Epidemiology and Disease Control
1. Niki.
Epidemiology and Disease Control
Studying the determinants, occurrence, and circulation of health and disease in an outlined population is vital to the health of the global populace. Controlling the spread of infectious diseases and monitoring the carriers of each disease are acknowledged as roles and responsibilities of epidemiology managers. “Understanding the distribution of diseases across populations, time, and space can give us valuable information about their causes, which can be used to develop prevention and control strategies” (Khaliq, 2020, p. 2). A real-world example of how epidemiological data played a vital role in guiding decision-making in healthcare settings was the Ebola Virus epidemic. The Ebola Virus is a rare and deadly disease believed to be transferred from interactions with bats. There is not a definitive cure for the Ebola Virus; however, supportive care, treatment, and management of the illness remain a top priority globally.
Ebola Virus
Outbreaks of the Ebola Virus were first documented in 1976, with outbreaks occurring in Zaire and Sudan. Initially, it was believed that these were isolated incidents and posed no danger to anyone inside or outside the immediate radiuses. However, further investigations revealed that each outbreak was of a different strain and spread individually in affected areas. High-level infectious disease units were utilized to monitor and research each strain of the disease and its effects on individuals infected. Maintaining safety barriers for staff and patients was a significant concern. Studies show that one of the greatest concerns regarding monitoring survivors of the disease was that of male survivors. The Ebola virus was visible in seaman samples of male patients months after they were believed to be cured of the disease. Epidemiological data quickly identified that early detection and isolation are vital in stopping the spread of Ebola. Surveillance systems and personnel are crucial in guiding control measures required to reduce morbidity and mortalities caused by the Ebola Virus. “Controlling strategies during an Ebola outbreak include proactive case detection, contact tracing and management, safe and dignified burials, and prevention of new infections” (Nicastri et al., 2019, pp. 953-976).
Perception of Clinical Features and Diagnosis of the Ebola Virus
The Ebola virus has been described as one of the deadliest epidemic viral diseases. Although in-depth research and planning have been conducted to prevent any further spreads or outbreaks of the Ebola virus, the Democratic Republic of Congo Ministry of Health reported its second-biggest outbreak in 2018 with 3,296 cases. It is implied that the deadly African Ebola virus epidemic occurred from an interaction between a two-year-old little boy in Guinea and a bat. The virus has been categorized as having a zoonotic origin and analyzed with bat samples. Bats are believed to be the natural reservoir for many viruses, including the current pandemic, Coronaviruses. Epidemiologists have researched how bats can thrive while being infected with the Ebola virus. “Studies suggest that animals living in polluted environments, or exposed to heavy metals, pollution, microbial infections or reside in conditions that would be detrimental to Homo sapiens, may have characteristics that allow them to survive and thrive in such conditions” (Siddiqui et al., 2021, pp. 350-364). The research and data collected led to the creation of fast-tracked vaccines and treatments intended to eliminate the spread of the Ebola virus.
Clinical Challenges Recognition and Management of the Ebola Virus
Epidemiological data identified protocols for caring for patients with the Ebola virus and other pathogens to ensure safety through training and lifelike exercises. Enhanced infection control contemplations led to lessons learned for US biocontainment care units. These secure facilities provided research findings that contributed to establishing necessary care and treatment protocols that safeguard individuals from the spread of the disease. The Ebola outbreak of 2014 to 2016 initiated changes in the preparation and approach for future threats.
Local African healthcare facilities struggled to care for and treat the many infected patients. Multiple healthcare organizations from the United States and other countries responded to assist Africa in controlling the Ebola virus outbreak. Studies show that the hysteria presented during the Ebola virus outbreak closely resembled that of the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) crisis that occurred during the 1980’s. The Ebola virus created several challenges for epidemiologists. “The Ebola virus is a viral illness that shares overlapping symptoms of other common travel-related illnesses, so educating the public became critical to prevent panic and public concern regarding the transmission of the virus” (Beam et al., 2019, pp. 169-180). Epidemiologists were challenged to control the information that media outlets released. It was essential to keep the public informed with as much substantiated data as possible to keep control of a panicked population. Panic ensued in the United States when the known African Ebola virus had its first confirmed case. The individual traveled from West Africa to Texas and ultimately infected two nurses.
Question
With the Ebola virus found to live in the seaman of men for months after being diagnosed and treated for the virus, is there an honest number of cases being reported? I would be interested in knowing how many “possible” cases are out there due to the virus being passed along unknowingly and if the virus, once passed, will affect the mother and the fetus, both or neither. After this research, I realized that the Ebola virus is much more dangerous and easily spread than I had previously presumed.
Biblical Integration
“Behold, I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them and will reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth” (King James Bible, 1769/2017, Jeremiah 33:6). Jeremiah 33:6 teaches us that through faith and determination, healing will come. A thorough renovation of ourselves and our surroundings can rid us of infectious entities designed to intentionally or unintentionally cause us harm. Having tools, resources, and personnel available to diagnose and treat contagious viruses is a blessing to us all.
Reference:
Beam, E. L., Schwedhelm, M. M., Boulter, K. C., Vasa, A. M., Larson, L., Cieslak, T. J., Lowe, J. J., Herstein, J. J., Kratochvil, C. J., & Hewlett, A. L. (2019). Ebola Virus Disease: Clinical Challenges, Recognition, and Management. The Nursing Clinics of North America, 54(2), 169-18https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cnur.2019.02.001
Khaliq, A. A. (2020). Managerial Epidemiology Principles & Applications. Jones & Bartlett Learning, 2.
