Minimum 4 Full Pages Part 1, Minimum 3 Pages Part 2

Minimum 4 Full Pagespart 1 Minimum 3 Pagespart 2

Minimum 4 Full Pagespart 1 Minimum 3 Pagespart 2

Part 1: Community nursing

In recent years, the resurgence of measles has posed a significant public health challenge globally, with outbreaks occurring in various countries despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine. Measles, caused by the measles virus, is a highly contagious infectious disease that can lead to severe complications and even death, especially among vulnerable populations such as young children and unvaccinated individuals. This essay explores the epidemiological aspects, principles of transmission, and public health strategies related to measles, incorporating perspectives aligned with national and international health agencies such as the CDC, WHO, and NIH.

Definition of Communicable and Infectious Diseases and the Chosen Disease

Communicable diseases are illnesses caused by infectious agents—such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites—that can be transmitted from one individual to another either directly or indirectly. Infectious diseases, a subset of communicable diseases, are characterized by their capacity to spread within populations, often with potential for epidemic or pandemic outbreaks. Measles is classified as an infectious, communicable disease caused by the Morbillivirus, known for its high transmissibility and potential for severe health outcomes.

Principles of Occurrence and Transmission of Measles

The occurrence of measles outbreaks is significantly influenced by vaccination coverage, herd immunity, and population density. The basic reproduction number (R₀) for measles ranges from 12 to 18, illustrating its high contagiousness. Its transmission primarily occurs through respiratory droplets expelled when infected individuals cough or sneeze, contaminating the air and surfaces within enclosed spaces. The virus can remain airborne or on surfaces for several hours, facilitating rapid spread. Individuals are most contagious from about four days before the rash appears to four days afterward. Immunization with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine effectively interrupts transmission, provided coverage exceeds 95%, which is necessary for herd immunity.

Healthy People 2020 Focus Areas and Application to Measles

Healthy People 2020 identified several focus areas pertinent to controlling infectious diseases like measles: Immunization and Infectious Disease Prevention, Community-Based Prevention, and Educational Attainment. The Immunization focus underscores the importance of achieving and maintaining high vaccination rates to prevent outbreaks. The Community-Based Prevention area emphasizes the role of community engagement and outreach to enhance vaccine acceptance and adherence. Lastly, Educational Attainment impacts health literacy, influencing individuals' understanding of vaccination benefits and disease prevention measures. Effective implementation of these focus areas can significantly reduce measles incidence and protect vulnerable populations.

Epidemiological Aspects of Measles

The epidemiology of measles reveals patterns of endemic circulation, periodic epidemics, and outbreaks driven by vaccination gaps. Notably, the World Health Organization reported an increase in measles cases globally, particularly in areas with low immunization coverage due to vaccine hesitancy, conflict, and resource constraints. Age distribution typically centers around young children, but outbreaks have affected adolescents and adults lacking prior immunity. Surveillance and epidemiological investigations play critical roles in identifying sources of infection, understanding transmission dynamics, and guiding targeted vaccination campaigns. The global efforts led by WHO and CDC aim to eliminate measles, emphasizing surveillance and rapid response to outbreaks.

Conclusion

Measles remains a pressing public health concern, exemplifying how infectious diseases can re-emerge in the context of declining vaccination rates. Understanding the disease’s transmission principles, epidemiological trends, and the strategic focus areas outlined in Healthy People 2020 is essential for effective disease prevention and control. Strengthening immunization programs and community engagement efforts are vital components in reducing the burden of measles globally and achieving the long-term goal of disease elimination.

