Public Health

Question 1

What is the definition of Epidemiology?

Answer 1

• the study of occurrence and distribution of diseases in populations
• the study of factors that influence disease occurrence
• who has what?
• when and where?
• why and how?

Question 2

What is the definition of Surveillance?

Answer 2

• close observation or supervision of individuals or groups
• monitoring occurrence and rates of diseases of perceived importance
• mandatory only for notifiable diseases

Question 3

Underascertainment of disease surveillence may occur because of?

Answer 3

• not all animals that get infected fall ill
• not all owners of ill animals get a vet to see them
• if a vet does see an ill animal, (s)he may not take any samples, whether or not they decide to treat
• even if the vet wants to take samples from an animal or animals, the owner might not be willing to pay for lab tests
• if samples are taken, they may not yield a positive result even if the animal is infected (sensitivity)
• even if a sample is diagnosed in a lab, it may not be reported

Question 4

Surveillence information is widely used to?

Answer 4

• identify emerging disease threats - or increasing rates
• monitor trends in disease rates
• compare disease rates between places and//or time periods
• assess the effect of disease control programs
• determine whether trade can take place between countries
  
  • World Trade Organization (WHO)
  • Declarations of disease freedom
  • Import risk assessments