title: Investigating a mystery disease: tales from a viral detective.
abstract: Viral outbreak investigation is challenging logistically as well as scientifically. In the context of addressing a fictional emerging viral disease, I describe the process of discovery, from the initial report of a problem through discussions of intellectual property and sample management, study design, management, experimental execution, and reporting of results.
authors.affiliation: Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA wil2001@columbia.edu.
authors.forename: W Ian
authors.initials: WI
authors.lastname: Lipkin
mesh_terms: D021821:Communicable Diseases, Emerging / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D006801:Humans; D009934:Organization and Administration