Question
Smallpox has been declared eradicated in 1980. Can you tell the difference between eradication and elimination of a disease? Select the two correct definitions for eradication and elimination of a disease:
| A. Eradication refers to the complete and permanent worldwide reduction to zero new cases of the disease through deliberate efforts. | |
| B. Eradication refers to the reduction to zero (or a very low defined target rate) of new cases in a defined geographical area. | |
| C. Elimination refers to the complete and permanent worldwide reduction to zero new cases of the disease through deliberate efforts. | |
| D. Elimination refers to the reduction to zero (or a very low defined target rate) of new cases in a defined geographical area. |
Answer A and D are correct.
Eradication
EradicationThe complete and permanent worldwide reduction to zero new cases of an infectious disease through deliberate efforts; no further control measures are required. refers to the complete and permanent worldwide reduction to zero new cases of the disease through deliberate efforts.
- If a disease has been eradicated, no further control measures are required.
EliminationEliminationReduction to zero (or a very low defined target rate) of new cases of an infectious disease in a defined geographical area as a result of deliberate efforts; continued measures to prevent re-establishment of transmission are required. refers to the reduction to zero (or a very low defined target rate) of new cases in a defined geographical area.
- Elimination requires continued measures to prevent re-establishment of disease transmission.