RRB Health & Malaria Inspector key terms

The study of how often diseases occur in different groups of people and why. It measures distribution and determinants of health events so that control measures can be planned and evaluated.

The number of new cases of a disease arising in a defined population during a stated period. It measures risk of becoming ill and is used to judge whether transmission is rising.

The total number of existing cases of a disease in a population at one point in time or over a period. It reflects both new cases and how long patients remain ill.

Indirect protection of unvaccinated people that arises when a large enough share of the population is immune, so chains of transmission break. The threshold varies with how contagious the pathogen is.

The process of making a person resistant to an infection, usually by vaccination. It may be active, where the body makes its own antibodies, or passive, where antibodies are given directly.

The unbroken series of refrigerated storage and transport steps that keeps vaccines within their safe temperature range from manufacture to the point of use. Breaks in it destroy potency.

India's national programme providing free routine vaccines to pregnant women and children against diseases such as tuberculosis, polio, measles and hepatitis B, delivered through public health facilities and outreach sessions.

A living organism, commonly an insect or tick, that carries and transmits a disease-causing agent from one host to another. Mosquitoes, sandflies and flies are the main vectors in Indian public health work.

Measures aimed at reducing or interrupting the transmission of disease by vectors. It includes source reduction, larviciding, indoor residual spraying, insecticide-treated nets and personal protection.

The removal or elimination of places where mosquitoes and other vectors breed, such as stagnant water in containers, drains and discarded tyres. It is the most durable anti-larval measure.

A chemical or biological agent applied to water to kill the immature aquatic stages of insects. In malaria work it targets Anopheles larvae before they become flying mosquitoes.

Application of a residual insecticide to the inner walls and ceilings of dwellings so that mosquitoes resting there after a blood meal pick up a lethal dose. It is a core malaria control tool.

The inherited ability of an insect population to survive doses of an insecticide that would normally kill it. It develops under selection pressure and can undermine spraying and net programmes.

A mosquito net whose fabric is treated with insecticide so that it both blocks bites and kills mosquitoes contacting it. Long-lasting versions retain activity over several years without retreatment.

The evidence-based process of establishing that a particular arthropod species is genuinely responsible for transmitting a disease in a given area, using criteria such as infection rate, host contact and field abundance.

The number of infective mosquito bites a person receives per unit time, calculated from the biting rate of infected vectors. It estimates the intensity of malaria transmission in a locality.

A single-celled Plasmodium organism that infects red blood cells and causes malaria. Four species commonly affect humans in India, with Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax the most important.

The passage of malaria parasites from an infected person to a susceptible one, mainly through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. It is affected by vector density, parasite load and human behaviour.

A simple field test that detects malaria parasite antigens in a finger-prick blood sample within minutes, without a microscope. It supports prompt treatment where microscopy is unavailable.

Microscopic examination of stained thick and thin blood films to detect and identify malaria parasites and measure parasite density. It remains the reference method for confirming malaria.

Health workers actively searching for malaria or other cases in the community, for example by house-to-house fever surveys, rather than waiting for patients to report to a clinic.

Detection of disease cases that come to the attention of health services because patients seek care. It is inexpensive but misses people who do not attend and so understates true case counts.

The provision of facilities and services for the safe management of human excreta, wastewater and solid waste. Its aim is to prevent faecal contamination of water, food and the environment.

The safe collection, storage and treatment of human faeces and urine so that pathogens do not reach people. Methods include sanitary latrines, septic tanks and sewerage with treatment.

The status of a village or area where no household defecates in the open and all have access to and use a safe toilet. It is a milestone of India's sanitation mission.

Water that meets quality standards and is free from harmful microbes and chemicals at the point of use. Protecting the source, treating the water and safe household storage are all required.

Disinfection of water by adding chlorine or a chlorine compound to kill disease-causing organisms. Measuring residual chlorine afterwards confirms that protection persists during distribution.

The introduction of harmful substances or forms of energy into the environment in amounts that damage health, ecosystems or property. Air, water, soil and noise pollution are the main categories.

A single number that summarises measured concentrations of several air pollutants and reports the associated health risk category. It helps the public decide whether to limit outdoor activity.

Waste generated during diagnosis, treatment or immunisation of humans or animals, such as used sharps, soiled dressings and discarded medicines. It must be segregated by colour-coded containers and safely treated.

The field concerned with preventing illness and injury caused by work conditions, and with fitting the job to the worker. It covers hazard identification, exposure control, surveillance and rehabilitation.

Clothing and devices worn to shield a worker from hazards, such as gloves, masks, goggles, helmets and high-visibility jackets. It is a last line of defence after other controls.

Immediate, temporary care given to a sick or injured person before professional help arrives. Its aims are to preserve life, prevent worsening and promote recovery.

A life-saving technique combining chest compressions, and often rescue breaths, to keep blood and oxygen moving when a person's heart has stopped. Early CPR improves survival.

Planned communication that helps people understand health risks and adopt healthier behaviour. It uses clear messages, community channels and repetition, and is judged by changes in practice.

Involvement of local people in planning, delivering and monitoring health activities so that services match local needs and are accepted. It builds ownership and improves sustainability.

A planned approach that uses information, education and communication activities to change health behaviour in a target group. It combines mass media, interpersonal contact and community events.

A centrally sponsored scheme launched by the Government of India to control a specific disease or improve a health service nationwide, with defined targets, guidelines and monitoring indicators.