Basic Epidemiology Terms
What is epidemic?
Increase in the number of cases of disease above what is normally expected for a given time and place.
What is a primary case?
First disease case in a population.
What is cancer?
Abnormal cell growth or loss of cell's ability to perform apoptosis.
What is direct transmission?
Direct immediate transfer of an agent from host/reservoir to susceptible host.
What is primary prevention?
Effort to prevent a disease or disorder before it happens.
What is pandemic?
Epidemic attacking the population of an extensive region, country, or continent.
What is secondary case?
Individuals who become infected after contact with primary case after the disease has been introduced into a population.
What is cholera?
What is horizontal transmission?
Transmission of infectious agents from an infected individual to a susceptible contemporary.
What is active primary prevention?
Behavior change on the part of the individual that prevents a disease or disorder before it happens.
What is a double blind study?
Neither the participants or investigator assessing the study have knowledge of the recipient of the treatment.
What is suspect case?
An individual who demonstrates all symptoms linked to a diseased but has not yet been diagnosed.
What is typhoid fever?
Infectious disease characterized by continuous fever, physical and mental depression, rose colored spots on the chest and abdomen, and diarrhea.
What is indirect transmission?
Disease that results when an agent is transferred or carried by some intermediate item, organism, means, or process to a susceptible host.
What is secondary prevention?
Activities aimed at health screening and early detection in order to improve the likelihood of cure and reduce the chance of disability or death.
What is an expansive pyramid?
Population pyramid that is wide at the base and narrow which indicates high birth and death rates.
What is an index case?
First disease case brought to the attention of an epidemiologist.
What is smallpox?
What is mechanical transmission?
Vector-borne disease transmission processes that occur when the pathogen, in order to spread, uses a host as a mechanism for a ride, for nourishment, or as part of a physical transfer process.
What is rehabilitation?
Any attempt to restore an afflicted person to a useful, productive and satisfying lifestyle.
What is a prognosis?
the prospect of recovery as anticipated from the usual course of disease; a prediction of the probable course and outcome of a disease.
What is a case?
Person who has been diagnosed with a health-related state or event.
What is zika virus?
Disease caused by a virus transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes, which bite during the day. Symptoms are generally mild and include fever, rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise or headache
What is vertical transmission?
Transmission from an individual to its offspring through sperm, placenta, milk, or vaginal fluids.
What is tertiary prevention?
Efforts to limit disability by providing rehabilitation when disease, injury, or disorder has already occurred or caused damage.