An Outbreak and Fever
An outbreak is simply an increased occurrence of a disease in a certain population that exceeds the typical rate. Fever is related to an abnormal rise in body temperature and can also be one of the body's defense mechanisms against infection. A fever epidemic can be very infectious, especially in the jungle, and as a result, prompt action must be taken to limit the loss of life that it may bring (Bonvillain, 98).
The Fever Outbreak in Southeast Asia
This paper features a fever outbreak in the jungle in Southeast Asia on the border of Vietnam and Laos which claimed several lives within a short duration of time and the various means used to investigate the outbreak of the strange fever and the consequent recommendations. The investigation team comprises of a team of doctors and me, an anthropologist although the local people have refused examination.
Body
Symptoms of the Fever Outbreak
The features of this fever included severe headaches, diarrhea, stomachache, vomiting, joint aches, and fatigue. Most people have also complained of the abnormal rise in body temperatures, especially at night. Owing to such symptoms and the refusal of the locals to be examined, the team would just observe the changes in the people's behaviors and what pains they would complain about. Being a desert and owing to these complaints, the team suggested the fever to be the valley fever caused by the fungus living in the soil and especially the arid areas. Although the initial symptoms may not be evident, the persistent coughing and shortness of breath would reflect such a disease.
Education and Awareness
It would also be wise to publish information giving facts about the fever and make it available to as many people as possible so that they get aware of the symptoms of the disease. This encouraged most people with such symptoms to avail themselves of the health centers for diagnosis and treatment. Educating the locals on the possible causes of the disease and the effects it may impact, including death in severe cases, through such publications and public meetings is also important.
Recommendations
Isolation and Quarantine
Fever being highly infectious, the team would recommend that people who are suspected to have the disease be separated to minimize the possible spreading of the disease, and it should be in the minimum constricting way so as to maintain civil rights (Steinberg, Sheila, & William, 85). Quarantine, which calls for a forced separation and restricted movements of the sick people, may be introduced in case of a high rate of spreading.
Vaccination for Travelers
I also recommend that every traveler, whether in or out of Southeast Asia, get vaccinated against the important shots and the various types of fevers.
Conclusion
The valley fever outbreak is infectious since it can be transmitted through inhaling the fungal spores and can lead to losing of lives if not well controlled. A fever outbreak in Southeast Asia necessitated the investigation team to look for other means which would help carry out an investigation. Observing the locals was a great step to gather the necessary information. Spreading the information through various means was also a great step to ensure that despite the locals' refusal to be examined, they are aware of the outbreak, the causes, symptoms, and the impacts. This would play a part in reducing the rate of ignorance by the people and curb the situation. The recommendations include isolation of the infected people from the healthy ones.
Work Cited
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Bonvillain, Nancy. Cultural Anthropology. New York: Pearson, 2012. Print.
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Steinberg, Sheila L, and William A. Sprigg. Extreme Weather, Health, and Communities: Interdisciplinary Engagement Strategies. , 2016. Internet resource.
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