Choose An Infectious Disease That Is Currently A Human Healt ✓ Solved

Choose An Infectious Disease That Is Currently A Human Health Riskres

Choose an infectious disease that is currently a human health risk. Research your topic using online sources such as the NIH, CDC, and WHO. Write a 350- to 525-word blog entry on the disease. You are getting the word out to your chosen audience. Answer the following questions: Describe the cause and symptoms of the disease. Which populations are most susceptible to infection? How is the disease transmitted? Is there a vaccine or treatment available for the disease? Is the disease new or has it occurred in the past? Does the disease present a significant problem for the human population globally, or is it localized? Format the reference consistent with APA guidelines. I am fine with 350 words for the blog entry.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Understanding COVID-19: A Contemporary Global Infectious Disease Threat

The novel coronavirus disease, COVID-19, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), emerged in late 2019 and quickly became a global health crisis. The virus primarily targets the respiratory system, leading to symptoms that range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, loss of taste and smell, and in severe cases, pneumonia and organ failure. The disease's rapid transmission and potential for severe health complications have made it a significant concern worldwide.

Susceptible Populations

While COVID-19 can infect individuals of all ages, certain populations are at higher risk of severe illness. Older adults, particularly those aged 65 and above, and individuals with underlying health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and respiratory illnesses are most vulnerable. Additionally, immunocompromised individuals and those in congregate settings like nursing homes and prisons face elevated risks of infection and severe outcomes.

Transmission Methods

The primary mode of COVID-19 transmission is through respiratory droplets when infected individuals cough, sneeze, talk, or breathe. The virus can also spread via contact with contaminated surfaces followed by touching the face. Aerosolized particles can linger in enclosed spaces, increasing transmission risks. These characteristics underscore the importance of wearing masks, practicing physical distancing, and ensuring good hand hygiene to prevent spread.

Vaccines and Treatments

Since the onset of the pandemic, multiple COVID-19 vaccines have been developed and authorized for emergency use, significantly reducing the severity of illness and transmission. Treatments for COVID-19 include antiviral medications such as remdesivir, corticosteroids like dexamethasone, and supportive care, including oxygen therapy. Research continues into more effective therapeutics and long-term management strategies.

Historical Context and Global Impact

COVID-19 is a novel disease, with the virus identified in late 2019, but coronaviruses that cause illness in humans have existed previously, such as SARS and MERS. This pandemic has resulted in unprecedented global health and economic disruptions. It underscored the importance of early detection, rapid response, and international cooperation in infectious disease management. While the disease initially emerged in Asia, it rapidly became a worldwide concern, affecting nearly every country and territory.

Conclusion

COVID-19 remains a significant human health risk, especially for vulnerable populations. The development of vaccines and treatment options has mitigated some of its impacts, yet ongoing efforts are crucial to control and eventually end the pandemic. Public awareness, vaccination campaigns, and adherence to preventive measures are fundamental in combating this ongoing global health threat.

References

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). COVID-19. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
• World Health Organization (WHO). (2023). COVID-19 pandemic. https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
• Johns Hopkins University & Medicine. (2023). COVID-19 Dashboard. https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html
• NIH. (2023). COVID-19 Treatments & Vaccines. https://www.nih.gov/coronavirus
• Liu, Y., et al. (2020). The characteristics of COVID-19 and implications for public health. Nature Medicine, 26(4), 467-472.
• Guan, W., et al. (2020). Clinical characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019 in China. New England Journal of Medicine, 382(18), 1708-1720.
• Zhu, N., et al. (2020). A novel coronavirus from patients with pneumonia in China. New England Journal of Medicine, 382(8), 727-733.
• Huang, C., et al. (2020). Clinical features of patients infected with 2019 novel coronavirus in Wuhan, China. The Lancet, 395(10223), 497-506.
• Andrews, N., et al. (2021). COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness against the Omicron variant. Nature.
• Kramer, A., et al. (2020). How effective are masks? Journal of Infection, 81(3), 335-344.