The International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) require member states to develop core capacities for surveillance and response. Which of the following diseases is currently listed as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) trigger condition under the IHR 2005 Annex 2?
- A Malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS are automatically reportable PHEICs
- B Smallpox, poliomyelitis due to wild-type poliovirus, human influenza caused by a new subtype, and SARS always require reporting ✓
- C Any outbreak of dengue fever exceeding 100 cases per district automatically qualifies as a PHEIC
- D Only diseases with case fatality rate > 50% are reportable under IHR 2005
Correct answer: B. Smallpox, poliomyelitis due to wild-type poliovirus, human influenza caused by a new subtype, and SARS always require reporting
Explanation
Under IHR 2005 Annex 2, four events must always be notified to WHO as they potentially constitute a PHEIC: (1) smallpox, (2) poliomyelitis due to wild-type poliovirus, (3) human influenza caused by a new subtype, and (4) severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Other events (e.g., cholera, plague, viral hemorrhagic fevers) are assessed using the decision algorithm based on severity, unusual nature, international spread potential, and public health impact.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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