Epidemic
Epidemic: The occurrence of more cases of a disease than would be expected in a community or region during a given time period. A sudden severe outbreak of a disease such as SARS. From the Greek “epi-“, “upon” + “demos”, “people or population” = “epidemos” = “upon the population.” See also: Endemic; Pandemic.
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- Epidemic hemorrhagic fever
Epidemic hemorrhagic fever: A syndrome caused by a hantavirus which is transmitted to humans by contact with infected rodents urine or feces. Patients typically develop a high fever, cough, shortness of breath and abdominal or back pain and may go on to develop kidney failure, which is usually temporary. Many arboviruses (including those in the […]
- Epidemic myalgia
Epidemic myalgia: Also known as Bornholm disease, this is a temporary illness that is a result of virus infection. The disease features fever and abdominal and chest pains with headache. The chest pain is typically worsened by breathing or coughing. The illness usually lasts from 3 to 14 days. The most common virus causing Bornholm […]
- Epidemic scorecard
Epidemic scorecard: A tally of epidemics. The scorecard, based on estimates from the World Health Organization in 2003, reads as follows: Tuberculosis: 8 million new cases and 2 million deaths a year. A third of the world population has TB. Drug-resistant incurable strains on the rise. Malaria: 300-500 million new cases and a million deaths […]
- Epidemiology, classical
Epidemiology, classical: The study of populations in order to determine the frequency and distribution of diseases, and then to measure the risks of those diseases.
- Epidemiologist
Epidemiologist: A person engaged in epidemiology. Epidemiologists can be people with MD, PhD, DPH (Doctor of Public Health), MPH (Master of Public Health), RN, or other degrees.