Disease Transmission and Outbreaks Lecture

Flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture on disease transmission and outbreaks.

What are the three components of the classic epidemiologic triangle of disease transmission?

Agent, host, and environment.

What is the agent in the context of disease transmission?

The actual disease-causing microorganism itself.

Who is considered the host in disease transmission?

The individual within which the agent resides and causes illness.

What does the environment refer to in disease transmission?

The physical surroundings that allow for infection to take hold within a host.

What is a vector in disease transmission?

A third organism that transmits the agent from one host to another.

Give an example of a disease that does not have a vector.

HIV/AIDS.

What is direct transmission of a disease?

When agents are passed directly from one person to another.

What is indirect transmission of a disease?

Occurs when there is a common vehicle or vector that mediates the transfer of the agent between hosts.

What are clinical and non-clinical states of disease?

Clinical state: disease is apparent. Non-clinical: disease is not yet apparent.

What is herd immunity?

Protection from disease in a population when a sufficient percentage of individuals are immune.

What is an endemic state of disease?

A normal level of disease occurrence in a population at a certain time.

What distinguishes an epidemic from an endemic?

An epidemic is a level of disease much higher than what is expected for a given time.

Explain the concept of incubation period in disease transmission.

The time from exposure to an infectious agent to when symptoms of the disease begin to develop.

What is a common vehicle in terms of disease transmission?

A source from which multiple people can be exposed to the disease-causing agent.

What factors may influence disease transmission?

Host factors (age, gender, etc.), agent factors (type of organism), and environmental factors (population density, climate).

What is the significance of a high population density in disease transmission?

It increases the likelihood of disease transmission from one person to another.

What is the role of personal responsibility in disease transmission?

Individuals should take measures to prevent spreading illness, such as avoiding close contact when sick.

What is the primary attack rate in disease outbreaks?

The rate of illness in the first wave of infections from the initial exposure.