Dengue is the world’s most common mosquito-transmitted viral disease and is endemic throughout the tropics, where an estimated 390 million infections occur annually. The mission of CDC Dengue Branch is to provide leadership to develop and promote evidence-based strategies to reduce morbidity and mortality from Aedes-transmitted viruses with a focus on dengue. Much of the Branch work is focused in the Caribbean, although our projects extend to the rest of the US and globally.
Students will have the opportunity to work on projects related to applied epidemiology and dengue. Projects may include implementation work on dengue prevention programs (i.e., vector management, vaccines); analyses of data from sentinel surveillance sites, passive surveillance, and other special projects; or outbreak response investigations, as available.
The primary supervisor will work with the student to find projects and activities that meet their interests and learning goals and identify the appropriate point person and resources on the Epidemiology Team to mentor them. Primary and secondary supervisors will be available for career advice and learning opportunities.
All applicants must apply through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) 4th year Epidemiology Elective Program to be enroll in this elective.
Dengue Branch has ~70 employees and comprises six teams: Epidemiology, Laboratory, Entomology and Ecology, Communications, Data analytics and modeling, and Administration. The Epi Elective Student will be assigned to the Epidemiology Team (~20 employees). However, collaboration across all teams is possible, depending on the project. Work space will be allocated to the student and some equipment might be furnished by the CDC's 4th Year Epi Elective Program, though students should prepare to bring their own computers and cell phones.
Students will work at the Dengue Branch office in San Juan, Puerto Rico. A hybrid work schedule consisting of in-person days and telework is available. Hours are Monday to Friday during working hours. Weekend work schedule is not expected, unless during specific time period of outbreaks or as required by special projects. All work will be in an office setting.
Housing in the San Juan Metro Area varies widely from short term apartment housing to private residences for rent. Students are expected to secure their own housing, but Dengue Branch staff are available for offering guidance and information on best-practices for finding appropriate housing.