super-spreader
Outbreak force multiplier
A super-spreader is a person who transmits an infectious disease to an unusually large number of others, far exceeding typical transmission rates.
The term gained wide currency during the COVID-19 pandemic but applies to any contagious illness.
By extension, a super-spreader event is a gathering where significant transmission occurs: The wedding became a super-spreader event.
Sometimes used figuratively for anyone who spreads information or influence widely.
One that transports
- patient zeroFirst documented infection
- hostOne receiving guests
- transmitterSignal-emitting device
- shedderOne that casts off
vector · source · reservoir · asymptomatic carrier · propagator · contact · case · amplifier
Isolation preventing disease transmission
- isolationComplete separation from others
- contact tracingTracking disease spread connections
- lockdownEnforced restriction on movement
- social distancingDeliberate interpersonal spacing
mask mandate · travel ban · testing · surveillance · containment · public health measures · restrictions · notification
Pathogen invasion causing illness
- contagionDisease spread by contact
- outbreakSudden eruption of trouble
- viral loadPathogen count in body
- clusterGathered group nearby
airborne · droplets · exposure · contact tracing · secondary infections · attack rate · R-value · infectious period
Collection of people meeting
- weddingMarriage rite and feast
- funeralService honoring the dead
- choir practiceEnsemble vocal training session
- conferenceOrganized meeting for discussion
rally · nightclub · party · religious service · cruise ship · meatpacking plant · bar · mass gathering
carrier
One that transports
- patient zeroFirst documented infection
- hostOne receiving guests
- transmitterSignal-emitting device
shedder · vector · source · reservoir · asymptomatic carrier · propagator · contact · case · amplifier · distributor
quarantine
Isolation preventing disease transmission
- isolationComplete separation from others
- contact tracingTracking disease spread connections
- lockdownEnforced restriction on movement
social distancing · mask mandate · travel ban · testing · surveillance · containment · public health measures · restrictions · notification · shutdown
infection
Pathogen invasion causing illness
- contagionDisease spread by contact
- outbreakSudden eruption of trouble
- viral loadPathogen count in body
cluster · airborne · droplets · exposure · contact tracing · secondary infections · attack rate · R-value · infectious period · shedding
gathering
Collection of people meeting
- weddingMarriage rite and feast
- funeralService honoring the dead
- choir practiceEnsemble vocal training session
conference · rally · nightclub · party · religious service · cruise ship · meatpacking plant · bar · mass gathering · congregation
- viral contentviral, go viral, going viral, viral content, virality