Question
In an epidemic, the first case come to the notice of investigator is termed as:
a. index case
c. Secondary case
b. Primary case
d. Tertiary case
Ans: ‘a’
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| a germ |
Important Points in Epidemiology
Index case in 1st case to come to attention to investigation.
Impoortant Definitions
- Primary case 1st case of a communicable d/s introduced into population unit which is studied (in an epidemic), which may or may not come to observer’s attention.
- Screening time – interval between 1st clinical detection & final critical point.
- Lead time time lag between 1st possible detection & usual time of diagnosis.
- Serial interval – Gap in time b/t primary & secondary case (measures incubation period)
- Generation time time interval between receipt of infection & maximum infectivity of host.
- Latent infection during which infectious agent is not shaded or not demonstrable in blood/ tissue.
