Glossary

Data or measurements collected at the outset of implementation of a surveillance

system or of strengthening activities, or a set of indicators that have been identified to

monitor and evaluate the performance of a surveillance and response system. For

example, the baseline mortality rate (or non-crisis mortality rate) is Mortality rate before

the crisis. (1)

(1) Checchi and Roberts, Interpreting and using mortality data in humanitarian

emergencies, ODI/HPN paper 52, 2005.

Avian flu, also known as “bird flu”, is an infection caused by avian influenza A viruses.

These influenza A viruses occur naturally among birds. Wild birds worldwide get flu A

infections in their intestines, but usually do not get sick from flu infections. However,

avian influenza is very contagious among birds and some of these viruses can make

certain domesticated bird species, including chickens, ducks, and turkeys, very sick

and kill them.

Most avian influenza viruses do not cause disease in humans. However, some are

A group of individuals attending to a common media. They receive communication

from the same source, but are not active participants and do not communicate with

each other. Collection of individuals who have come together to watch or listen to

someone or something, such as to listen to a speech. (1)

(1) Glossary of communication, University of Jyväskylä

An attack rate is defined as the proportion of those who became ill after a specified

exposure over a specified period of time. The numerator is new cases of disease

during a specified period; the denominator is the population at risk.