Question

Public health measures have often led to conflict and controversy in past. One current example of a controversial public health measure involves requirements for wearing masks in public to minimize the spread of COVID-19. Part of the controversy has been attributed to politics, as well as the public’s trust in health agencies. Think about what you learned from the podcast “There’s Something About Mary” and about the current COVID-19 pandemic. 1)What do you think contributed to Mary Mallon’s reluctance to follow public health measures/recommendations? 2)As the pandemic goes on, do you think that we are likely to see similar tensions between individual decisions and the public good? Why or why not? • What can public health officials do to gain the public’s trust in health information . write 250 words

Answer 1

Mary Mallon was born Ireland in 1869 and emigrated to the United States in 1884. She was engaged in 1906 as a cook.

In 1907, about 3, 000 New yorkers had been infected Salmonella typhi, and probably Mary was the main reason for the outbreak.

Immunisation against Salmonella typhi was not developed until 1911, and antibiotic treatment was not available until 1948.

Like everyone, she got small, invisible amounts of feces on her hands when she used the restroom. She then used her hands to make food, spreading the bacteria as an unwanted ingredient into the food and mouths of the families for whom she cooked.

1. Mary mallon's reluctance to follow public health measures or recommendations because Mary didn't believe the authorities when they told her that she carried typhoid , and she didn't understand the link between the disease and hand washing. She evaded authorities for years was in and out of isolation , changed her name and kept working as a cook , ultimately causing a typhoid outbreak at a hospital.  

Mary mallon story is tragic one. not only because people suffered and died , but because the solution was so simple .Mary should have washed her hands.

2. The corona virus disease 2019 (Covid -19) may stressful for people.Fear and anxiety about a new disease and what could happen can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children.

Bereavement, isolation, loss of income and fear are triggering mental health conditions or exacerbating existing ones.Many people may be facing increased levels of alcohol and drug use ,insomnia and anxiety.

If Covid 19 is spreading our community , stay safe by taking some simple precautions such as,

• Physical distancing
• Wearing a mask
• Keeping rooms well ventilated
• Avoiding crowds
• Hand washing with soap
• Using hand sanitizer
• Coughing in to a bent elbow or tissue.
• Be physically active
• Eat well and drink plenty of fluids

Sharing is caring.Understand if someone around you needs advice , food or other essentials.Be willing to share.

3. Trust in public health officials and the information they provide is essential for the public uptake of preventive strategies to reduce the transmission of Covid-19.

The following strategies are mainly considered :

• Provide timely information about level of risk , communicating openly, timely and honestly with the public .It is important therefore, that the public receive timely and accurate information about Current disease status and future disease projections .
• Development of protocols and procedures was also considered to be an important strategy for trust maintenance by the public.This involves the development of crisis plans and ongoing surveillance of risks.
• Next strategy is proactive. Proactivity is associated with regular review and updating of public health advice and recommended practices as new evidence emerges during the pandemic , and prompt communication about emerging issues.