Pertussis Outbreak

In an urban elementary school, six children have been diagnosed with Pertussis. Through the local public health department and the school nursing administration for the district, criteria are being developed for prevention of new cases and early detection of more children in the school who have the disease. What knowledge of the natural course of pertussis is needed to develop these criteria?

Hepatitis A

A group of citizens in a community of identifiable need is concerned about a recurring incidence of persons with Hepatitis A. The principal commonality is their use of a water utility that is dependent on local wells in the surrounding area. Many of the homes in this area are not connected to sewer service and continue to use septic tanks. The Epidemiologist and the community health nurse are meeting with a group of citizens who want to take action to reduce the Hepatitis A. What are four possible steps the group can take initially to address their concern?

Physical Abuse

How do the elements of maturation and aging have implications for vulnerability to physical abuse in the very young and in the very old person?

Tracking Epidemiology and Community Health in Other Countries

The Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health reported more than 800 people in Sweden may have cancer as a result of the fallout of the Chernobyl nuclear accident (occurred way back in 1986). The epidemiological investigation included cancer cases among the more than 1.1 million people in the northern parts of Sweden where the radioactive fallout cloud traveled. Of the 22,400 cancer cases among the group, 849 were found by the investigators to be statistically attributed to Chernobyl. One thing this tells us is that epidemiological intervention is not always an immediate one! What other things can you think of that we have tracked from other countries?

Investigation of public health issue

The news is reporting Rhode Island has canceled school while public health officials research a possible connection between a new case of meningitis, and the recent death of a second grader from encephalitis. The public health department is conducting the research. What other State entities would you see being involved in this investigation?