Chapter 13, Problem 9CTQ

a.

Summary Introduction

To explain:

The type of epidemic that occurred by cholera, and also draw a curve exhibiting the incidence over this time in cholera spread.

Concept introduction:

Epidemic is a widespread or outbreak of an infectious disease in a particular area at a particular time. During an increase in a disease at a given area, it can be helpful to observe and analyze the epidemic curve. Epidemic curve can be of three types: common source, point source and propagated epidemic.

b.

Summary Introduction

To explain:

Whether or not identifying an index case would have helped Dr. Snow while bringing cholera to an end.

Concept introduction:

Epidemic is a widespread or outbreak of an infectious disease in a particular area at a particular time. Index case is a term that refers to the first patient, found in an epidemiological investigation.