The Epidemic Curve (Epi Curve) showing a sharp rise and fall of cases over a very short period (2-3 days), with all cases falling within one incubation period, is most consistent with:
- A Point source epidemic ✓
- B Propagated epidemic
- C Continuous source epidemic
- D Mixed epidemic pattern
Correct answer: A. Point source epidemic
Explanation
A point source epidemic shows a sharp unimodal peak with all cases occurring within one maximum incubation period of exposure to a common source at a single point in time (e.g., a contaminated buffet at a wedding). Propagated (person-to-person) epidemics show successive waves separated by one incubation period. Continuous source epidemics have a plateau over an extended period as long as the source persists.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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