RT Book, Section A1 Ryan, Kenneth J. SR Print(0) ID 1185628203 T1 Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases: Emergence and Global Spread of Infection T2 Sherris & Ryan's Medical Microbiology, 8th Edition YR 2022 FD 2022 PB McGraw-Hill Education PP New York, NY SN 9781260464283 LK accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1185628203 RD 2024/03/28 AB OverviewEpidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of disease, both infectious and noninfectious, and other perturbations in health. Most epidemiologic studies of infectious diseases have focused on the factors that influence acquisition and spread with the goal of identifying methods for prevention and control. Epidemiologic studies have informed public health measures and thereby have been critical to the control of epidemics, such as those due to cholera, plague, smallpox, yellow fever, and typhus. Knowledge of the principles and practice of epidemiology is essential for clinicians (those treating individual patients) and public health practitioners (those focused on the health of the community) alike. Care of patients with suspected infections requires consideration of the likelihood of possible exposures in the community (acquisition) and to the community (spread to others). For example, what infections, especially viral, are currently circulating in the community? Has the patient traveled recently to an area where other infections are present? Is a nosocomial or other healthcare-associated infection possible because the patient has been hospitalized recently or resides in a long-term care facility? Does the patient’s infection pose a risk to his/her family, school- or workmates, or friends?