Community health nursing notes on the topic Disease outbreak
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DISEASE OUTBREAK
A disease outbreak is the occurrence of cases of disease in excess of what would normally be
expected in a defined community, geographical area or season. It may affect a small and
localized group or impact upon thousands of people across an entire continent. It may last for a few
days or weeks or for several years.
PREVENTION OF DISEASE OUTBREAK
Prevention of disease outbreak is better than the control and management. It involves:
1. Vaccination
A powerful vaccination campaign is imperative for prevention; hence EPI schedule was
introduced and must be followed.
2. Prophylactic treatment for travelers
Immunizations given to travelers going to areas with known illnesses (e.g., malaria
prophylactic treatment)
3. Environmental control and improvement
Involves shelter, site planning, cleanliness- Example: spraying of houses to kill
mosquitoes to prevent malaria
Supply of clean water and sanitation for the prevention of water borne disease (e.g.,
cholera, typhoid)
Correct waste disposal (Solid, liquid & medical)
Barrier precautions such hand washing, gloves, gowns, masks, and eye wear
4. Policies concerning the preparation of food and beverages for public consumption
Inspection and control of public places selling food and beverages
Inspection and control of farms, abattoirs etc. where animals are kept
5. Health awareness campaigns
Informing the public about diseases that can become outbreaks and educating them on
signs and symptoms, methods of prevention and treatment etc.
6. Health education
Communities that do not have a safe supply of water need to be taught how to purify
water to make it safe for consumption
i. Boil water for 10 minutes before use – OR add 5 drops of unperfumed bleach to
1 L water and allow to stand for 30 minutes before use
General hygiene is also important:
i. Wash hands before eating / preparing food / after toilet use
ii. Cover mouth and nose when coughing / sneezing to prevent airborne disease
Health education on malaria prevention
i. Wear long sleeved clothing / long pants after night fall to avoid mosquito bites
ii. Use mosquito repellents
iii. Bed nets
iv. Education on signs and symptoms of malaria (in order to promote early detection
and treatment)
CONTROL OF DISEASE OUTBREAK
The key to successful control of outbreaks is RAPID RESPONSE. The quicker we can respond, the
more chance we have of getting the outbreak under control and preventing unnecessary deaths and
complications. This means having good policies in place and well-trained staff that can respond
efficiently and immediately to the crisis. Covid-19 is a great case study: policies such as social
Notes by @silibazisomupereki
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