CDC’s Epidemic Intelligence Service Celebrates 75 Years of Global Health Impact

The evening of February 28, 2020, a phone rang with urgent instructions:

“We need you to deploy to Seattle. Meet your team at Roybal tomorrow and additional details will be provided.”

The call was a defining moment for the CDC’s Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS), a program often called the agency’s “disease detectives.” In 2024, the EIS celebrates its 75th anniversary, honoring seven decades of responding to global health crises, from infectious disease outbreaks to bioterrorism threats.

Founding and Mission of the EIS Program

The Epidemic Intelligence Service was established in 1949 by the Communicable Disease Center—now known as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Its creation was driven by the need to combat post-World War II public health challenges, including malaria and tuberculosis, which were spreading across the United States.

The program was modeled after the British Epidemiological Intelligence Service, which had successfully tracked disease outbreaks during the war. The EIS was designed to train medical professionals and scientists in field epidemiology, equipping them with the skills to investigate and control disease outbreaks in real time.

Key Milestones in the EIS History

The EIS has played a pivotal role in some of the most significant public health events of the past 75 years. Below are key milestones in its history:

• 1950s: The EIS investigated the first reported cases of poliomyelitis in the U.S. and helped launch the national polio vaccination campaign.
• 1960s: The program expanded its focus to include venereal diseases, leading to groundbreaking research on syphilis and gonorrhea.
• 1970s: EIS officers were instrumental in identifying the Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Philadelphia, which resulted in the discovery of the Legionella bacteria.
• 1980s: The program responded to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, conducting critical research that shaped early understanding of the disease.
• 1990s: EIS officers investigated the West Nile virus outbreak in New York City and contributed to the national response to the anthrax attacks in 2001.
• 2000s: The EIS played a central role in responding to SARS, H1N1 influenza, and the Ebola epidemic in West Africa.
• 2010s: The program led investigations into Zika virus outbreaks and contributed to the response to the opioid crisis.
• 2020s: EIS officers were at the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic response, deploying to hotspots across the U.S. and globally.

EIS Training and Impact

The EIS program is a two-year fellowship that trains physicians, veterinarians, nurses, and scientists in applied epidemiology. Each year, approximately 80 fellows are selected from thousands of applicants to join the program. These fellows, known as “disease detectives,” receive hands-on training in outbreak investigation, data analysis, and public health response.

Since its inception, the EIS has trained over 3,900 officers, many of whom have gone on to lead public health agencies, conduct research, and shape health policies worldwide. The program’s alumni include directors of the CDC, state health officials, and leaders in global health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO).

Challenges and Future of the EIS

As the EIS celebrates its 75th anniversary, it faces new challenges, including the rise of antimicrobial resistance, the impact of climate change on infectious diseases, and the need for rapid response to emerging pathogens. The program continues to evolve, incorporating advanced technologies such as genomic sequencing and data analytics to enhance its capabilities.

Dr. Rochelle Walensky, former director of the CDC and an EIS alumna, emphasized the program’s enduring importance:

“The EIS is the backbone of CDC’s response to public health threats. Its officers are the first line of defense in detecting and stopping outbreaks before they become pandemics.”

The EIS’s legacy is a testament to the power of field epidemiology and the critical role of disease detectives in protecting global health. As it enters its next 75 years, the program remains as vital as ever in the fight against infectious diseases.