Identify a zoonotic or vector-borne disease prevalent in a specific region of a developed or developing country. Complete a two-part informative assignment that includes both an illustrated and written component discussing the incidence and response to the disease.
Part I
Illustrate the following for the identified zoonotic or vector-borne disease:
- Create a diagram or flowchart: Describe the chain of infection (agent, host, and environment). Include the reservoir, routes of exposure, disease transmission. Illustrate the symptoms and identify susceptible populations.
- Identify one or more surveillance reports using the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) or National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS) resources and discuss the methods used in data collection. Use a table or graph to present data from the report. Summarize the information of the report, including the burden of the disease and the morbidity and mortality rates in the region.
Part II
In a 500-750 word paper, evaluate the incidence and response to the identified zoonotic or vector-borne disease.
- Describe public health interventions used to treat or prevent the disease.
- Using One Health as at least one reference, discuss predictions for the future spread of the disease and how it will impact human, animal, and ecosystem health in this region.
- Propose strategies for containment and prevention. Discuss the necessary agencies and stakeholders important to addressing the issue.
You are required to cite to three to five sources to complete this assignment. Sources must be published within the last 5 years and appropriate for the assignment criteria and public health content.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Zoonotic and vector-borne diseases are a significant public health concern worldwide. As a medical professor, one of the assignments given to medical college students is to identify a prevalent zoonotic or vector-borne disease in a specific region and complete an informative assignment on it. This assignment is divided into two parts: a written component and an illustrated component.
Answer:
One prevalent zoonotic disease in developing countries is rabies. Rabies is caused by the rabies virus and is mainly transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, mainly dogs, foxes, and bats. This disease is prevalent in Africa and Asia, where there are a large number of stray dogs.
Part II:
Rabies has a direct chain of infection, and it involves three components: the agent, host, and environment. The reservoir for the rabies virus is an infected animal, and the virus is transmitted mainly through bites. The virus can also enter the body through scratches, open wounds, or exposure of mucous membranes to infected saliva. Once the virus enters the body, it multiplies in the muscles and then travels to the central nervous system, causing symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, and eventually leading to paralysis and death.
The susceptible populations include individuals who are bitten or scratched by infected animals, which are mainly children and individuals who work closely with animals.
According to the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), it is estimated that approximately 59,000 people worldwide die from rabies each year, with 95% of cases occurring in Africa and Asia. In addition, the MMWR reported that in 2018, there were 530 cases of confirmed rabies in animals in the United States, mainly in wild animals such as bats and raccoons.
Part III:
Public health interventions are essential in treating and preventing rabies. The primary intervention is vaccination of both humans and animals. Vaccination of domestic animals such as dogs, cats, and livestock can significantly reduce the transmission of the disease.
One Health plays a crucial role in predicting the future spread of the disease. One Health is a collaborative approach that promotes the health of humans, animals, and the environment. By using this approach, researchers can predict how the disease will spread and how it will affect human, animal, and ecosystem health in a particular region.
To contain and prevent the spread of rabies, it is essential to involve various agencies and stakeholders. These include public health officials, veterinarians, animal control officers, and community leaders. These individuals must work collaboratively to ensure that the disease is adequately addressed.
In conclusion, rabies is a prevalent zoonotic disease in developing countries that can have severe consequences if not addressed adequately. Public health interventions such as vaccination of both humans and animals, as well as community involvement, can significantly reduce the transmission of the disease. The use of One Health as an approach to predicting the future spread of the disease is crucial in ensuring that all aspects of the disease are addressed.