Week 5 Assignment: Infectious Disease Case Study
Review the case study presented this week.
Write a 2- to 3-page paper (excluding the title and reference page) answering the following questions:
- What components of a strong public health infrastructure should have been in place to contain this disease?
- Describe the lessons learned. What updates should be made to the emergency preparedness plan?
- Apply system thinking tools to analyze how to prevent future outbreaks and/or improve future outcomes.
- Answer questions 2, 3, 7, 8, and 9 from the end of the case study.
Use current APA formatting to style your paper and to cite your sources. Integrate your sources into the paragra Indiana phs. Use internal citations pointing to evidence in the literature and supporting your ideas. You will need to include a reference page listing those sources.
Week 5 Case Study—Infectious Disease
See the Week 5 Supplemental Resources for additional helpful websites.
See the rubric for specific grading criteria.
Due: Sunday, 11:59 p.m. (Pacific time)
Points: 100 points
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction: The case study presented in Week 5 requires an analysis of a disease outbreak and the public health measures that could have been in place to prevent or contain it. Additionally, the aftermath of the outbreak calls for an evaluation of the lessons learned and updates needed to the emergency preparedness plan. Finally, an application of system thinking tools is required to prevent future outbreaks and improve outcomes.
1. What components of a strong public health infrastructure should have been in place to contain this disease?
A strong public health infrastructure requires the collaboration of various entities such as health departments, hospitals, healthcare providers, and community organizations. The components that should have been in place to contain this disease include surveillance, communication, laboratory testing, isolation and quarantine, treatment, and vaccination. In terms of surveillance, early detection and reporting of the disease are vital. Rapid and transparent communication between healthcare providers and public health officials should ensure the timely reporting of suspected cases. Laboratory testing should be readily available, with prompt reporting of results. Isolation and quarantine measures should be in place to prevent the spread of the disease. Appropriate treatment and vaccination should be provided, where available.
2. Describe the lessons learned. What updates should be made to the emergency preparedness plan?
The lessons learned from this outbreak include the need for prompt surveillance, rapid laboratory testing, and early reporting. Additionally, the importance of transparency and communication between healthcare providers and public health officials cannot be overemphasized. Furthermore, the need to have an adequate supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare providers is crucial. Regular training and updates of emergency preparedness plans should be made to include the following updates: early detection and reporting through real-time electronic reporting, utilizing emerging technologies such as telehealth for triaging and consultations, stockpiling of PPE, and providing support and resources for mental health during times of crisis.
3. Apply system thinking tools to analyze how to prevent future outbreaks and/or improve future outcomes.
System thinking tools involve understanding the complex interrelationships between various components of a system. To prevent future outbreaks and improve future outcomes, a holistic approach is required. The following measures should be in place: strengthening public health surveillance systems, enhancing laboratory capacity, ensuring adequate public health funding, increasing public awareness and education, improving international collaboration, and promoting research on emerging infectious diseases. These measures would involve collaboration between various stakeholders, including healthcare providers, public health officials, policymakers, researchers, and the public.
4. Answer questions 2, 3, 7, 8, and 9 from the end of the case study.
Question 2: How was the causative organism identified?
The causative organism was identified through laboratory testing, which involved culturing the organism from blood and sputum samples and performing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing to confirm the diagnosis.
Question 3: What are the clinical signs and symptoms of the disease?
The clinical signs and symptoms of the disease include fever, cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and confusion.
Question 7: What is the incubation period?
The incubation period for this disease is approximately 2-14 days.
Question 8: Does treatment exist for this disease? If so, what is it?
Treatment for this disease is mainly supportive and involves providing oxygen therapy, fluid management, and pain relief. Additionally, antiviral treatment may be initiated in severe cases.
Question 9: What are the recommendations for preventing the spread of the disease?
The recommendations for preventing the spread of the disease include regular hand hygiene, wearing masks, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, covering coughs and sneezes, and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces. Additionally, isolation and quarantine measures should be in place for infected individuals and close contacts. Vaccination may also be recommended in high-risk populations.