Using the Evidence - Lecture Thirty-Six Flashcards
Outbreaks
What influences the spread of disease?
Properties of the agent Sources of infection Biological reservoirs ¤Host factors
Exposure variation Environment
Epidemiological triangle
Host
Agent
Environment
Infection
Entry of a microbiological agent into a higher-order host and its multiplication within the host
Infestation
Infection external surface only
Infectivity
Ability of an organism to invade and multiply in a host (secondary attack rate)
Pathogenicity
Ability of an organism to produce clinical symptoms and illness (proportion of those exposed who get ill)
Virulence
Ability of an organism to produce serious disease (case-fatality rate)
Transmission
Direct, Indirect and Airborne
Endemic
Constant presence of a disease or infectious agent within a geographical area or population group
Holoendemic
Intense disease all year round
Hyperendemic
Intense disease with time periods of no transmission
Pandemic
Disease affects a large number of people and crosses many international boundaries
Who recognises an outbreak?
Members of the community Media
Clinicians
Local public health agencies National public health agencies
Academic organisations
Why do we need to investigate outbreaks?
To stop and prevent further illness
To prevent further outbreaks from other similar
sources
To address public concerns and involve the public in disease control
To reduce direct and indirect costs
To identify new mechanisms of transmission of
known diseases
To identify new or emerging disease agents
Outbreak investigation steps
Preparation Surveillance Confirmation Outbreak description Outbreak investigation Outbreak control Outbreak communication Outbreak documentation
