Question

decribe the role of epidemiology investigation for historical measles outbreak( provide background , describe problem and solution)

role and interaction of the Following disciplines for solving the public health problem of mealses:

1.medicine

2.biological sciences

3.Epidemiology

4.health behaviour/education

5.biostatistics

6.enviromental sciences

7.health managment/administration

Answer 1

The role of epidemiology investigation for historical measles outbreak ( provide background , describe problem and solution)

Background: Measles is a contagious disease caused by the paramyxovirus rubeola. It is a disease that affects only humans and there is no available data suggesting measles infection in animals. Measles vaccination was introduced in the year 1963,before which it was an epidemic causing millions of death per year. It is transmitted by direct contact or through air and mainly infects the respiratory tract. No specific treatment is available for this viral infection. Measles is still common in many developing countries mainly  in parts of Africa and Asia and more than 95% of deaths due to measles occur in countries with low per capita incomes and weak health infrastructures.

Problem: In December 2018, a case of measles was reported in washington. The patient was a 10 year old child who arrived from Ukraine recently and was not vaccinated. Assessment revealed presence of fever, cough, and a maculopapular rash. Lab reports after 3 days confirmed the presence of measles virus in the patient’s urine and nasopharyngeal specimens.In about 16 days, 12 more confirmed cases of measles was reported. In the next 3 moths that is from december 2018 to March 2019, 71 confirmed cases were repoerted there.

All the suspected cases of measles were investigated through client interviews, review of electronic medical records and direct consultation with health care providers and analysis of  specimens.

Solution: Created awarness among the public about outbreak of the epidemic. Measures to control the outbreak of measles includes identifying people who are exposed to the viruse and vaccination status implemented, advice to take measles vaccination to protect self, administering PPE with MMR vaccine or immunoglobulin for expoused persons, and implementing social distancing measures like isolation of patient and  home quarantine of exposed persons was implemented inorder to control the epidemic.

Data on epidemological outbreaks and effective and ineffective measures adopted then helps to improvise the strategies next time.

Role and interaction of the following disciplines for solving the public health problem of mealses:

1. Medicine: Introduction of measles vaccination has prevented the occurence of measles to a desirable level. Introduction of post exposure prophylaxis with Immunoglobulins also had made a drastic drop in the progress of epidemic. Innovations in health care like modern technologies aids in early identification of symptoms, proper lab investigations to detect presence of viruse and prompt treatment.

2. Biological Science: This branch of science deals with scientific study of a disease condition including the cause,effect of a disease on human body, Knowledge about the pathophysiology of a disease, the organisms response to several treatment modalities, modes of transmission, etc helps to prevent the onset of disease as well as proper tretment to particular conditions based on causative organisms by development of vaccines,immunoglobulins and effective drugs against a pathogen.

3.Epidemiology: The studies conducted on incidence,prevalence,possible control measures of measles in a particular community may help to employ the same measures in other parts of the world to control the severity of the epidemic. It also provides data for future studies.

4. Health behaviour/education: educating the general public is the corner stone towards measures in disease control and prevention. Mass health education through mass media may alert the public and make them aware about how to protect themselves from contracting the disease. It may also equip individuals with knowledge about importance of vaccination, optimum age for measles vaccination, lifestyle and environmental modifications to be made to prevent communicable diseases.

5. Biostatistics: deals with the data about rate of infected cases of measles chronolonology and geography wise.

6. Enviromental sciences: Environment plays a powerful role in disease transmission including vector borne diseases. For example inadequate sanitation and overcrowding may cause rapid transmission. Knowledge about environmental drivers causing  infectious disease can lead to improved vector control measures and disease prevention.

7. Health managment/administration : Development of  strategies for developing and improving communicable disease(measles) prevention and control, in collaboration with other health care bodies.