Assessment Description Write a paper (2,000-2,500 words) in which you apply the concepts of epidemiology and nursing research to a communicable disease. Refer to “Communicable Disease Chain,” “Chain o

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Introduction:
In this paper, I will be applying the concepts of epidemiology and nursing research to the communicable disease, Ebola. Ebola is a severe and often fatal disease that is caused by the Ebola virus. It was first discovered in 1976 in Zaire, and since then, several outbreaks have occurred mainly in sub-Saharan Africa. Some of the outbreaks have lasted for months and have resulted in the deaths of thousands of people.

1. Describe the chosen communicable disease, including causes, symptoms, mode of transmission, complications, treatment, and the demographic of interest (mortality, morbidity, incidence, and prevalence). Is this a reportable disease? If so, provide details about reporting time, whom to report to, etc.

Ebola is an infectious disease caused by the Ebola virus. The natural hosts of the virus are fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family. The virus is then transmitted to humans through close contact with the bodily fluids of infected animals or people.

The initial symptoms of Ebola are similar to those of other flu-like illnesses, including fever, headache, muscle pain, and fatigue. These symptoms are often followed by vomiting, diarrhea, and internal bleeding. The incubation period for Ebola is 2-21 days.

There is no specific cure for Ebola, and the treatment is mainly supportive. Patients receive intravenous fluids, electrolytes, and oxygen therapy to maintain their blood pressure and to correct any imbalances. Mortality rates associated with Ebola have varied from 25% to 90%. The highest mortality rates have been observed in Africa, where resources are limited.

Ebola is a reportable disease, and both clinical and laboratory confirmation is required. The disease has to be reported within 24 hours to the local public health department, which then reports to the state health department. The state health department then reports to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

2. Describe the social determinants of health and explain how those factors contribute to the development of this disease.

Several social determinants of health contribute to the development of Ebola. Poverty, poor infrastructure, and limited access to healthcare services increase the likelihood of an Ebola outbreak. Due to poor infrastructure and limited resources, people in some parts of Africa may have to walk long distances to access healthcare services. This may increase the likelihood of transmission, as they may come into contact with other infected persons or animals along the way.

Moreover, the cultural practices of some African communities, such as burial rites, may contribute to the spread of Ebola. During burials, family members often wash and touch the bodies of the deceased, which increases the likelihood of infection.

3. Discuss the epidemiologic triangle as it relates to the communicable disease you have selected. Include the host factors, agent factors (presence or absence), and environmental factors. Are there any special considerations or notifications for the community, schools, or general population?

The epidemiologic triangle consists of three factors: the host, agent, and environment. In the case of Ebola, the agent factor is the Ebola virus, and the host factors are humans and animals. The environmental factors include conditions that favor the spread of the virus, such as poor sanitation, lack of healthcare resources, and poverty.

Special considerations and notifications for the community, schools, or general population include educating them on basic hygiene practices, such as regular hand washing, avoiding contact with infected people or animals, and proper burial practices.

4. Explain the role of the community health nurse (case finding, reporting, data collection, data analysis, and follow-up) and why demographic data are necessary to the health of the community.

The community health nurse plays an essential role in the prevention and control of Ebola. The nurse’s primary responsibility is to identify, report, and follow-up on suspected cases of Ebola. The nurse also plays a crucial role in educating the community on the early signs and symptoms of Ebola and the preventive measures that can be taken.

Demographic data is necessary to the health of the community because it provides information on the distribution of the disease within a particular population. This information enables the nurse to identify vulnerable populations and to design targeted interventions to prevent the spread of the disease.

5. Identify at least one national agency or organization that addresses the communicable disease chosen and describe how the organizations contribute to resolving or reducing the impact of the disease.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is one national agency that addresses Ebola. The CDC contributes to resolving or reducing the impact of Ebola through the provision of technical assistance, training, and guidance on the prevention and control of the disease. The CDC also provides support to state and local health departments in the event of an outbreak.

6. Discuss a global implication of the disease. How is this addressed in other countries or cultures? Is this disease endemic to a particular area? Provide an example.

Ebola has a significant global implication due to its potential for rapid spread and high mortality rates. The WHO has declared Ebola a public health emergency of international concern due to its potential for global spread.

Ebola is endemic to some countries in sub-Saharan Africa, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. Despite this, the disease can be imported into other countries, as seen in the 2014 outbreak in the United States, where a Liberian immigrant infected two healthcare workers.

In conclusion, the outbreak of Ebola remains a significant challenge to public health, and there is a need for concerted efforts to prevent and control its spread. The understanding of the epidemiology and the social determinants of health associated with the disease is fundamental to designing effective prevention and control measures.