Epidemics! Flashcards
Define Epidemic
An outbreak of a disease that affects a large number of individuals at the same time.
Define endemic
A disease which is always prevalent in an area
Define Pandemic
A global epidemic spreading across continents
Name three ways human behaviour leads to new outbreaks of disease
Exploration, globalisation, warfare, famine, overcrowding etc
Define Zoonosis
The spreading of a disease from an animal to a human.
How are zoonotic diseases transmitted
Food-borne infections, water-borne infections, direct or indirect contact with animals etc
True or false: New diseases can “appear” out of nowhere?
Ture - quite rare though
Have pandemics occurred sporadically or regularly throughout history?
Regularly
Name three ways in which historical epidemics can be confirmed.
People writing personal accounts, Molecular analysis of skeletal features, the infectious agents could still be present but mutated.
Who are considered as essential members of an outbreak response team?
Anthropologists, social scientists and communication experts.
Where do prevention and control come from?
Understanding the mechanisms of transmission of pathogens to humans
Name three ways people control can help prevent the spread of disease.
Isolation, quarantine and border control.
Does a lack of community engagement help for an effective response to an outbreak?
No, community engagement is considered key to helping stop and outbreak.
How was smallpox transmitted, and how was its vaccine developed?
It is transmitted via shared droplets between hosts or exposure to infected clothes and bedding. The vaccine was developed by exposure to a similar virus (cowpox) which built up immunity later in life.
How is cholera transmitted and why was John Snow credited as the father of epidemiology due to his work around it?
It is transmitted via contaminated water or food supplies. John snow is credited with the development of “Germ Theory” and identified correctly that the source of cholera was water.
