Epidemiology Review

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts in epidemiology to aid in exam preparation.

Puerperal Fever

A bacterial infection of the uterus that was responsible for high mortality rates in post-childbirth women.

Epidemiology

The study of the frequency, distribution, and causes of disease in populations.

Communicable Diseases

Diseases that are transmitted from one host to another, such as measles or influenza.

Endemic Disease

A disease that is constantly present in a population, like the common cold.

Pandemic

A disease outbreak that occurs on a global scale.

Incubation Period

The time between exposure to a pathogen and the appearance of symptoms.

Attack Rate

The percentage of people who become ill in a population after exposure to an infectious agent.

Case-Fatality Rate

The percentage of individuals with a specific disease that die from that disease.

Reservoir of Infection

The natural habitat of a pathogen, such as humans, animals, or the environment.

Vertical Transmission

Transmission of a disease from a pregnant woman to her fetus.

Horizontal Transmission

Transmission of a disease from person to person.

Fomites

Inanimate objects that can transfer pathogens, such as doorknobs or drinking glasses.

Vector-Borne Transmission

Transmission of disease through living organisms that can carry pathogens, like mosquitoes.

Asymptomatic Infection

An infection in which the host does not exhibit symptoms but can still transmit the disease.

Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs)

Infections that patients acquire while receiving treatment for other conditions in healthcare settings.

Preventing HAIs

Involves establishing policies based on hygiene practices and the use of personal protective equipment.

Herd Immunity

Protection of non-immune individuals in a population when a significant percentage is immune to a disease.