Measles Outbreak

Measles Outbreak and Controlling a Pandemic
James Wilson
WGU
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Measles, or Rubeola as it is also called, is caused by a virus. Years ago, before the
Measles vaccine was prevalent in the United States, this virus was one of the worse in terms of disease in our nation. Most children contracted this virus in their adolescent years, and many died due to lack of treatment options. More than 400 people died each year of Measles and hundreds more were left with irreversible brain damage. Information on the disease was scarce, so much that it left few treatment options. Transmission of the virus usually occurred through the air. Coughing and sneezing of people infected with Measles was the usual vehicle for spreading the disease. The disease
It can thrive outside the body for up to 2 hours. Common symptoms include all of the flu like symptoms such as coughing, fever, sneezing and a tell-tale rash that spreads all over the body. The disease can be spread for up to half a week after the appearance of a rash. Measles is one of the most easily spread virus. Hygiene and coughing etiquette were not as prevalent in the 19th century causing this disease to be a major killer among children who have underdeveloped immune systems.
With advances in science and our understanding of modern medicine, the Measles virus has been all but eradicated in the United States. The education of the population and the advancement of vaccines to deter Measles have lowered the prevalence of the virus to less than one hundred cases annually in the United States. In the 1960’s the Measles vaccine was created and was changed and improved through the years to give us the vaccine we use today. The current vaccine introduces a small amount of the virus to your body so that your immune system can create antibodies. Children less than 18 months that receive the full course of the vaccine

MEASLES OUTBREAK AND CONTROLLING A PANDEMIC | James Wilson WGU
With all the education and vaccinations the United
States utilize, a full force outbreak would be unlikely.
Possible SARS outbreak and reporting:
In the healthcare setting, when presented with a possible case of SARS or groups of people with like symptoms mimicking Pneumonia, you should always refer to the CDC website.
There have been no worldwide reported cases in recent years, which is why importance of reporting for this type of possible disease outbreak is imperative. If presented with a positive
SARS patient the CDC should be contacted by phone immediately. This is also the case with any incidences of unexplained Pneumonia. When presented with a possible case of SARS it is best to contact the CDC to ensure proper collection and handling of specimens. They can also guide you on containment of the disease until verification is acquired.
Confirming a positive SARS diagnosis is done by SARS-CoV lab work. Blood cultures, chest x-ray, and sputum cultures also help to recognize SARS. Good documentation of the patient’s history is important also. Things such as country of origin, travel and employment can lead healthcare workers to determine a diagnosis of SARS. China is widely recognized as