Ch 4- Patient Zero

Front

What is the role of Patient Zero in an outbreak?

Back

Patient Zero refers to the first identified patient in an epidemiological investigation, often used to trace the source and spread of a disease.

Front

Who was Mary Mallon?

Back

Mary Mallon, also known as Typhoid Mary, was an asymptomatic carrier of typhoid fever and is known for spreading the disease in the early 1900s.

Front

What does it mean to be an asymptomatic carrier?

Back

An asymptomatic carrier is a person who carries a disease-causing organism but does not exhibit symptoms of the disease.

Front

Why was Mary Mallon considered a public health threat?

Back

Mary Mallon was considered a public health threat because she unknowingly spread typhoid fever to others while working as a cook.

Front

What was the public's reaction to Mary Mallon after her first quarantine?

Back

After her first quarantine, the public viewed Mary Mallon with suspicion and fear, seeing her as a potential threat to public health.

Front

What actions did Mary Mallon take that contributed to her notoriety?

Back

Mary Mallon continued to work as a cook under a false name, despite being advised not to do so due to her status as a carrier.

Front

What is the significance of the term 'quarantine'?

Back

Quarantine is a public health practice used to separate and restrict the movement of people who may have been exposed to a contagious disease.

Front

How did Mary Mallon's actions impact public health policies?

Back

Mary Mallon's case led to stricter public health policies regarding the management of asymptomatic carriers and the importance of sanitation.

Front

What was the outcome of Mary Mallon's second quarantine?

Back

After her second quarantine, Mary Mallon was still considered a threat to public health and was not allowed to work as a cook.

Front

What does the term 'typhoid fever' refer to?

Back

Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi, characterized by prolonged fever, weakness, and abdominal pain.