Elimination and eradication of infectious diseases

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Elimination and eradication in this context are technical terms with specific meanings.[1]

The Dahlem Workshop proposed the following definitions:[2][3]


  • Control: The reduction of disease incidence, prevalence, morbidity or mortality to a locally acceptable level as a result of deliberate efforts; continued intervention measures are required to maintain the reduction. Example: diarrhoeal diseases.
  • Elimination of disease: Reduction to zero of the incidence of a specified disease in a defined geographical area as a result of deliberate efforts; continued intervention measures are required. Example: neonatal tetanus.
  • Elimination of infections: Reduction to zero of the incidence of infection caused by a specific agent in a defined geographical area as a result of deliberate efforts; continued measures to prevent re-establishment of transmission are required. Example: measles, poliomyelitis.
  • Eradication: Permanent reduction to zero of the worldwide incidence of infection caused by a specific agent as a result of deliberate efforts; intervention measures are no longer needed. Example: smallpox.
  • Extinction: The specific infectious agent no longer exists in nature or in the laboratory. Example: none.

External links

  • The Principles of Disease Elimination and Eradication. MMWR supplement. December 31, / 48(SU01);23-7.
  • David L Heymann. Control, elimination, eradication and re-emergence of infectious diseases: getting the message right. Bulletin of the World Health Organization (BLT).84(2):82-3.

References

  1. ↑ Molyneux DH, Hopkins DR, Zagaria N. Disease eradication, elimination and control: the need for accurate and consistent usage. Trends in parasitology. Aug; 20(8):347-51.(Link to article – subscription may be required.)
  2. ↑ Dowdle WR. The Principles of Disease Elimination and Eradication. MMWR - Supplements 1999;48(SU01):23-7.
  3. ↑ Dowdle WR. The principles of disease elimination and eradication. Bulletin of the World Health Organization. 1998; 76 Suppl 2:22-5.