Advancements in Controlling Disease Outbreaks
With advancement in the medical knowledge and technology, it is possible to study and control the spread of diseases and outbreaks. From an epidemiological perspective, an outbreak refers to a sudden increase in the number of infections above the normal expected rate and within a limited geographical area (Mayhall, 2012). If not controlled, an outbreak can spread over a large area and may last for days, weeks, or several months. In such cases, world governments need to team up for joint efforts to eradicate the disease before large number of people lose their lives like Ebola has done in Africa. An outbreak is caused by an infection, transmitted through virus and bacteria when animals or people come into contact (Sydnor " Perl, 2011). An outbreak can also occur following exposure to radioactive materials and chemicals with the best example being Minata, a neurological condition cause by Mercury poisoning (Hachiya, 2006).
Investigation Strategies for Disease Outbreaks
Investigation strategies for disease outbreaks require setting up a team of experts with the necessary resources to establish the causes and the nature of the outbreak. Verification of diagnosis is done by obtaining medical and lab reports and if necessary, conduct clinical testing. The case definition is crucial to identify persons, place and time where investigations will take place (Mayhall, 2012). The next important step entails gathering clinical, demographic and exposure information before making the necessary evaluations and hypotheses. Lastly, it is essential to implement control measures like cohorting, isolation and product recall and communicating findings to the public through the media. Investigations should conclude by engaging the government in surveillance and monitoring process to identify any other case that might have been omitted.
Reference
Hachiya, N. (2006). The history and the present of Minamata disease. Japan Medical Association Journal, 49, 112-118.
Mayhall, C. G. (2012). Hospital epidemiology and infection control. Lippincott Williams " Wilkins.
Sydnor, E. R., " Perl, T. M. (2011). Hospital epidemiology and infection control in acute-care settings. Clinical microbiology reviews, 24(1), 141-173.
