Search this site

Dictionary




Here is a list of useful terms and definitions. While we try to keep the reports as free of technical jargon as we can, some terms still need some clarification.


Showing 7 items
TermDefinition
Sort 
 
Sort 
 
Disease Surveillance The systemic collection, analysis, and dissemination of data to monitor and react to the impact of a disease. 
Incidence New cases of a disease/condition in a population during a given time period. 
Influenza-like Illness (ILI) A fever greater than 100ºF plus a cough or sore throat (in the absence of a known cause other than influenza) 
Pathogenic / Pathogenicity The ability of an organism (virus, bacteria) to cause disease. 
PCR Polymerase Chain Reaction, a laboratory test used to detect genetic material (DNA or RNA) of a specific organism. 
Prevalence The existing number of cases of a disease/condition in a population at a given time. 
Virulent / Virulence The degree of disease caused by an organism. 
Showing 7 items