Question
Which one of the following terms is an “all-or-none phenomenon” and is best described as termination of all transmission of infection by extermination of the infectious agent?
| A. |
Disease control
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| B. |
Disease elimination
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| C. |
Disease eradication
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| D. |
Disease surveillance
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Show Answer
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Correct Answer � C
Explanation
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The phrase “all-or-none phenomenon” implies an objective that is entirely or not at all achieved. Only disease eradication fits this description.
Definitions of Key Terms:
– Disease control: ↓ disease incidence, prevalence, morbidity, or mortality to an acceptable level. Ongoing intervention needed, e.g., malaria control.
– Disease elimination: End disease transmission in a specific area. Agent may exist elsewhere, e.g., polio in India.
– Disease eradication: Permanent zero incidence worldwide of infection by a specific agent. No further action required. All-or-none concept. E.g., smallpox is fully eradicated.
– Disease surveillance: Ongoing collection & analysis of health data for public health planning. Not related to eradication.
