Epidemiology Quiz: Key Concepts

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Questions and Answers

What describes the term 'endemic' in epidemiology?

A widespread outbreak affecting multiple countries.

A rapid increase in the incidence of a disease in a local area.

A death rate exceeding the normal levels in a population.

A continual source of a pathogen in a limited region. (correct)

Which type of disease transmission involves a living source?

Fomite transmission

Passive surveillance

Indirect transmission

Vector transmission (correct)

How is 'incidence' defined in epidemiological terms?

The number of new cases occurring in a population during a certain time frame. (correct)

The number of cases that have resulted in death within a period.

The number of people exposed to a disease without symptoms.

The total number of existing cases at a specific time.

What characterizes a pandemic?

An striking increase in sickness that crosses national borders. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of indirect transmission?

Food contaminated with bacteria is consumed. Signup and view all the answers

A continuous exposure outbreak is characterized by what?

An ongoing source of disease affecting a population over time. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a vector from a fomite?

Vectors are living organisms, whereas fomites are non-living objects. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between active and passive surveillance?

Active surveillance requires health providers to regularly report cases, while passive relies on existing data. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes a pandemic?

A widespread occurrence of illness that extends across multiple countries. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of epidemiology, what differentiates continuous exposure from single point exposure?

Continuous exposure occurs when a population is exposed to a pathogen over time. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of an epidemic?

It shows a sudden spike in disease incidence within a specific region. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of active surveillance in epidemiology?

To actively seek out and identify cases of disease in the population. Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to a pathogen's continual presence within a specific geographical area?

Endemic Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a vector in disease transmission?

A living organism that transmits a pathogen without being affected itself. Signup and view all the answers

The main distinction between incidence and prevalence in epidemiology is based on what factor?

Incidence is concerned with the occurrence of new cases over time, while prevalence refers to all existing cases. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of outbreak involves multiple sources of exposure at different times?

Multiple exposure outbreak Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following options represents transmission via inanimate objects?

Ingestion of food contaminated with bacteria. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Epidemiology II

The course was held on October 30, 2024, at the University of Alberta.

Today's Objectives

Define key terminology in epidemiologic methods
Understand the difference between incidence and prevalence
Understand the difference between active/passive surveillance, and screening
Be able to create a case definition

Mode of Disease Transmission

Direct transmission: Contact between individuals
Example: (Not specified)
Indirect transmission: Transmission via a common source (e.g., water source) or through a vector or fomite

Vector vs. Fomite

Vector: Transmission via a living source (e.g., mosquitoes, ticks, fleas)
Disease is not caused by the vector itself, but it spreads the disease
Fomite: Transmission via a non-living source (e.g., contaminated needles, boots)

Are you a vector or a fomite?

(This is a question posed in the lecture, likely as a thought-provoking exercise.)

More Terminology

Endemic: Continuous source of a pathogen in a limited region
Epidemic: Atypical increased occurrence of illness in a limited region
Pandemic: Increased occurrence of illness crossing national borders
Outbreak: Localized epidemic with a rapid increase in disease incidence

Types of Outbreaks

Single point exposure: One source of exposure to the pathogen at a single point in time
Multiple exposure: Multiple sources of exposure or different groups susceptible at different times
Continuous exposure: A population is continuously exposed to a continuous source of disease
Visual representations of each type are included in the lecture slides, showing different patterns of case numbers over time relative to exposure.

Measures of Occurrence

Incidence: The number of new cases in a population at risk during a specific time period. Can account for risk and rate.
Prevalence: The number of existing cases in a population at a specific time. Could be a single point or long-term measure.

When to Use What

Prevalence: Useful for assessing population health status, planning for chronic diseases (not acute conditions)
Incidence: Useful for investigating causation, prevention, and treatments, as well as planning and measuring repeated events.

Surveillance

Systematic and continuous data collection, analysis, and interpretation
Closely integrated with the timely and coherent dissemination of results, assessments to those who need the information. This allows for action to be taken.

Screening

Presumptive identification of unrecognized disease or defect through testing, examinations, or procedures. These procedures can be rapidly applied.

Passive vs. Active

Passive: Data from reportable diseases, reported by primary care providers, hospitals or other health care providers
Inexpensive, but completeness and underreporting are potential issues.
Active: Case finding, interviewing, reviewing medical records; visiting field sites. This is more expensive but can give more accurate reporting.

Creating a Case Definition

Define how individuals/populations are affected through clinical signs
Identify the causes (pathogen, causal factors)
Define when they are affected (e.g., time, life stage)
What characteristics of those affected (e.g., age, sex etc.)
Where they are affected (location)
Mode of transmission
Incidence/prevalence

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Description

Test your knowledge on essential epidemiological terms and concepts with this quiz. Covering topics like endemic diseases, transmission types, and definitions of incidence, you'll explore fundamental aspects of this important field. Ideal for students in public health or related disciplines.