International Outbreaks: Select A Specific Outbreak

International Outbreaka Select A Specific Outbreak That Has Occurred

International Outbreaka Select A Specific Outbreak That Has Occurred

International Outbreak A. Select a specific outbreak that has occurred within the last 50 years that included human to human transmission that crossed at least one international border. • Influenza • Measles • Respiratory syndrome coronavirus • Meningococcal disease • HIV/AIDS • Ebola virus • Hepatitis B • Hepatitis C • Tuberculosis • Zika virus The task should be written in a narrative form. B. Description of a chosen international outbreak Includes: • Name of the disease • The two countries involved • The date the outbreak started from the original source and the dates it was discovered in each subsequent country. (Minimum number of countries involved is two). • Number of cases reported during this specific outbreak B1. Epidemiological Determinants and Risk Factors Analyze the EPIDEMIOLOGICAL DETERMINANTS and RISK FACTORS of this specific outbreak that you have presented in section B. What are epidemiological determinants? A determinant is anything that increases disease frequency in a population. Risk Factors and Transmission are both epidemiological determinants. However, you should discuss other determinants relevant to your outbreak here such as infectivity (how easily it is spread?), virulence (how deadly is it?), mode of transmission (Vector? Contact? Aerosol?), climate considerations (i.e., does the vector survive arid or cold temperatures?), antigenic stability (i.e., Influenza) and any other appropriate variable. Risk factors typically address the condition of the host (patient) and environment. Examples of risk factors would be age, occupation, immune-compromised status, unvaccinated status, lack of prior exposure to the disease, smoking, living in close quarters (i.e., military, prisons, college dormitories), vector exposure, etc. B2. Route of Transmission Refer to cohort. B3. Impact in My Community at a Systems Level Refer to the Cohort (e.g., the functioning of schools, local government, businesses, hospitals). Remember: These are your thoughts/ideas related to a hypothetical situation should a worst-case scenario of an outbreak impact your community. B4. Reporting Protocol for an Outbreak in My Community Refer to Cohort Many states have legislation related to communicable disease reporting protocol. Be specific in terms of your own state. B5. Two Strategies to Prevent an Outbreak in My Community Refer to Cohort (e.g., patient education strategies, community education strategies).

C. Submit a PDF of your score summary from Bentonville that includes the following activities: · Influenza in Bentonville · Community Advocacy · Emergency Responses · Communicable Disease

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The global landscape of infectious diseases is marked by outbreaks that cross borders, affecting populations worldwide. Among these, the 2014-2016 Ebola virus outbreak, originating in West Africa, stands out as a significant international health crisis due to its widespread transmission, high mortality rate, and the profound impact on health systems and societies. This paper explores the epidemiological factors, transmission routes, and community implications of the Ebola outbreak, offering insights into strategies for prevention and control at the community level.

Description of the Chosen International Outbreak

The Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak of 2014-2016 was one of the most severe public health emergencies in recent history. The outbreak originated in Guinea, West Africa, in December 2013, with the first confirmed cases linked to a traditional burial. The disease subsequently spread to Liberia and Sierra Leone, crossing borders and challenging global health response efforts. By June 2016, Liberia had reported over 10,000 cases, with a total of approximately 4,800 deaths in the three countries involved (WHO, 2016). The outbreak was characterized by rapid human-to-human transmission through contact with infected bodily fluids, and it resulted in over 28,000 confirmed and probable cases worldwide.

Epidemiological Determinants and Risk Factors

The Ebola outbreak’s epidemiological determinants are multifaceted, involving biological, environmental, and socio-economic factors. The high infectivity of Ebola is driven by its ability to spread through direct contact with blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected individuals or animals (Feldmann & Geisbert, 2011). Its virulence is exemplified by a case fatality rate of approximately 40-50%, marking it as a highly deadly disease (WHO, 2016). The mode of transmission primarily involves direct contact, with healthcare workers and family members being particularly vulnerable, especially in settings lacking adequate protective equipment (Wong et al., 2015).

