KGI : Epidemics, Pandemics and Outbreaks-- Lecture 4

A set of Question-and-Answer flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture notes on epidemics, pandemics, outbreaks, spillover, zoonosis, transmission, and notable historical and recent examples.

What is another name for the 1918-1919 influenza pandemic?

The Spanish Flu.

What is the significance of the 1918-1919 flu pandemic in human history?

It was the most fatal event in human history.

Define endemic.

A disease that is constantly present in a population or geographic area.

Define epidemic.

A sudden increase in disease cases above what is normally expected in a region or population.

Define outbreak.

A localized, temporary spike in disease cases in a defined area.

Define pandemic.

A disease outbreak that spreads across multiple countries or continents; a global epidemic.

Define sporadic.

Occurring irregularly or infrequently; not consistently present in a population.

What is the difference between an emerging virus and a reemerging virus? Give examples.

Emerging viruses are newly identified or spreading among humans (e.g., SARS-CoV-2). Reemerging viruses exist and cause renewed outbreaks after a period of low activity (e.g., Polio virus).

What is spillover infection?

Infection that occurs when a virus moves from its reservoir population into a novel host population, potentially enabling onward transmission.

What is zoonosis?

Infectious diseases that are transmitted from animals to humans.

What is a natural reservoir for viruses?

A population or species in which a virus is maintained in nature and from which it can spill over to other species.

What market-related activity is cited as a source of new viruses?

Wild animals sold in live markets.

According to the leading theory, how did West Nile virus likely arrive in the United States?

Mosquitoes carrying the virus flew across the Atlantic from Israel on aircraft; cabin spaces were not routinely sprayed.

During the 2018-2019 US influenza season, which age group had the highest number of symptomatic illnesses?

Adults aged 18-49 years.

When was the measles vaccine licensed in the United States?

In the early 1960s (approximately 1963).

Have mumps outbreaks continued after the introduction of the MMR vaccine?

Yes—the vaccine reduced infections, but outbreaks still occur.

Name an example of an emerging virus and a reemerging virus from the notes.

Emerging: SARS-CoV-2. Reemerging: Poliovirus.

As of September 9, 2021, what were the global COVID-19 totals?

Approximately 219,456,675 confirmed cases and 4,547,782 deaths.

As of September 9, 2021, how many confirmed COVID-19 deaths were reported in the United States?

656,202 deaths.

Where have major Ebola outbreaks occurred since 1976?

Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone (West Africa, 2014–2016); Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have seen other major outbreaks.

What is a key takeaway about emerging and reemerging viruses from the provided lists?

Viruses continually emerge and reemerge over time, indicating ongoing risk of new or renewed outbreaks.

endemic

is a disease or condition regularly found and consistently present in a certain geographic area or population.

epidemic

is an outbreak of a disease that occurs in a larger population than expected within a specific geographic area over a given time period.

emerging virus

is a newly identified virus that has increased in incidence or geographic range, posing a potential threat to public health.

reemerging virus

is a virus that was previously under control but has begun to increase in incidence or geographic range again, often due to factors like mutations or changes in public health measures.