Disease Outbreak Report - Research Paper Example

Disease Outbreak Report Steps taken for the investigation of H1N1 disease outbreak Preparation for the field work All information regarding the disease should be collected. Equipment that is needed is put in place. My specific roles in the investigation and the communication strategies should be determined once I get to the scene.2. Establishing that an outbreak actually exists This would be the very first of verifying that an outbreak has actually occurred. This is established by confirming that the number expected for an outbreak matches the number on the scene.3. Verification of the diagnosis for H1N1 This involves accurately identifying the possible nature of H1N1 disease.

It confirms that disease outbreak reported is actually H1N1. In cases where laboratories are thought to be the key to the infection, clear explanations to explain this should be made. Close consultations with experienced doctors and medics is valuable.4. Identifying and defining cases.This involves classifications of persons whether they have the disease or their health conditions are still under study. Information about the location of the scene and the characteristics of the affected persons should be included.5. Describing and characterizing the data in terms of place, person and time Characterizing the H1N1 disease involves descriptions of what really happened to the population under consideration.

Errors and clues in the investigation would emerge at this stage.6. Developing a hypothesisThe hypothesis will best explain how and why the H1N1 disease outbreak occurred. It addresses the origin of the agent, the vector for transmission and what exposures caused the disease.7. Evaluating the hypothesis This would involve checking the credibility of the hypothesis. This is done by comparing the hypothesis with the established facts concerning H1N1 disease. Another common method for checking credibility is by testing the hypothesis.8. Carrying out extra studies and refining the hypothesis When the hypothesis is not in agreement with the known facts, new agents and modes of transmission are analyzed.

This requires meeting case patients and examining their home backgrounds.9. Implementing measures and to control and prevent the H1N1 diseaseThis should be done early enough once the source, agent and chain of infection are known.10. Communicating the findings Letting others know about the findings is of value. Giving out an oral brief to local authorities or handing a report are the common methods used to communicate the findings.Prevention levels for H1N1 disease outbreak The prevention levels are primary, secondary and the tertiary level.

The levels help the people in attainment of good health.1. Primary prevention This prevention strategy focuses on health education. It is aimed at preventing the H1N1 disease from infecting the people in question. It is done by giving passive and active immunization. It is also achieved by teaching people on how to maintain a healthy diet and the right weight (Gordis 2009).2. Secondary prevention This level of H1N1 disease prevention focuses on treating the disease. Promotion in detection and screening is done at this level.

It targets the population that is at risk. Screening of newborns can as well be applied.3. Tertiary prevention This is the rehabilitation level that leads to recovery. Preventive initiatives are done to in efforts of restoration to the next function. It reduces the impact of the disease.Criteria requirements before screening of H1N1 disease In order to overwhelm the H1N1 disease and get it treated before many are infected, the disease must have had a period enough for it to be detected before the onset of symptoms.

The screening to be performed must be good. It should be sensitive such that this infected test positive. Maximum care should be taken so that it does not give false negatives or positives. The screening method should also be affordable and easy. It should remain painless and reliable as much as possible. Who is to be screened and how often it is to be done should also be worked out (Gordis 2009).Evaluating the effectiveness of a screening program The effectiveness of screening for H1N1 is measured by its potential, to decrease the mortality and morbidity of the disease.

Correlational studies examine the trending of disease-specific mortality over a determined period of time. Cohort studies and case control are also used to evaluate the screening with volunteer and length-time bias being the major shortcomings. Conducting random clinical random trials can also be employed (Buettner & Muller 2011).ReferencesBuettner, P., & Muller, R. (2011). Epidemiology. South Melbourne, Vic.: Oxford University Press.Gordis, L. (2009). Epidemiology (4th Ed.). Philadelphia: Elsevier/Saunders.