Epidemiology: IHR 2005 mandatory notification: practice question

A PSM question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

PSM · Epidemiology: IHR 2005 mandatory notification

Sample item

Under International Health Regulations 2005, which of the following events must always be notified to WHO irrespective of context?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. A case of smallpox

IHR 2005 replaced fixed disease lists with an assessment approach, but four conditions are always notifiable: smallpox, human influenza caused by a new subtype, poliomyelitis due to wild-type poliovirus, and SARS.

Option by option

  • A. A case of smallpox (correct)

    Correct. Smallpox is always notifiable.

  • B. A case of seasonal influenza

    Seasonal influenza is not; only new-subtype human influenza is.

  • C. A case of food poisoning

    Food poisoning is notifiable only if it meets the decision criteria.

  • D. A case of measles

    Measles is assessed using the decision instrument and not automatically notifiable.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More PSM questions

Questions about this PSM question

What is the answer to this PSM question?

The best answer is A, A case of smallpox. IHR 2005 replaced fixed disease lists with an assessment approach, but four conditions are always notifiable: smallpox, human influenza caused by a new subtype, poliomyelitis due to wild-type poliovirus, and SARS.

Why is "A case of seasonal influenza" not the answer?

Seasonal influenza is not; only new-subtype human influenza is.

Why is "A case of food poisoning" not the answer?

Food poisoning is notifiable only if it meets the decision criteria.

Why is "A case of measles" not the answer?

Measles is assessed using the decision instrument and not automatically notifiable.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Epidemiology: IHR 2005 mandatory notification in PSM. The correct option holds because: Correct. Smallpox is always notifiable.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Epidemiology: IHR 2005 mandatory notification?

Practise biostatistics with small calculations until sensitivity, predictive values and risk measures are automatic. Then use the flashcards and the other PSM questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.