Persistence of Disease and Epidemiology

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the study of epidemiology, classifications of disease outbreaks, transmission methods, types of pathogens, and strategies for controlling the spread of disease.

Epidemiology

The study of diseases in populations of humans (or other animals) specifically how, when and where they occur.

Endemic

A common disease that occurs at a constant, but low, rate in a specific population, such as Malaria in Liberia.

Epidemic

When an endemic disease occurs more frequently than expected in a given area over a given time period.

Pandemic

An epidemic of infectious disease that has spread over a larger area, such as a continent or worldwide.

Direct Contact

A method of communicable disease transmission from person to person involving kissing, shaking hands, touching sores, or sexual contact.

Indirect Contact

Disease transmission through objects (fomites), air, food, water, or vectors such as animal bites.

Portals of Entry

The pathways by which pathogens enter the body, including the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, mucous membranes, and penetration.

Pathogens

Any agent causing disease, usually a living microorganism, capable of producing infection.

Viruses

Agents that can only reproduce inside a plant, animal, or person; examples include HIV, SARS, and Influenza.

Fungi

Multi-celled, plant-like organisms that take nutrition from a plant, tree, or animal.

Bacteria

Tiny one-celled creatures that can live inside or outside the body, causing illnesses such as Tuberculosis, E.Coli, and Strep Throat.

Parasites

Complex living organisms, such as Round Worms or Tape Worms, that can live in the intestinal tract or blood stream.

Protozoa

One-celled creatures usually spread through water, causing diseases like Malaria and Giardiasis.

Persistence of Pathogens

The ability of some pathogens to stay within the host for a long period of time, either symptomatically or asymptomatically.

Transmission Mechanism

The method by which a disease is spread; some are more effective, such as airborne viruses circulating through air conditioners compared to direct contact.

Mobility of Individuals

The movement of people which introduces pathogens into susceptible locations or increases contact between susceptible and infected individuals.

Personal Hygiene Measures

Methods used to control disease spread including handwashing, covering the mouth, wearing a mask, and staying home when sick.

Contact Tracing

A process for identifying potential cases where recent contacts of an infected individual are contacted and screened for infection.

Quarantine

The enforced isolation of individuals at risk of carrying disease to prevent the spread into healthy populations.