Host - An organism that harbors a parasite or another organism where there is a symbiotic relationship between the two organisms. In some cases, the relationship is commensal, or mutually beneficial, but in the case of a parasite and host, the host may be hurt by the parasite's presence.⏎
Infectious Disease - A type of illness caused by a pathogenic agent, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, parasites, or abnormal proteins known as prions.⏎
Mortality - The number of deaths in a given time or place.⏎
Microbe - Sometimes referred to as a microorganism, a microbe is an organism that is microscopic and thus invisible to the naked eye. ⏎
Institute of Medicine - An independent, nonprofit organization that works outside of government to provide unbiased and authoritative advice on health and medicine to decision makers and the public.⏎