Epidemiology Overview

Scattered cases of an infectious disease with no connection between them.

An organism that can cause infection or disease.

The entry and multiplication of an infectious agent in a host.

The time between entering the body and showing symptoms.

The body's natural defenses against infection.

An animal or insect that carries organisms or parasites from one host to another.

A place where an infectious agent lives and multiplies, capable of spreading to a susceptible host.

The time during which an infectious agent can be transmitted from one person to another.

A period of isolation for an infected or suspected case to prevent the spread of disease.

The proportion of people who are unaffected at the start of a study but are exposed to a risk factor.

A type of immunity that is inherent to a species or individual, regardless of past exposure to a specific infection.

Immunity developed after exposure to a pathogen, either through infection or vaccination.

Temporary immunity gained by receiving antibodies from another source, such as a mother to a child or through injection of antibodies.

The scientific study of how diseases spread and the factors that influence their prevalence in a population.

A widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a specific area or population.

Someone who carries and spreads a disease-causing organism without exhibiting symptoms.

Someone who has recovered from an illness but continues to carry and potentially spread the causative organism.

A disease that is constantly present in a particular location, with outbreaks occurring regularly.

A disease that affects many people in a specific area at the same time and spreads person-to-person.

A disease that affects many people in a specific area at the same time.

The separation of a person with an infectious disease from those who are not infected.

The mechanism by which an infectious agent is transmitted from one host to another. This can be direct or indirect.

A disease that can be easily spread from person to person.

The stage where the adult or sexual form of a parasite lives.

The stage where the immature form of a parasite lives.

Transmission of diseases through tiny droplets of mucous released by coughing or sneezing. These droplets evaporate, leaving the organisms airborne.

Transmission of diseases via contaminated water or food, usually through fecal contamination. This means the disease-causing agent is present in feces.

A disease that is easily spread from one person to another, whether through direct contact, air, or other means.

A type of microorganism that can cause disease in humans. Some examples are bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Infections acquired through direct contact with an infected organism, such as touching, kissing, or sexual contact.

Infections transmitted through the bite of an insect, such as mosquitoes or fleas.

Infections spread from animals to humans through bites, scratches, or contact with their bodily fluids.

Tiny organisms that can cause a variety of diseases. Examples include viruses that cause common colds and bacteria that cause pneumonia.

A type of agent of disease that can cause a variety of infections, such as chickenpox, measles, and influenza.

Activities that promote overall health and well-being, reducing disease risk.

Preventing disease before it starts by targeting the disease agent or the host's susceptibility.

Measures that involve the body's own immune system and natural defenses to fight off disease.

Cleaning and controlling the environment to prevent disease transmission.

Actions taken to prevent a specific disease, such as vaccination or medication.

A microorganism that can cause infection or infectious disease.

The entry and multiplication of an infectious agent in the body of a human or animal, resulting in cellular injury.

A place where an infectious agent lives and multiplies, capable of spreading to a susceptible host.

A person or animal that lacks sufficient resistance against a specific agent to prevent contracting a disease when exposed.

The goal is to treat all infected persons and eliminate the source of infection.

Preventive actions taken early in the disease process to stop it from progressing or causing symptoms. Think of it as catching a problem before it gets serious.

A type of prevention that targets the entire population, providing information and skills to prevent a health problem. It's like a general safety net for everyone.

A targeted prevention approach that focuses on subgroups with a higher risk of developing a specific problem. Like giving extra attention to those most likely to be affected.

This preventive approach screens individuals for early signs of a disease and aims to intervene before symptoms arise. It's like an early warning system.