Communicable disease

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Introduction:

Communicable diseases are a significant health concern worldwide. The understanding of epidemiology concepts and nursing research is crucial to identify and control the spread of communicable diseases. This paper will apply the concepts of epidemiology and nursing research to a selected communicable disease, highlighting the disease’s causes, symptoms, mode of transmission, complications, treatment, and demographic of interest (mortality, morbidity, incidence, and prevalence). The chosen disease is Tuberculosis.

1. Describe the communicable disease (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.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium. TB primarily affects the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body, including the brain, kidneys, or spine. TB symptoms include a cough lasting for more than two weeks, chest pain, coughing up blood, fever, night sweats, and unintentional weight loss.

The infection spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and another person breathes in the bacteria. TB is a reportable disease, and it must be reported immediately to the local or state health department. The reporting time depends on the state, but it is usually within 24 hours of a diagnosis. The health care provider or laboratory is responsible for making the report.

TB has a high morbidity rate worldwide, with an estimated 10 million people infected in 2019. The mortality rate is also high, with approximately 1.4 million people dying from TB in 2019. The incidence rate of TB varies by country, with low-income countries having the highest incidence rate.

2. Describe the determinants of health and explain how those factors contribute to the development of this disease.

The determinants of health that contribute to the development of TB include individual factors, such as age, immune status, and comorbidities, and social determinants of health, such as poverty and malnutrition. People living in poverty, crowded conditions, and with malnutrition and weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of developing TB.

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. (The textbook describes each element of the epidemiologic triangle). Are there any special considerations or notifications for the community, schools, or general population?

The epidemiologic triangle for TB includes the host factors, agent factors, and environmental factors. The host factors include age, immune status, and comorbidities. The agent factor is the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium. The environmental factors include overcrowding, poor ventilation, poverty, and malnutrition.

TB is highly contagious, and the general population, schools, and community members should be aware of the signs and symptoms of TB. People who are in close contact with an infected individual or who live in crowded conditions are at a higher risk of contracting TB.

4. Explain the role of the community health nurse (case finding, reporting, data collecting, data analysis, and follow-up).

The community health nurse plays an essential role in TB control by identifying and reporting cases, collecting and analyzing data, and providing follow-up care to patients. The community health nurse ensures that infected individuals receive the appropriate treatment and follow-up care, which helps prevent transmission to others.

5. Identify at least one national agency or organization that addresses the communicable disease chosen and describe how the organization(s) contribute to resolving or reducing the impact of the disease.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is one national agency that addresses TB. The CDC provides guidance and resources for TB control, including testing and treatment recommendations, prevention strategies, and surveillance data. The CDC also supports research and innovations in TB prevention and treatment.

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.

TB is a global health concern, with a higher incidence rate in low-income countries. TB is endemic in many regions, including sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia. In some cultures, there may be stigma associated with TB, which can delay diagnosis and treatment. International organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), have implemented strategies to improve TB control, including vaccination programs, increased testing, and improved treatment options.

In conclusion, TB is a communicable disease that remains a global health concern. Understanding the epidemiology of TB and the role of public health measures is crucial for effective control and prevention of this disease.