Communicable diseases

The recent figures produced by The World Health Organization (WHO) demonstrate that, there has been a raging increase of transmissible diseases across the world. This has mainly been attributed to two key factors, which comprise; galloping population increase and the changes in inoculation practices around the world boosting the spread of such diseases like measles, avian influenza, and SARS. In the latest times, of the most common infectious diseases, Measles has been on top of the list in terms of prevalence, incidence rates, and severity.

According to Griffin and Oldstone (2008), Measles is a very deadly disease and spreads over a large interactive population at a fast rate through contact. While most people may have little idea on Measles as a contagious infection, it is crucial to note that the disease is very transferable, unbridled, and fatal if not controlled within the predetermined period.

The highest case of outburst of Measles was reported back between 1985 and1991. Statistics reveal that during this period, more than 790 cases surfaced. This number comprised 26 cases documented from four states of the US including California, Colorado, Utah and California. The cases were reported of people with running nose, cough, red eyes and sore throat. These are typical signs of measles. More than half, of the 26 were children infested with the virus and not vaccinated

 It farther shows that the most affected population comprised of the health workers as supported by the data. Of the total cases reported, workers in the health sector accounted for 1.1% and were mainly adults.  It is interesting to note that 29% health workers were nurses, 15% were physicians 11% other occupational health workers mainly working in the laboratory and radiological technicians. However, there was a decline in the Measles incidence rates as of 1993 and late 1991 which was a reprieve to the world a little bit. During this period in time, there were as few as less than 40 cases reported. This number comprised of 1.8% health workers mainly the laboratory specialists, clinical officers and nursing professionals.

Throughout 1988 to1990, California had its foulest measles endemic in more than a decade, with 16,400 recounted cases, more than 3,390 hospitalized, and 75 deaths. The disease aligned in low-income Hispanic populations in central and southern California. The key cause of the endemic was stumpy inoculation levels among preschool-aged kids and young grown-ups. The rates of complications, hospitalization, and death were amazingly lofty. The usual account of measles virus is reflected in the epidemiology of the sickness.

           Mathematical approach has been employed to explain the stretch and periodicity of the epidemics by various scholars. In this advance, the population size and proceeding immunological incident are key factors are considered. Measles tend to die out in population of 250,000 and less until it is re-introduced from outside that is when the virus takes its root again in the population.

The measles virus multiplies extensively at the mucous surface, which perhaps reveals whether the victim is predisposed or resistant. At this phase of the infection, the symptoms and signs of incursion are known to occur. Serological research by Black and Rosen (2001) reveal that there is a consistent drop in the mean titers of the antibody to the virus over the years. It is rare to witness second attacks by the virus and the systemic invasion of the virus is likely not to reappear.

The virus causing measles is mainly acquired from the environment and from other person. The route of transmission is critical in helping us understand whether it leads to infection or not and most importantly help us in the attempts to protect ourselves from the infection.

Measles can be transmitted through two main routes that include direct and indirect transmission. In direct transmissions, it occurs when two people are in contact i.e. physical contact in the case of sexual intercourse, kissing, nose, tears and biting. On other hand, indirect transmission involves when there is an intermediary organism or object playing a role, for example, bacteria in the fatal stage may be spread on clothes to cause diarrhea. Below is a graphic representation of the outbreak of measles’ by Month and WHO Regions,2008-2013.

Measles epidemic has serious impact on the community, which is centrally hinged on the financial crisis mainly in developing countries.  A survey conducted by outbreak response immunization(ORI) in the rural Peru community proceeding the outbreak of measles indicate that, more than 150 residents of the local community of about 553 developed clinical cases of measles. This represents about 20% of the local community was affected.  

The population mainly constituted the young energetic individuals that contribute to the productivity of the country hence the economy. Moreover, measles medication is finance intensive. These factors combined have a big impact on economic growth and development of the country. The other effect of measles is death, which in turn reduces the productive portion of the population in the community.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome is a contagious disease that is spread through direct contact with the infected person. The virus is transmitted through respiratory fluids that mainly include mucous. After confirmation of SARS, cases are reported to the regional disease surveillance office. The samples are sent to the medical research institute for analysis after which the results are taken to the National Center for Disease control and prevention (CDC) for appropriate control measures to be taken.

The quality of air has big influence on patients with respiratory diseases. It is therefore a good clinical practice to adopt certain measures to ensure safety and reduced predisposition of such patients. Poor air quality is associated with concentration of ozone gas. In a bid to protect patients with respiratory diseases, measures should be taken to curb ozone gas concentration. The modifications may include advising patients to stay within on ozone-alert time and limit time out-of-doors. Limit vigorous open-air events to early morning or evening, when air value is improved and retain windows locked. Cogitate using an aversion facemasks since wearing a mask confines exposure to allergens.

References

Black and Rosen. Serological Examination.Community Health Status Report. Mendocino County. CA, USA. 2001.

Griffin, E., & Oldstone, B. (2008). Measles pathogenesis and control.