Step 1
Choose any transmissible disease to focus on for this assignment (you will focus on that same disease in the assignment that follows in Week 7). The disease you focus on should be a transmissible disease of concern in your own community or area of interest. You may choose to reference your county or state Department of Health (DOH) as well as the CDC website to narrow your focus. As an option, you can also choose to use one of these websites to narrow your focus to a disease of concern near you
HealthMapLinks to an external site..
Global Incident Map Displaying Outbreaks of All Varieties of DiseasesLinks to an external site..
The Global Health Observatory Map GalleryStep 2
Write a 1-2 page report to an audience of interest in which you do the following:
Identify and cite at least three relevant and reliable sources of data an epidemiological manager would consult when managing this outbreak.
You may consult any reliable Internet resources as long as they are less than 5 years old. This may include reports from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or the World Health Organization (WHO).
Your resources should also provide a clear and concise summary of the data and results.
Summarize the major findings on the disease. Include a table from at least one of your resources that includes that report’s data.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
In this report, we will focus on a transmissible disease that is of concern in our community or area of interest. The purpose of this assignment is to identify and cite relevant and reliable sources of data that an epidemiological manager would consult when managing an outbreak of this disease. We will also summarize the major findings on the disease and include a table from one of the resources that provide the data.
Answer:
For this assignment, I have chosen to focus on the disease “Influenza” as it is a transmissible disease of concern in our community. The following are three relevant and reliable sources of data that an epidemiological manager would consult when managing an influenza outbreak:
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
The CDC is a trusted source for disease data and provides up-to-date information on influenza. Their website offers comprehensive reports, surveillance data, and statistics on influenza outbreaks. The CDC also conducts research on influenza vaccines and provides recommendations for prevention and control measures.
2. World Health Organization (WHO):
The WHO is a global authority on public health and monitors influenza outbreaks worldwide. Their website provides international data on influenza, including global surveillance reports, laboratory information, and updates on vaccine strains. The WHO collaborates with national health agencies to coordinate responses and develop guidelines for influenza management.
3. State or County Department of Health:
Local health departments, such as the state or county Department of Health, play a crucial role in monitoring and managing influenza outbreaks in specific regions. These agencies collect data on influenza cases, hospitalizations, and mortality rates within their jurisdiction. They often provide localized reports and guidelines for healthcare providers and the general public.
Major Findings on Influenza:
Influenza is a viral respiratory illness that causes seasonal outbreaks worldwide. Key findings from the selected sources include:
– Influenza viruses can rapidly spread through respiratory droplets and cause mild to severe illness, with vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and individuals with underlying health conditions being at higher risk for complications.
– Each year, seasonal influenza causes a significant number of hospitalizations and deaths globally.
– Vaccination is the most effective strategy for preventing influenza. Vaccines are developed based on the strains predicted to circulate in the upcoming season, and their effectiveness may vary each year.
– Antiviral medications can be used to treat and reduce the severity of influenza illness, especially in high-risk individuals.
– Public health measures such as hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and staying home when sick are important in preventing the spread of influenza.
Table: [Include a table from one of the resources]
(Table will depend on the specific data and findings extracted from the chosen resources)
In conclusion, the selected sources provide valuable data and insights for epidemiological managers in managing an influenza outbreak. The CDC, WHO, and local health departments are reliable resources that offer comprehensive information on influenza, including surveillance data, vaccination recommendations, and preventive measures. By staying informed and following the guidelines provided by these sources, effective control and management of influenza outbreaks can be achieved in our community.
