Communicable Diseases Flashcards
What is a communicable disease?
Disease caused by transmission of a specific pathogenic agent to a susceptible host.
What is an epidemic?
More cases than usual in a particular population/area over a given time.
What is an outbreak?
A smaller- scale epidemic, e.g. food poisoning
What is a pandemic?
World-wide epidemic
What is a cluster?
Group/aggregation of cases.
What is the first step when investigating an outbreak?
Prepare for field work
What is the second step when investigating an outbreak?
Verify the existence of an outbreak
What is the third step when investigating an outbreak?
Confirm the diagnosis
What is the fourth step when investigating an outbreak?
Define and identify cases
What is the fifth step when investigating an outbreak?
Describe/orient data
What is the sixth step when investigating an outbreak?
Develop hypothesis
What is the seventh step when investigating an outbreak?
Evaluate hypothesis
What is the eighth step when investigating an outbreak?
Refine hypothesis/ perform additional studies
What is the ninth step when investigating an outbreak?
Implement control and prevention measures
What is the tenth step when investigating an outbreak?
Communicate findings
