Index case
Index case
Index case (pronounced: /ˈɪndɛks keɪs/), also known as the patient zero, is a term used in epidemiology to refer to the first identified case in a group of related cases of a particular disease or condition. The index case may indicate the source of the disease outbreak and is critical in the process of disease control and prevention.
Etymology
The term "index case" originates from the field of epidemiology. The word "index" is derived from the Latin indicare, meaning "to indicate or point out". In this context, the index case is the case that first points out or indicates the presence of a disease outbreak.
Related Terms
- Epidemiology: The study of how often diseases occur in different groups of people and why.
- Disease control: Measures used to prevent diseases from spreading.
- Prevention: Measures taken to prevent the onset of diseases.
- Outbreak: The occurrence of cases of disease in a population, geographic area, or season that is greater than what is expected.
- Patient zero: Another term for the index case, often used in popular media.
See also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Index case
- Wikipedia's article - Index case
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