You are an epidemiologist working for the World Health Organisation when reports

Question

You are an epidemiologist working for the World Health Organisation when reports come in from three separate countries of a number of cases of an acute respiratory infection with a high mortality rate (-15%). The pattern of spread indicates that this disease is highly communicable, most likely spread through aerosol droplets. Infected individuals are found to have noticeably raised temperatures from the time of early infection. Suggest 2-3 recommendations either to individuals, hospitals or government agencies that you could make to attempt to reduce the spread of the disease and describe why these would help. (5 marks)

If this infectious disease was to spread through human populations around the world, what would it be an example of? (1 mark)
(It is in all one question worth 6 marks and it is a postgraduatle level microbiology question, answer should be 1 A4 size page long)

Explanation / Answer

Droplets are particles which are emitted while sneezing, coughing, talking. Droplet transmission is the spread of virus,bacteria in the droplets via the mechanism of air. Tha droplets can travel only short distances before settling down in environment,which is usually 3 feet distance. And these particles are loaded with infected particles which can transmit infections among people who are close to each other within the short distance. Other modes of transmission of droplet infection is through fomites, hands of the infected person and infected surfaces. Hands comes in contact of the surfaces of the infected areas can become contagious and the infection is able to enter the new host.

As an epidemiologist,it is very important to understand the disease pattern and the clinical features exhibited by the group of population, to decide upon the interventions to prevent and control the spread of infections. It also enables to initiate the treatment at the earliest, thus to decrease the mortality rates. Early detection and prevention is possible only when the people in the region are educated about the disease and its prevention. There are certain strategies which can prevent the spread of such infection are;

Individual -

1) Covering the mouth or nose while sneezing, coughing which can curb the spread and instand hand hygiene is needed

2) Hand washing is an important tool to prevent infection

3) Avoid crowded areas during the spread of infections as the spread is faster when people are in the close areas

4) Avoid using shared towels, napkins and plates

Hospitals-

1) Strict hand hygiene practices with anti-bacterial handwash or use of handrub

2) Maintaining isolation policy for patients with active infections

3) Screening employees and patients for presence of infection

4) Use of personal protective equipment while delivering care

5) Disinfecting instruments and equipments used for patients

6) Proper disposal of biomedical waste

7) Vaccination if required

Government-

1) Screening the people around the area where there is active spread of infections

2) Arranging for health camps, to rule out the spread of infections

The spread is possible only when the people are made aware of the disease,this can further help the people to prevent infection on an individual basis which is very important during an outbreak. At this level, the interventions are simple and easy to carry. Secondly, hospital is the area where there are already existing policies and protocols to follow, but during an epidemic, the demand of the services rises, in such instances the prevention strategies should be followed strictly and without fail. The employees shall be trained with the updates on this outbreak, this can help them prevent themselves as well as to deliver care with caution. And other responsibilities are obviously lies with government.

Examples of droplet infection which are commonly spread by coughing or sneezing include bacterial meningitis, chickenpox, common cold, influenza, mumps, strep throat, tuberculosis, measles, rubella, whooping cough, SARS and leprosy.

The possibility of the disease could be Strep throat which show symptoms like fever, sore throat, tonsillitis, or tender lymph nodes. The incubation period is short, usually from 1 to 5 days. Influenza is very common and spreads easily within the human popoulation and the control mechanism is easy to implement.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse Y
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.