King James Bible (2017) (Original Work Published 1769) King James Bible Online.https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org
Nicastri, E., Kobinger, G., Vairo, F., Montaldo, C., Mboera, L. E. G., Ansunama, R., Zumla, A., & Ippolito, G. (2019). Ebola Virus Disease: Epidemiology, Clinical Features, Management, and Prevention. Infectious Disease Clinics of North America, 33(4), 953-976. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.idc.2019.08.005
Siddiqui, R., Khan, S., & Khan, N. A. (2021). Ebola Virus Disease: Current Perception of Clinical Features, Diagnosis, Pathogenesis, and Therapeutics. Acta Virologica (Anglickâa Verze), 65(4), 350-364. https://doi.org/10.4149/av_2021_409
2. Char
Exploring the Influence of Epidemiology Data on Decisions
According to Khaliq (2020), epidemiology is the study of health-related events, states, and processes in specific populations, including the determinants influencing these processes and their application to control health problems. It is possible to develop preventative and control strategies by gaining important knowledge about the causes of diseases by analyzing how they are distributed across populations, time, and space. A longer and healthier life depends on understanding that diseases affect people differently in different places or in different colors, creeds, and sexes. Effective management relies on both quantitative and qualitative evidence. Managerial epidemiology aims to equip healthcare managers with the tools from epidemiology and management for efficient and informed decision-making. This approach forms the basis of evidence-based management (EBM), which is the emerging field that integrates epidemiology and management techniques. Management theory categorizes managerial decisions into programmed and nonprogrammed types. Programmed decisions are routine and repetitive, requiring rules and procedures; while Nonprogrammed decisions are unprecedented and require innovative solutions. Researchers have identified four approaches to decision making, each based on the complexity of complex problems. The first uses operations research methods, the second emphasizes decision-making through alliances and coalitions, the third uses an incremental process, and the fourth, the “garbage can” model, describes the decision-making process as chaotic and nonlinear. These models vary depending on the organization’s characteristics and the specific situation or problem. The characteristics of the organization and the particular issue at hand determine whether these models are used. As a result, different organizations and even the same organization at different times use different approaches to decision-making (Khaliq, 2020).
Health administrators must take heed of what the bible express. The Bible warns of epidemics and pandemics, Luke 21:11 describes predictions of famines, earthquakes, and pestilences, and Revelation 6:8 reveals the power given to a pale horse named Death and Hades over a fourth of the earth to kill through sword, plague, famine, and wild beasts (New International Version, 2011). Ecclesiastes 9:11 highlights that sometimes things happen that are out of our control which has been shown in the past few years with the pandemic (New International Version, 2011). God gives us ground rules to follow, that he states in Exodus 20:17, which the healthcare industry should abide by especially health administrators (New International Version, 2011).
2019’s coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has highlighted the importance of sharing timely, reliable, and relevant epidemiological public health data, particularly information on pandemic preparedness or ongoing pandemics (Thomas et al., 2022). The importance of preserving peoples’ privacy has also been brought to attention (Thomas et al., 2022). Silal et al. (2022) says that the coronavirus, known as SARS-CoV-2, was initially identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. It quickly spread throughout the world, leading to the World Health Organization (WHO) classifying the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a pandemic on March 11, 2020 (Silal et al., 2022). The conventional methods of infection control are available for tackling the COVID-19 pandemic with the lack of a vaccine or effective medication treatment (Brüssow, 2020). A better understanding of the epidemiology of the current coronavirus pandemic is essential to accomplish control at a sustainable cost and within reasonable constraints of civil rights, as these methods are socially disruptive and cause significant economic losses for communities (Brüssow, 2020).
To conclude, epidemiology plays a vital role in comprehending and countering health-related incidents, such as pandemics like COVID-19. It incorporates a range of disciplines and decision-making models to inform evidence-based management. The recent pandemic has underscored the urgent need for timely and reliable epidemiological data while also highlighting the importance of privacy preservation. it is imperative to harness the power of epidemiology to implement effective control strategies while considering the broader impacts on society. This comprehensive approach will not only aid in addressing current epidemics but also contribute to the long-term health and well-being of diverse populations worldwide.
Are there many health administrators that not only know the Lord, but follow his way of life in their jobs? Does this cause complications, because of the world we live in?
References:
Brüssow, H. (2020). COVID?19: Test, trace and isolate?new epidemiological data. Environmental Microbiology, 22(7), 2445-2456. https://doi.org/10.1111/1462-2920.1511
Khaliq, A. A. (2020). Managerial Epidemiology. (1st ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Publishers. ISBN: 9781284082173.
New International Version. (2011). International Bible Society. (Original work published 1973).
Silal, S. P., Groome, M. J., Govender, N., Pulliam, J. R. C., Puren, A., Jassat, W., Leonard, E., Moultrie, H., Meyer-Rath, K.-G., Ramkrishna, W., Langa, T., Furumele, T., Moonasar, D., Cohen, C., & Walaza, S. (2022). Leveraging epidemiology as a decision support tool during the COVID-19 epidemic in South Africa. South African Medical Journal = Suid-Afrikaanse Tydskrif Vir Geneeskunde., 112(5b), 361–365. https://doi.org/10.7196/SAMJ.2022.v112i5b.16061
Thomas, J. A., Foraker, R. E., Zamstein, N., Morrow, J. D., Payne, P. R. O., Wilcox, A. B., N3C Consortium, & the N3C Consortium. (2022). Demonstrating an approach for evaluating synthetic geospatial and temporal epidemiologic data utility: Results from analyzing >1.8 million SARS-CoV-2 tests in the united states national COVID cohort collaborative (N3C). Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association : JAMIA, 29(8), 1350-1365. https://doi.org/10.1093/jamia/ocac045
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