11 Questions
What term is used to describe a disease that has a continuous occurrence at an expected frequency over a defined period in a particular geographical location?
Endemic
In which scenario would a disease be classified as holoendemic?
High level of incidence in the younger population
What does the term 'sporadic' refer to in the context of diseases?
Disease occurring infrequently and irregularly
Which disease is endemic in many tropical geographical locations including sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and South America?
Malaria
When does an epidemic occur?
Sudden and unexpected increase in the number of cases greater than expected
What term is used to describe a disease that shows a high incidence in all age groups?
Hyperendemic
What are the primary reasons for new epidemics?
Introduction of a new pathogen or increased virulence of an existing pathogen
Which factor contributes to an epidemic by improving pathogen transmission?
Improved transmission of the pathogen
During which year did the first Ebola epidemic occur in the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan?
1976
What is the term used when an epidemic spreads globally affecting different countries and a large population?
Pandemic
What was the mortality rate during the first Ebola epidemic in Zaire?
88%
Study Notes
Disease Levels
- An endemic disease has a continuous occurrence at an expected frequency over a defined period in a particular geographical location.
- It can also be referred to as a baseline of disease.
- The primary reason for the prevalence of endemic diseases is the constant presence of the infectious agent in a population within a geographic area.
Examples of Endemic Diseases
- Lyme disease is endemic in many states in the US, with a high incidence in Delaware and Connecticut.
- Malaria is endemic in many tropical geographical locations, including sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and South America.
Holoendemic and Hyperendemic
- A disease is called holoendemic when it has a high incidence in the younger population.
- A disease is referred to as hyperendemic when it shows a high incidence in all age groups.
Sporadic Diseases
- A disease is called sporadic when it occurs infrequently and irregularly.
Epidemics
- An epidemic occurs when there is a sudden and unexpected increase in the number of cases, exceeding the expected baseline level in a geographical location.
- The primary reasons for new epidemics are:
- An increase in the presence of susceptible individuals.
- The introduction of a new pathogen to an area.
- A pathogen becoming more virulent, despite the presence of prophylactic and therapeutic agents.
- Additional factors contributing to epidemics include:
- Improved transmission of the pathogen.
- Increased exposure of humans to the pathogen.
Examples of Epidemics
- The first Ebola epidemic occurred in the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan in 1976, with a mortality rate of 88% in Zaire and 55% in Sudan.
Pandemics
- A pandemic is a generalized epidemic that spreads globally, affecting different countries and a large population.
- Influenza pandemics are a characteristic example of this, including:
- Spanish flu pandemic (1918) - caused by the subtype H1N1.
- Asian flu pandemic (1957) - caused by H2N2.
- Hong Kong flu pandemic (1968) - caused by H3N2.
- Swine flu pandemic (1976 and 2009) - caused by H1N1.
Test your knowledge on the levels of disease endemicity, which is characterized by continuous occurrence at an expected frequency over a defined period in a specific geographic location. Explore the primary reasons for the prevalence of such diseases and the impact of interventions and mortality rates.
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