Description

Functionality & Mechanism Developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this application simulates epidemiological investigations through a gamified interface. The system casts the user as a "Disease Detective" tasked with resolving fictionalized outbreaks based on historical events. Sessions involve analyzing data, interpreting clues, and executing operational decisions such as implementing quarantines or ordering laboratory tests. A tiered progression system delivers pedagogical content on public health science, with performance metrics guiding advancement through increasingly complex scenarios.

Evidence & Research Context

The associated research describes the platform as a digital outreach tool designed to enhance public health literacy by bridging scientific theory and practical application.
A preliminary debriefing study (N=16) with undergraduate epidemiology students indicated the game was effective for applying existing course knowledge to investigation scenarios.
The same study noted that while participants reported high engagement, they also identified methods to circumvent game mechanics, suggesting areas for design improvement.

Intended Use & Scope The application is intended as an educational tool for students, educators, and the general public to foster engagement with public health science. Its primary utility is to simulate and reinforce epidemiological principles in an interactive format. The platform is not a clinical decision support or diagnostic tool and does not substitute for formal training.

Studies & Publications

2 publications

Peer-reviewed research associated with this app.

Qualitative Study

The CDC's "Solve the Outbreak" game: a preliminary debriefing study with students enrolled in an undergraduate epidemiology course

Seitz et al. (2024) · Discover Education

Students enjoyed the game and reported it was effective for learning epidemiological outbreak investigation concepts.

Purpose This study explored undergraduate college students' opinions of the CDC's online "Solve the Outbreak" (StO) game, a recommended aid in higher education for teaching concepts epidemiological outbreak investigations. Methods The study was conducted as a game debriefing, in which 16 students enrolled in an undergraduate-level epidemiology course were interviewed to receive feedback about their experiences of StO after completing the game. Results A total of four common themes emerged from the interveiews as framed by the Persuasive Game Design model: (1) Enjoying the Game World, (2) Cheating the Game's Elements, (3) Suggesting Improvements to the Game's Elements, and (4) Inverted Transfer Effect. Conclusions Students reported that they enjoyed playing StO, and that it was effective for applying their knowledge of epidemiology course content on the process of investigating outbreaks. However, students found ways to cheat the game's answers, and they recommended ways that the game's elements could be improved. Instructors should consider using StO as a tool for teaching their students about investigating infectious outbreaks. Designers of the game should consider adapting the game based on students' constructive feedback.

Development/Design Paper

Solve the Outbreak: A Public Health Discovery Game

Centers et al. (2018)

Describes the research-driven development of this app

"Solve the Outbreak" is an interactive educational platform developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) designed to foster public engagement with epidemiology and public health science. This application simulates real-world disease surveillance scenarios, casting users in the role of "Disease Detectives." Through a gamified interface, players are tasked with investigating fictionalized outbreaks based on actual historical events. The application challenges users to apply critical thinking and scientific methodology to analyze data, interpret clues, and make high-stakes operational decisions—such as implementing quarantines, conducting patient interviews, and ordering laboratory diagnostics. Progression involves mastering increasingly complex scenarios to advance from a "Trainee" to a top-tier "Disease Detective," thereby illustrating the strategic and analytical complexities inherent in controlling infectious diseases. By bridging the gap between scientific theory and practical application, "Solve the Outbreak" serves as a digital outreach tool to enhance health literacy and promote understanding of the CDC's vital role in global health security.

In the Media

App Review: CDC's 'Solve the Outbreak'

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention developed Solve the Outbreak to educate Americans about massive sickness and treatment, using an interactive question-and-answer game format that turns users into digital epidemiologists. The app features three missions where players investigate clues to discover mysterious illnesses, such as a stomach bug striking college students where players must choose whether to question victims, quarantine students, or advise rest. However, the app lacks replay value due to its three static missions that don't change after playing.

GovtechRead article

CDC Solve the Outbreak App: Do you have what it takes to become a Disease Detective?

The CDC developed Solve the Outbreak to train users as disease detectives through fictional outbreaks based on real-life cases, where players take on the role of Epidemic Intelligence Service agents. Users must puzzle through evidence to earn points for each clue, with better answers leading to higher scores and faster life-saving decisions as they progress from Trainee to the top rank of Disease Detective. The free iPad app launches with three outbreaks and serves as "a great way to take the study of epidemiology outside the classroom" for teens, young adults, and public health enthusiasts.

GovloopRead article