Ep 62. Outbreak

In episode 62, titled "Outbreak," Forensic Files takes viewers to a small town in California where a deadly disease outbreak occurs. The episode documents how the local health department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) investigate the outbreak to determine its source and prevent further spread.

The episode begins with footage of emergency vehicles and people in Hazmat suits. It then introduces viewers to the first victim, 73-year-old Laura Newman, who died suddenly after experiencing flu-like symptoms. Her daughter, Beth, noticed that her mother's symptoms were unlike anything she had ever seen before and suspected that something was terribly wrong.

Soon after, other residents in the small town of Lompoc began experiencing similar symptoms. Panic swept across the community as people tried to figure out what was causing the outbreak. The local health department was immediately notified, and they quickly began working with the CDC to investigate the source of the deadly disease. The episode introduces viewers to Dr. Laurene Mascola, a public health official who was in charge of determining the cause of the outbreak.

Dr. Mascola and her team of investigators conduct interviews with the families of the victims and gather samples of the patients' blood and tissue. They also take water samples from various sources in the town, including the local water supply and a nearby lake.

Throughout the investigation, the team rules out several potential causes of the outbreak, including food poisoning and a bioterrorism attack. However, they were still unable to determine the exact cause of the disease. This led to widespread fear and speculation within the community, as people worried that the disease could be highly contagious.

Despite their uncertainty, Dr. Mascola and her team remained dedicated to finding a solution. The episode shows how they eventually traced the source of the outbreak to a contaminated water well, which was used by the town's residents for drinking and bathing.

With the source of the disease identified, the health department was able to take action to prevent further spread. They issued a boil water notice and distributed bottled water to residents until the well was properly cleaned and disinfected.

The episode concludes by showing how the community came together to support each other through the crisis. Despite the tragic loss of life, the town was able to recover and move forward thanks to the hard work and dedication of the investigators and health officials who collaborated to solve the mystery of the outbreak.

Overall, "Outbreak" is a gripping episode of Forensic Files that highlights the importance of public health officials and forensic science in solving complex medical mysteries. It showcases how a team of dedicated professionals were able to work together to solve a health crisis that could have had disastrous consequences for the community. The episode serves as a tribute to those who put their lives on the line to protect public health and safety.