Science of Transmission & Prevention Flashcards
Epidemiology
Study of the factors and mechanisms involved in the frequency and spread of diseases (Science of transmission)
Pre-disposing factors
risk factors
Incidence rates
The number of new cases of a disease acquired in a specific period of time
Prevalence rates
The total number of people with a disease at any given time
Morbidity rate
The number of individuals affected by a disease during a set period of time divided by the total population
Mortality rate
The number of deaths due to a disease during a specific period of time divided by the total population
Notifiable Diseases
Any disease required by law to be reported to government authorities
Sporadic diseases
Occur in a random and unpredictable manner; pose no threat to public health
Endemic diseases
Occur constantly within a population but in low numbers; pose no public health threat.
Epidemics
Occur when the incidence of the disease suddenly becomes higher than normal
Pandemics
Epidemics that occur in many geographical locations throughout the world
Causes morbidity and mortality rates to increase
Epidemics
Two main types of epidemics
- Common-source outbreak
2. Propagated epidemics
Common-source outbreak
Arises from contact with contaminated substances; such as food/water; short lived
Propagated epidemics
Results from the amplification of cases due to person-to-person contact; long-lived