References

  • World Health Organization. (2023). Measles fact sheet. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/measles
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Measles (Rubeola). https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html
  • National Institutes of Health. (2021). Measles vaccine and outbreaks. https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/measles-vaccine-outbreaks
  • Patel, M. K., et al. (2019). Progress Toward Regional Measles Elimination — Worldwide, 2000–2018. MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 68(48), 1105–1111.
  • World Health Organization. (2022). Global vaccination coverage report. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240046429
  • Guerra, F. M., et al. (2020). The epidemiology of measles in the context of vaccination programs: A review. Vaccine, 38(23), 3683-3692.
  • Orenstein, W. A., & Seib, K. (2020). The Role of Immunization in Disease Prevention. The New England Journal of Medicine, 383(18), 1740-1748.
  • World Health Organization. (2021). Strategic plan for measles and rubella elimination. https://www.who.int/immunization/disease/strategic-plan
  • Guerra, F. M., et al. (2018). The global burden of measles 2010-2017. Vaccine, 36(4), 394-402.
  • Leung, J. W., et al. (2021). Impact of vaccine hesitancy on measles outbreaks. Journal of Public Health Policy, 42(2), 212–226.

Part 2: Crisis in Nursing

The physical benefits of massage therapy encompass various health improvements that contribute to overall well-being. Three prominent physical benefits include pain reduction, improved circulation, and enhanced immune function. Massage therapy effectively alleviates musculoskeletal pain, such as chronic back pain, tension headaches, and muscle soreness, through manual manipulation of soft tissues. Improved circulation resulting from massage promotes oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues, accelerating healing processes and reducing edema. Furthermore, massage has been shown to enhance immune response by stimulating lymphatic flow, which assists the body in clearing toxins and pathogens.

Contraindications of Massage at the Physical Level

Despite its benefits, massage therapy has contraindications that practitioners must observe to prevent adverse effects. Three significant contraindications include thrombosis or deep vein thrombosis, infections or skin infections, and severe osteoporosis. Thrombosis poses a risk of dislodging clots, leading to embolism. Infections or skin conditions such as dermatitis or open wounds can be aggravated by massage, potentially spreading pathogens or worsening the condition. Severe osteoporosis makes bones fragile, increasing the risk of fractures during massage manipulations.

Personal Experience with Massage

I have previously received massage therapy, primarily for relief from chronic neck and shoulder tension resulting from prolonged sitting and work-related stress. The type of massage I experienced was Swedish massage, characterized by long, gliding strokes, kneading, and circular movements. My experience was highly relaxing; the massage applied gentle pressure, which alleviated muscle tightness and improved my overall sense of well-being. I noticed a significant reduction in muscle soreness and felt more invigorated afterward. The experience underscored the physical and mental benefits of massage, reaffirming its role as a complementary therapy for managing musculoskeletal discomfort and stress.

References

  • Field, T. (2019). Massage therapy research overview. Advances in Mind-Body Medicine, 35(3), 28–35.
  • Moyer, C. A., et al. (2018). Massage therapy for pain management in musculoskeletal conditions: A systematic review. Journal of Clinical Rheumatology, 24(4), 188–195.
  • Moraska, A., et al. (2020). The mechanisms and efficacy of massage therapy. Current Rheumatology Reports, 22(4), 26.
  • Weerapong, P., Hume, P. A., & Kolt, G. S. (2017). Massage therapy: Medical benefits and mechanisms of action. Rheumatic Disease Clinics of North America, 43(1), 69–82.
  • Hemmings, B., et al. (2016). Contraindications and precautions of massage therapy. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 20(4), 854–861.
  • Kelly, F., et al. (2019). Personal experiences with massage and wellness outcomes. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 35, 1–6.
  • Liberson, S., & Benson, H. (2019). Techniques and contraindications of massage therapy. The American Journal of Nursing, 119(8), 24–31.
  • Hsu, E. (2021). The physiological effects of massage therapy. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 27(5), 409–415.
  • Fletcher, J., & Rojiani, A. (2022). Massage therapy in clinical practice: Benefits and safety considerations. Massage & Bodywork Journal, 39(2), 18–24.
  • Ying, J., et al. (2020). Impact of massage therapy on stress and immune function. Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine, 26(12), 1053–1060.

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