Communicable diseases

Introduction to Communicable Diseases

  • The study emphasizes the disparity in morbidity and mortality rates in the 21st century.

  • Communicable diseases are defined as diseases that are transmissible within the community.

  • Noncommunicable diseases are diseases developed due to personal factors such as genetics and health behaviors.

Historical Context

  • In the latter part of the 20th century, new communicable diseases emerged.

  • Diseases previously thought to be eradicated like tuberculosis were overshadowed by others like measles and mumps.

  • Both measles and mumps are highlighted as significant public health concerns due to their endemic nature in that era.

Top Communicable Diseases by Mortality (2020)

  • COVID-19

  • Lower respiratory infections (directly associated with pneumonia)

  • Diarrheal diseases (examples include dysentery, leptospirosis)

Health and Hygiene Concerns

  • Discussion on the importance of not swimming with diarrhea due to contamination risks in pools (fecal bacteria transmission).

  • Discusses the role of safe hygiene practices around communal water bodies.

Terminology Related to Disease Surveillance

  • Endemic: Refers to the usual number of disease cases in a specific population.

  • Epidemic: Represents an increase in disease cases beyond normal levels within a population.

  • Pandemic: A wider term that refers to a disease that has spread across countries or continents.

Preventative Measures in Public Health Nursing

  • Role of Community Health Nurses: Focus on various modes of transmission: droplet, airborne, and contact precautions.

  • Importance of early recognition of diseases (e.g., suspecting TB in individuals from crowded living conditions).

  • Statistical data capturing trends in disease spread aids in effective interventions in the community.

Understanding Communicable Diseases

Examples of Diseases

  • STDs: Recognized as communicable due to their spread in communities.

  • Other examples: Chickenpox, rubella, and mumps; these diseases continue to resurface intermittently.

  • Recognizes that diseases can appear dormant but can resurge within populations.

Specific Communicable Diseases Discussed

Zika Virus

  • Associated with severe birth defects like microcephaly if contracted during pregnancy.

  • Transmitted through mosquito bites.

Ebola

  • Primarily found in third-world countries; specific emergency rooms are designated for treatment.

  • Discussion on how specialized PPE is necessary for treating Ebola patients due to the high risk of transmission and infection.

Tuberculosis and SARS

  • TB is a prime example of an infectious disease requiring airborne precautions. Active TB versus latent TB were differentiated in discussion.

  • SARS COVID-2 is a variant of prior SARS viruses; highlighted for public health discussions due to its respiratory infection profile and prevention strategies.

Vaccinations and Public Health

  • Emphasis on the importance of vaccination for preventable diseases:

    • Influenza vaccine reduces severity and mortality.

    • Varicella is now prevented with the vaccine to mitigate widespread vaccination and health impact.

Malaria

  • Leading global killer, especially among children, necessitating antimalarial prophylaxis prior to travel.

  • Discussion of how cleansed water access and infection from mosquito bites exacerbates malaria deaths in poverty-stricken areas.

Diarrheal Diseases

  • A major cause of pediatric mortality worldwide; need for public health initiatives.

  • Key takeaway: Delve into modes of transmission which include waterborne (cholera) and foodborne (E. coli).

Emerging Diseases

  • Defines emerging diseases as those that have appeared for the first time or have resurged after declining.

  • Impact on societal structures: Economic burden due to healthcare costs associated with outbreaks.

Ethical and Practical Implications

  • The need for public health education to combat misinformation about communicable diseases.

  • Recognizing that preventive measures greatly reduce incidence and prevalence rates.

Conclusion

  • Emphasizes the role of community health nursing in preventing and managing communicable diseases through education and early recognition of symptoms.

  • Reinforces the understanding of disease terminology and its relevance for effective communication in public health realms.