Outbreak investigation: definitions

Question 1

define: outbreak/epidemic (extended)

Answer 1

more than expected numbers
of a particular disease
amongst a specific population
and/or specific place
during a specific time

Question 2

define: epidemic (short)

Answer 2

increase in expected number of cases

Question 3

define: outbreak

Answer 3

epidemic, but smaller pop/location/#cases involved

Question 4

define: pandemic

Answer 4

a world wide epidemic

Question 5

define: cluster

Answer 5

an aggregation of cases

Question 6

define: endemic

Answer 6

disease has a permanent/regular incidence

Question 7

why outbreaks occur: reason 1

Answer 7

new infectious agent/toxin

Question 8

why outbreaks occur: reason 2

Answer 8

migration of susceptible peoples into a region with endemic disease

Question 9

why outbreaks occur: reason 3

Answer 9

new route of transmission from source to individuals (eg. climate change bringing malaria borne mosquitoes down)

Question 10

primary goas of outbreak investigation: goal one

Answer 10

identify pathogen

Question 11

primary goas of outbreak investigation: goal two

Answer 11

control cases

prevent new cases

Question 12

primary goas of outbreak investigation: goal three

Answer 12

prevent future outbreaks

Question 13

secondary goals of outbreak investigation: goal one

Answer 13

learn about disease

Question 14

secondary goals of outbreak investigation: goal two

Answer 14

training