Etiology refers to the study of causes of diseases

Etiology

The mechanisms by which diseases are spread

Disease transmission

Morbidity

The number of diseased individuals out of a certain number of individuals in the population

Morbidity rate

Mortality 

The proportion of deaths due to disease in a population at a given point in time

Mortality rate

Features of Epidemiology include:

- Etiology
- Disease transmission
- Morbidity
- Morbidity rate
- Mortality
- Mortality rate

University of Notre Dame

The study of the incidence, prevalence, and distribution of illness or disease in a given population

Epidemiology

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Regarding epidemiology, the expectation is that analyzing the distribution of cases in a community or region and uncovering the distinguishing characteristics of the affected individuals or groups will teach us something about the causes of a particular disease and the methods by which it spreads. Epidemiological methods can also be quite important in identifying groups of individuals who are at risk.

Epidemiological Methods 

Features of Epidemiology

Traditional model for infectious disease that consits of an agent/pathogen, a susceptible host, and an environment.  Disease is a result of an agent/pathogen and a susceptible host interacting in an environment that enables transmission. 

Epidemiological Triangle

Pioneers in epidemiology include:
- John Snow
- Florence Nightingale
- Ignaz Semmelweis
- Joseph Lister
- Robert Koch
- Louis Pasteur

Pioneers in Epidemiology

Multiple international public health agencies have worked towards improving public health and healthcare programs, monitoring disease risks, and communicating and coordinating with other international agencies to uphold global public health.

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