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Western Governors University C228 Task 2 C Community Health and Population Focused Nursing Task 2 Western Governors University Description of the Outbreak In the year 2000, the CDC declared the measles as eliminated in the United States as a result of an extremely effective vaccine program. Measles still posed as a risk for those who traveled internationally, and measles could be brought into the country by those traveling to the United States from outside countries (Measles History, 2018). Between the months of December 2014 and January 2015, there was a measles outbreak that was traced back to Disneyland in California. The first suspected case of measles was reported to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) on January 5, 2015. The patient hospitalized was an 11 year old boy with a rash that appeared eight days prior. The child was unvaccinated. Six additional suspected measles cases, four residents of California and two residents of Utah, were reported to the CDPH the same day (Zipprich et al., 2015). All persons involved in the suspected cases had visited Disneyland park during the period of potential exposure from December 17th-December 20th. Two days later on Jauary 7, 2015 the seven potential cases were confirmed. A press release was issued and other states were sent Epidemic Information Exchange notifications. By February 11, 2015 the number of confirmed measles cases related to this outbreak had reached 125 and included patients from at least eight states, on patient from Mexico, and ten from Canada (Zipprich et al., 2015).
Western Governors University C228 Task 2 Epidemiological Determinants and Risk Factors Measles is a highly contagious virus that only effects humans and is spread by respiratory droplets. The virus first infects the respiratory tract and then spreads throughout the body. Serious complications including blindness, permanent hearing loss, pneumonia, encephalitis, and death can occur (World Health Organization, 2018). Unvaccinated children are at the greatest risk for acquiring measles and it is still common in many developing countries. Pregnant women are at risk for serious complications from the measles if infected and may experience a miscarriage. Measles outbreaks are at an increased risk of occurring in areas that are recovering from a natural disaster due to a breakdown in the healthcare infrastructure (World Health Organization, 2018). Route of Transmission Measles is a highly contagious virus that lives in the mucous membranes of the throat and nasal passages of an infected human. It can be spread when someone is near an infected person and the infected person coughs or sneezes; the virus can live lingering in the air for up to two hours after. People can breathe in the contaminated air or touch a contaminated surface then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth. People infected with measles can spread the virus starting four days before the rash appears and up to four days after (“Measles Transmission” 2017). Impact on the Community If a measles outbreak were to occur in a community, the public health department would be in charge of sending out notifications to the community and reporting the incidence to the CDC. The CDC would assist the local area by testing samples sent to them and determining the
Western Governors University C228 Task 2 pressure room, to prevent further spreading of the disease. A timeline is then gathered of the patient’s illness to include the onset of symptoms, what the symptoms are, if Koplik spots are present and presentation and characteristics of the rash. AL DPH would also like the immunization history of the patient, or if the patient has had measles. It is also important to identify possible sources of infection by gathering information on the patient’s whereabouts and activities for the previous 21 days prior to the rash appearing. AL DPH would like to know about any domestic or foreign flights, or if the patient came into contact with a foreign traveler. It is also important to know who the patient has encountered as they are now a potentially infected person (Alabama Department of Health and Human Services, n.d.). Prevention Strategies The best prevention strategy against a measles outbreak is vaccination. The MMR vaccine is considered 93% effective. Another prevention strategy would be educating the community. The education should include information on the effectiveness of the vaccination and its availability. Education should also cover the necessity of proper hand hygiene and to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. People should be encouraged not to share beverages or utensils. It is also important to frequently disinfect items or places you may have touched, such as door knobs/handles, counter tops, tv remotes, phones, grocery cart handles, etc. The public should also be educated on the signs and symptoms of the virus. With increased public awareness on prevention measures, an outbreak of the measles could be avoided.
Western Governors University C228 Task 2 References Measles History [press release]. (2018, February 5). Retrieved from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) :https://www.cdc.gov/measles/about/history.html Measles Transmission. (2017). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/measles/about/transmission.html Alabama Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). https://epi.publichealth.al.gov/cd/report.html World Health Organization. (2018). http://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/measles Zipprich, J., Winter, K., Hacker, J., Xia, D., Watt, J., & Harriman, K. (2015, February 20). Measles outbreak- California, December 2014-February 2015. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 64(6), 153-154. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/measles/cases- outbreaks.html
