Question

who is involved in a response to an epidemic ?

whos is affected ?

Answer 1

The occurrence of an epidemic always signals some significant shift in the existing balance between the agent,host and environment. Response to an epidemic includes immediate action to tackle the health emergency by formulating an action plan , implementing the plan and  thorough investigation of the cases to uncover the factors responsible and guide in advocating control measures to prevent further spread .

Usually a committee has to be set up to carry out the functions. This committee comprises of:

• Health sector- For medical  needs , laboratories and outbreak investigation.
• Political and governmental bodies- To formulate the response plan
• Technical personnel- To bring the plan into action

Who is affected?

In an epidemic , the worst hit are the vulnerable population of the society.

• Children, geriatric population, pregnant females - low immunity
• People with chronic medical conditions are more likely to have a serious health problem during a heat wave than healthy people.
• People with reduced access to care and preventative services.
• People with poverty are generally more exposed to threats of a epidemic.