2026 CDC Epidemic Intelligence Service Conference

Epidemic Intelligence Service officers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are gathering this week in Atlanta for the agency’s annual Epidemic Intelligence Service Conference, where they will present findings from recent outbreak investigations and public health surveillance work conducted across the United States and internationally.

The 2026 EIS Conference, held from April 20 to April 24 at the CDC’s Roybal Campus, brings together current EIS officers, alumni, and public health partners to share insights from field investigations carried out over the past year. These disease detectives, trained in applied epidemiology, routinely deploy to assist state, local, tribal, and territorial health departments during outbreaks of infectious diseases, foodborne illnesses, and other public health threats.

According to the CDC’s official announcement, this year’s conference includes oral and poster presentations on topics such as antimicrobial resistance, vaccine-preventable diseases, zoonotic spillover events, and the ongoing public health response to emerging respiratory pathogens. Presentations will also highlight work conducted in collaboration with the World Health Organization and other global health partners.

The EIS program, established in 1951, is a two-year postgraduate fellowship that trains physicians, veterinarians, scientists, and other health professionals in epidemiology and public health practice. Officers in the program are often among the first responders during public health emergencies, providing on-the-ground support for outbreak investigations, data analysis, and intervention planning.

Past EIS investigations have played critical roles in identifying outbreaks of Ebola, measles, Salmonella, and novel influenza strains, as well as in evaluating the effectiveness of public health interventions such as vaccination campaigns and infection control measures in healthcare settings. The program is frequently cited as a model for applied epidemiology training worldwide.

At the 2026 conference, selected EIS officers will present findings from recent field assignments, including investigations into clusters of severe respiratory illness in pediatric populations and multistate outbreaks linked to contaminated food products. Specific details of individual presentations were not disclosed in the CDC’s public announcement, but the agency noted that all findings are subject to peer review and may inform future public health guidance.

In addition to scientific presentations, the conference includes workshops on outbreak response strategies, communication during public health emergencies, and the use of genomic sequencing in disease surveillance. These sessions aim to strengthen coordination between federal, state, and local public health agencies.

CDC officials emphasized that the EIS Conference serves not only as a platform for sharing scientific findings but also as an opportunity to mentor the next generation of public health leaders. Alumni of the program often go on to leadership roles in state and federal health agencies, academic institutions, and global health organizations.

The conference is closed to the general public and attended primarily by EIS officers, CDC staff, invited guests, and representatives from partner public health organizations. Proceedings are not broadcast publicly, though select summaries of key findings may be released through CDC publications or Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report following peer review.

As public health systems continue to face challenges from emerging infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the work of EIS officers remains a critical component of the nation’s early warning and response infrastructure. The annual conference provides a structured venue for evaluating lessons learned and refining strategies for future threats.

No conflicts of interest or external funding sources were disclosed in the CDC’s announcement regarding the 2026 EIS Conference. The agency stated that all presented work adheres to CDC standards for scientific integrity and public health ethics.