Definitions
What is the difference between an epidemic and pandemic?
An epidemic is a disease outbreak in a specific region or community, while a pandemic spreads across multiple countries or continents.
A restaurant serves contaminated food and 50 people who at there get sick. What type of outbreaks is this?
Common-source outbreak (everyone was exposed to the same source of infection)
True or False: The WHO provides direct healthcare to patients in hospitals.
False: WHO coordinates responses and provides guidance but does not directly treat patients.
What are the FOUR main infection control measures?
Asepsis, Immunization, Isolation, Quarantine
What caused the Black Death (1346-1353)?
Yersinia pesti bacteria spread by fleas and rodents. Killed over 50% of Europe's population.
Define "asepsis" and give one example.
The absence of microorganisms achieved through procedures that reduce pathogens. Examples: handwashing, wearing PPE, sterilizing equipment, cleaning surfaces.
What type of outbreak occurs when disease spreads from person to person over time?
Propogated Outbreak
Improve access to healthcare, increase life expectancy, monitor food and water safety, control disease outbreaks
What's the difference between isolation and quarantine?
Isolation is for confirmed sick individuals to prevent them from spreading disease. Quarantine is for people who may have been exposed but aren't sick yet.
Approximately how many people died in the 1918-1919 Influenza pandemic?
Approximately 25 million deaths globally
What is epidemiology?
The study of the distribution and determinants of diseases in a population.
Describe a scenario that would be classified as a mixed outbreak.
An outbreak that start with a common source (like contaminated food), but then spreads person-to-person. Example: Festival attendees eat contaminated food, then spread disease to family members at home.
What is "vaccine resistance" and why is it a public health challenge?
When populations are hesitant to receive vaccinations due to distrust, fear, or misinformation. It's a challenge because it prevents achieving her immunity and allows diseases to spread.
According to WHO, approximately how many deaths does immunization prevent each year?
4-5 million deaths per year
The 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak in West Africa was classified as an epidemic or pandemic? Why?
Epidemic, because it was contained to a specific region (West Africay) and did not spread globally.
What does WHO stand for and what is its main purpose?
World Health Organization
It's a UN agency working to achieve the best possible heath for all people worldwide by coordinationg global health responses.
Malaria spreading through mosquitos bites is an example of what type of outbreak?
Propogated outbreak (disease spreads through a vector from person to person)
Describe two types of public health alerts the WHO issues during a pandemic.
Name TWO challenges associated with immunization.
Vaccines are not 100% effective, some people experience side effects, some people cannot be vaccinated due to medical conditions, vaccine hesitancy/resistance
How is HIV/AIDS transmitted and approximately how many deaths has it caused since 1981?
Transmitted through sexual contact, blood, and from mother to child. Has caused approximately 42 million deaths since 1981
Define "vulnerable populations" and name three examples.
Populations disproportionately affected by disease outbreaks.
Examples: elderly, children, people with chronic illnesses, homeless individuals, people with disabilities, those in poverty, people in conflict zones
Name THREE factors that can contribute to disease outbreaks spreading.
New/stronger pathogens, susceptible populations, drug resistance, poor healthcare access, lack of vaccinations, pollution, modern transportation, population density, poverty
Explain why international cooperation is necessary when fighting pandemics.
Diseases don't respect borders, modern transportation allows rapid spread across countries, shared resources and research speed up solutions, consistent global guidelines prevent confusion, vulnerable countries need support from others
Explain what herd immunity is and why it's important.
When a large percentage of the community is immune to an infection, providing indirect protection to those who cannot be vaccinated. It's important because it protects vulnerable populations who cannot receive vaccines.
Name THREE ways that modern technology helped society respond to COVID-19 differently than the 1918 Influenza pandemic.