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Epidemiology Paper
Write a paper (2,000-2,500 words) in which you apply the concepts of epidemiology and nursing
research to a communicable disease. Refer to “Communicable Disease Chain,” “Chain of Infection,” and
the CDC website for assistance when completing this assignment.
Communicable Disease Selection
Choose one communicable disease from the options below.
1. Chickenpox
2. Tuberculosis
3. In)uenza
4. Mononucleosis
5. Hepatitis B
6. HIV
7. Ebola
8. Measles
9. Polio
10. In)uenza
Epidemiology Paper Requirements
Address the following:
1. Describe the chosen communicable disease, including causes, symptoms, mode of
transmission, complications, treatment, and the demographic of interest (mortality, morbidity,
incidence, and prevalence). Is this a reportable disease? If so, provide details about reporting time,
whom to report to, etc.
2. Describe the social determinants of health and explain how those factors contribute to the
development of this disease.
3. Discuss the epidemiologic triangle as it relates to the communicable disease you have
selected. Include the host factors, agent factors (presence or absence), and environmental factors.
Are there any special considerations or noti:cations for the community, schools, or general
population?
4. Explain the role of the community health nurse (case finding, reporting, data collection, data
analysis, and follow-up) and why demographic data are necessary to the health of the community.
5. Identify at least one national agency or organization that addresses the communicable disease
chosen and describe how the organizations contribute to resolving or reducing the impact of
disease.
6. Discuss a global implication of the disease. How is this addressed in other countries or
cultures? Is this disease endemic to a particular area? Provide an example.
A minimum of three peer-reviewed or professional references is required.
Epidemiology Paper 2
Introduction
Influenza is frequently termed as flu, which is an infectious disease caused by the
influenza virus. The condition has been shown to regularly catch people during the fall of winter,
which is very fast and robust. However, there are namely four different types of influenza
viruses, which are Influenza A, B, C, and D (It is known to infect animals)(Grohskopf, 2016).
It has been known that some of the influenza viruses A and B, particularly for humans,
are significant causes for seasonal epidemics in the states. However, the Influenza virus A is also
known to cause an influenza pandemic from infecting people(Grohskopf, 2016). The influenza
virus C is known for creating a mild respiratory illness, but it is not known to causing an
epidemics. It is also in response that the disease often attacks the respiratory system, which is the
nose, lungs, and even the throat. Most individuals confuse flu with a bad cold, which is familiar
to many(Grohskopf, 2016). However, the symptoms associated with flue are such as sore throat,
cough, and headache, blocking in the nose, high body temperature, aching in the limbs and
joints, and gastrointestinal changes(Grohskopf, 2016). The disease can be transmitted amidst
humans following three ways which are namely, direct contact with infected individuals,
contaminated objects, and also inhalations of aerosols, which are laden with the virus(Grohskopf,
2016).
Influenza has also been attributed to some complications of which includes of
dehydration, ear infections, bacterial pneumonia, the disease has also been shown to worsen
some long term medical conditions of the likes of heart failure diabetes as well as
Epidemiology Paper 3
asthma(Grohskopf, 2016). Sinus infections have also been said to appear, especially in young
children. Some other complications include myocarditis and also some muscle inflammations.
Details from the WHO show that there are at most of 650,000 individuals who die from
respiratory diseases linked to flu(Grohskopf, 2016). The organization conducts these estimates
by taking into account the findings from some of the recently made respiratory mortality studies.
It is in accordance from CDC which shows that about 5-20% of a known population is infected
with the flu disease, in a year and a high number in the population experiences hospitalization
from the infections and more die from the disease complications(Grohskopf, 2016). Information
from WHO reports shows that about 3-5 million flu outbreaks and almost to 500,000 deaths are
experienced each year.
