Full disease detectives notes_ everything we need to know - Google Docs

What is an outbreak?

A sudden increase in the number of cases of a disease in a specific population or area.

Define epidemic.

The occurrence of more cases of a disease than expected in a region over a period of time.

What is a pandemic?

An epidemic that has spread across multiple countries or continents.

What is surveillance in public health?

The continuous monitoring and collection of health data to prevent and control disease.

What does 'risk' refer to in epidemiology?

The probability that an individual will develop a specific disease or health outcome over a defined period.

What is a vector?

A living organism that transmits a disease-causing pathogen to humans or animals.

Define reservoir in terms of infectious disease.

The habitat in which an infectious agent normally lives.

What is zoonosis?

A disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans.

What does incidence mean?

The number of new cases of a disease that occur in a specific population during a period of time.

Define prevalence.

The total number of cases of disease in a population at a given time.

What is morbidity?

Refers to illness or the state of being diseased.

Define mortality.

The number of deaths caused by a disease in a population.

What does endemic mean?

The constant presence of a disease within a geographic area.

What is herd immunity?

Protection from a disease in a population when a sufficient proportion of individuals are immune (through vaccination and prior infection).

What is a case definition?

A set of clinical, laboratory, and epidemiological criteria used to classify whether an individual has a particular disease.

Define index case.

The first identified case in an outbreak or epidemic.

What is the epidemiological triad?

The interaction between the three factors: agent, host, and environment.

What is an agent in epidemiology?

A factor that causes disease.

Define host.

A person or animal that can be infected by an agent.

What is quarantine?

The separation of individuals that may have been exposed to a contagious disease to prevent its spread.

What is isolation?

The separation of individuals known to be infected with a contagious disease from those who are healthy.

What is a pathogen?

A microorganism or agent that causes disease.

What is the incubation period?

The time between exposure to an infectious agent and the onset of symptoms.

What is a cluster in epidemiology?

A grouping of cases in a specific time and place.

What does exposure mean in a public health context?

Contact with a disease-causing agent, which can lead to infection.

What is the focus of clinical approaches in public health?

The diagnosis and treatment of individuals.

What does public health focus on?

Disease prevention and health promotion of populations.

How has epidemiology evolved as a science?

It started by primarily focusing on infectious disease outbreaks but now encompasses a broader range of health-related states and behaviors.

Who is considered the father of epidemiology?

John Snow.

What significant contribution did John Snow make?

Investigated the cholera outbreak in 1854 using geographic mapping to study disease distribution.

What did Louis Pasteur demonstrate?

That microorganisms cause diseases.

What are Koch's postulates?

Principles to establish a causal relationship between a specific microorganism and a specific disease.

What is primary prevention?

Preventing disease before it occurs.

What is the objective of secondary prevention?

To detect disease early and treat to prevent progression.

Define tertiary prevention.

To reduce the impact of established disease by managing symptoms and preventing complications.

What is the first step in public health surveillance?

Data collection.