Outbreak by Robin Cook

Vocabulary Worksheet 1

1. CDC (Center for Disease Control)

The CDC is a federal agency that is part of the U.S. Public Health Service. Originally established in 1946 as the Communicable Disease Center, it acquired its present name in 1970. Its headquarters and main laboratories are in Atlanta, Georgia. The CDC’s main components are the Epidemiology Program Office, Center for Prevention Services, Center for Environmental Health, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and the Center for Infectious Diseases. These divisions conduct research, prevention, control, and education programs both nationally and in several other countries. The CDC also helps to train doctors, provide public health information, and develop immunization services with state and local agencies.

2. Epidemiology (Dictionary link)

The science concerned with the study of the factors for the frequency and distribution of disease, injury and other health-related events and causes in a human population. The studies are done to establish programs to prevent and control the development and spread of disease.

3. Virology (Dictionary link)

The study of viruses and viral diseases

4. Antigens (Dictionary link)

Any substance which, under the right conditions, can induce a specific immune response; example: a bacteria

5. Culture (Dictionary link)

A special environment in which microorganism or living cells can grow

6. Hemorrhage (Dictionary link)

The escape of blood from a ruptured (broken) blood vessel; it can be internal, external, or into the skin

7. Mutate (Dictionary link)

To change the genetic material

8. Strain (Dictionary link)

A group of organisms within a species or variety

9. Incubation Period (Dictionary link)

The time required for a disease or virus to develop; it ranges from days to several months