A newspaper published an article stating that the athletic banquet at

A newspaper published an article stating that the athletic banquet at the local high school had approximately 1000 family members in attendance. Exactly 650 persons became ill within 24 hours, complaining of severe diarrhea, vomiting, and cramping.

Which of the following best describes the attack rate?
a.
650 persons
b.
1000 persons
c.
650:1000
d.
6.5%

ESSAYBID ANSWER

ANS: C
Rates are calculated by the number of people with the problem over the number exposed to the problem. In this case, 650 persons out of the 1000 at the banquet complained of illness. Although this rate could be presented as an attack rate of 65%, 6.5% is incorrect.