Certified in Public Health (CPH) Practice Exam

Compared with the situation in 1900, the number of deaths due to infectious diseases in the USA is?

1. About the same

2. Much less

3. Much more

4. About the same, but caused by different pathogens such as HIV

The correct answer is: Much less

The number of deaths due to infectious diseases in the USA has significantly decreased compared to the situation in 1900, making the assessment that there are "much less" deaths accurate. This change can be attributed to several critical advancements in public health, medicine, and technology. Initially, major infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, and gastrointestinal diseases were among the leading causes of death in the early 20th century. Over the decades, improvements in sanitation, the development and widespread use of vaccines, the introduction of antibiotics, and enhanced public health policies significantly reduced the prevalence and mortality rates of many infectious diseases. While some infectious diseases still pose a threat, advancements in medical research and technology have allowed for better prevention and treatment options, contributing to the overall decline in infectious disease mortality. Therefore, when comparing current statistics to those from 1900, it is clear that the health landscape has transformed dramatically, resulting in a far lower number of deaths attributed to infectious diseases in the modern era.