Assignment Details Epidemiologists study the occurrence and transmission of huma

Question

Assignment Details Epidemiologists study the occurrence and transmission of human diseases on a global scale. This is no easy task since pathogens, or disease-causing organisms, are everywhere. It is virtually impossible to avoid coming into contact with a potentially pathogenic microorganism in the modern world In this Assignment, you will practice some epidemiology. You will apply what you have learned about the structure and function of microorganisms as you explore a pathogenic microbe and its impact on human health To complete the Assignment, choose one of the microbes assigned by your instructor. Include the following prompts within your discussion . Provide background about the disease-causing microbe. Is it a virus, bacterium, etc.? What are the symptoms of the disease? . Describe the impact of this microbe on human health. Why would this disease be of concern to epidemiologists? What is the prevalence of the disease in the human population? . Describe any treatments available for the disease. Include vaccinations and chemotherapeutic treatment options . In your opinion, would the innate immune system or the adaptive immune system be more effective at fighting off this infection? Explain your answer and provide examples as support

Explanation / Answer

The disease-causing micro-organisms that we are taking into consideration here is Varicella Zoster Virus. It is responsible for causing chicken pox and is highly contagious in nature. The incubation period for the virus is nearly 10 to 12 days. Some of the common symptoms of chickenpox are:-

Fever – It is worse in case of adults as compared to the children.

Sore and aching muscles

Loss of appetite

Rash – The severity of the rash depends and varies and can cover whole body to only some specific areas.

Spots – There are red spots or pus filled outbursts on the skin that are tiny, red and itchy. It generally appears on face, chest, limb, stomach and back.

Blisters – These can be formed or developed on top of the spots and are very itchy.

Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease that causes painful blisters and rashes on the skin that appears red in colour. Although it is not life-threatening there might be complications that might arise from it. The adults are more susceptible and take longer time for the whole process of recovery. There is a higher risk of infection and complication in case the blisters become infected with bacteria. It tends to weaken the immune system and might pose complications especially for pregnant woman. It might also develop into pneumonia and might also cause inflammation of brain causing encephalitis. It might also cause Reye’s syndrome which is very rare but a serious condition that might occur when children are generally recovering from viral infection. It might cause swelling of the liver and brain.

Treatment may range from medications to vaccinations. The viral infection generally takes a week or two to recover. However vaccinations are available for its further spreading and help in reducing the rashes and itchiness. In order to subside the pain or fever, one can take Tylenol or acetaminophen which helps in reducing fever. The dehydration can be avoided by drinking plenty of fluids and water.

The chicken pox can be fought with help of adaptive immune system and it helps prevent recurring infection. The adaptive immune system has memory cells which are activated during the first time encounter. When the body encounters the same virus again, the memory cell recognizes it and starts activating and producing the memory cells which helps in tackling the virus.

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