An epidemic characterized by person-to-person transmission is known as?

AIIMS M.Sc. Nsg Entrance exam-2026

Community Health Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: AIIMS M.Sc. Nsg Entrance exam-2026

Explanation

A propagated epidemic is defined by its mode of spread, which is from one person to another.
This can happen directly (e.g., respiratory droplets) or indirectly (e.g., through a vector or contaminated surface).
The epidemic curve for a propagated outbreak typically shows a slower, progressive rise in cases, often with multiple waves, as the infection spreads through the population.
Examples include influenza, measles, and COVID-19.

Option A: A common source epidemic results from exposure of a group of people to a single, shared noxious influence, such as contaminated food or water. It does not involve person-to-person spread.
Option B: A point source epidemic is a subtype of a common source epidemic where the exposure is brief and all cases occur within one incubation period. The key feature is a single source, not person-to-person transmission.
Option D: Sporadic refers to cases of a disease that occur infrequently and irregularly. It does not describe the pattern of an epidemic, which is defined as cases occurring in excess of normal expectancy.

Visual 1: Infographic: A graph comparing the epidemic curves for a point source epidemic (sharp peak), a continuous common source epidemic (plateau), and a propagated epidemic (series of progressively taller peaks).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Types of Epidemics and Modes of Transmission as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Identifying the epidemic type is a critical first step in any outbreak investigation as it dictates the public health response.
For a propagated epidemic, nursing interventions focus on breaking the chain of transmission through patient isolation, contact tracing, promoting vaccination, and public education on hygiene (e.g., handwashing, mask-wearing).
In contrast, for a common source epidemic, the priority is to identify and eliminate the source (e.g., closing a contaminated water source, recalling a contaminated food product).

How to Approach the Question

Analyze the question to identify the core concept: an epidemic defined by 'person-to-person transmission'.
Recall the definitions of the different types of epidemics.
The term 'propagate' means to spread or multiply. This aligns with the idea of a disease spreading from one individual to the next.
Contrast this with 'common source,' where multiple people are infected from a single origin point simultaneously or over a continuous period.
'Point source' is a more specific type of common source epidemic.
'Sporadic' describes a lack of pattern, the opposite of an epidemic. Therefore, propagated epidemic is the best fit for the description.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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