Climate considerations played a role in the outbreak’s spread, as the endemic regions are characterized by humid, tropical conditions conducive to virus survival and transmission. Additionally, cultural practices, such as traditional burial rituals involving contact with the deceased, significantly increased transmission opportunities (Rodriguez et al., 2018). Socio-economic determinants, such as inadequate healthcare infrastructure, poverty, and low health literacy, further amplified risk, especially in rural and resource-limited settings.

Host-related risk factors included unvaccinated populations, healthcare workers, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Living in close quarters, such as family homes or healthcare facilities, also facilitated rapid spread, especially when health resources were overwhelmed and infection control measures were insufficient.

Route of Transmission

The primary route of transmission in this Ebola outbreak was direct contact with infectious bodily fluids. Cohort studies indicate that healthcare workers, traditional healers, and family members adhering to cultural practices had heightened exposure. Transmission occurred through broken skin or mucous membranes, especially during caregiving or funeral procedures. Aerosol transmission is not considered a major route for Ebola; however, contagion can occur in laboratory or clinical settings if strict biosafety protocols are not maintained.

Impact in My Community at a Systems Level

Although Ebola did not directly impact Bentonville, Arkansas, a hypothetical worst-case scenario would have profound implications on local systems. Schools could face closures due to quarantine measures, disrupting education. Local healthcare facilities might become overwhelmed, reducing capacity to treat not only Ebola but also other health conditions. Businesses, especially retail and service sectors, could suffer from workforce shortages and shutdowns. The local government would need to coordinate emergency response, public health messaging, and resource allocation, underscoring the importance of preparedness and community resilience.

Reporting Protocol for an Outbreak in My Community

In Arkansas, reporting infectious diseases such as Ebola is mandated by the Arkansas Department of Health, following state statutes aligned with CDC guidelines. Healthcare providers are required to notify the health department within 24 hours of suspicion or confirmation of a case. Case investigation involves collecting clinical data, contact tracing, and laboratory confirmation through state or CDC-certified laboratories. The protocols emphasize rapid response, quarantine, and isolation to contain potential outbreaks, consistent with state law and federal regulations (Arkansas Department of Health, 2020).

Strategies to Prevent an Outbreak in My Community

Prevention strategies should encompass both community and patient education. Public health campaigns can raise awareness about transmission routes, emphasizing correct hygiene practices and prompt reporting of symptomatic individuals. Community engagement, including collaboration with local leaders, can promote vaccination campaigns where applicable and dispel myths about the disease. Healthcare providers should be trained in infection control and use of personal protective equipment. Establishing surveillance systems that monitor unusual illness patterns can facilitate early detection and intervention, preventing widespread outbreaks.

Conclusion

The 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak exemplifies the complex interplay of biological, environmental, and socio-economic factors in disease transmission across borders. By understanding epidemiological determinants, transmission routes, and community impact, health authorities can implement targeted preventive measures. Community awareness, robust reporting protocols, and preparedness strategies are vital to mitigate future outbreaks and safeguard public health on an international scale.

References

• Feldmann, H., & Geisbert, T. W. (2011). Ebola haemorrhagic fever. The Lancet, 377(9768), 849-862.
• Rodriguez, L. L., et al. (2018). Cultural practices and Ebola virus transmission, West Africa. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 24(8), 1530-1532.
• Wong, G., et al. (2015). Perspectives on Ebola virus transmission and intervention strategies. Nature Reviews Microbiology, 13(4), 260-268.
• World Health Organization. (2016). Ebola Situation Report, June 2016. WHO.
• Arkansas Department of Health. (2020). Communicable disease reporting requirements. ADH.
• Feldmann, H., & Geisbert, T. W. (2011). Ebola haemorrhagic fever. The Lancet, 377(9768), 849-862.
• WHO. (2016). Ebola virus disease – West Africa. World Health Organization.
• Wong, G., et al. (2015). Perspectives on Ebola virus transmission and intervention strategies. Nature Reviews Microbiology, 13(4), 260-268.
• Rodriguez, L. L., et al. (2018). Cultural practices and Ebola virus transmission, West Africa. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 24(8), 1530-1532.
• Feldmann, H., & Geisbert, T. W. (2011). Ebola haemorrhagic fever. The Lancet, 377(9768), 849-862.