The purpose of this paper is to provide background information about the spread of viruses in a population, to introduce an adaptable procedure to further the understanding of epidemiology in the high school setting, and to show how hypothesis testing and statistics can be incorporated into a high school lab exercise. It describes a project which permits students to investigate how an infectious agent can spread and gives them experience with data collection. To facilitate learning more about infectious agents, the biology students at West Fargo High School (WFHS) are required to read the book, "The Hot Zone" (Preston, 1994). The students enjoy the book and learn about modes of viral transmission, viral ecology, and how scientists track the spread of a virus. Through classroom discussion and study guides, the students come to understand that behavior, traditions, and customs can influence the spread of disease. However, to provide an authentic learning experience, students can also study a simulated disease outbreak within their high school. The "lab" activity presented in this paper permits students to function as data-collecting scientists who are studying infection dynamics of a hypothetical virus in their school using an ultraviolet powder (UVP) called "Glo-Germ," which is detectable by hand-held, battery-operated, ultraviolet lights (UV lights). The study of disease transmission is relevant to students because many have part-time jobs, do volunteer work, or will be employed in medical facilities, daycare centers, or other public positions. (Contains 5 figures, 1 table and 1 footnote.)