Research Paper Undergraduate 1,395 words

Communicable Disease: Measles Although Measles Has Been

Last reviewed: January 22, 2013 ~7 min read

Abstract

To determine the facts about measles, this paper provides a review of the relevant peer-reviewed and scholarly literature concerning a communicable disease outbreak, the epidemiological indicators associated with the disease, and an analysis of the epidemiological data on the outbreak. A discussion of the route of transmission of the disease causing the outbreak and how the attack could affect the community is followed by an explanation concerning the appropriate protocol for reporting a possible outbreak is followed by an assessment of a community health nurse's role in modifying care of patients with asthma and other respiratory diseases when the air quality index is poor. A summary of the research and important findings are presented in the conclusion.

¶ … Communicable Disease: Measles

Although measles has been almost completely eradicated from the Americas, dozens of cases still occur each year in the United States due in large part to transmissions of the disease from travelers returning from abroad. Because it is highly contagious, outbreaks of measles must be addressed as quickly as possible. This paper provides a review of the relevant peer-reviewed and scholarly literature to describe a communicable disease outbreak of measles, and the epidemiological indicators associated with the disease. An analysis of the epidemiological data on the outbreak is followed by a discussion of the route of transmission of the disease causing the outbreak and how the attack could affect the community. Finally, an explanation concerning the appropriate protocol for reporting a possible outbreak is followed by an assessment of a community health nurse's role in modifying care of patients with asthma and other respiratory diseases when the air quality index is poor. A summary of the research and important findings are presented in the conclusion.

Review and Discussion

Part A:

Measles is a severe, but vaccine-preventable disease that is capable of causing extensive morbidity and mortality on a global basis (Warrener, Slibinskas, Chua et al., 2011). The measles virus (MV) is described by Warrener et al. As "an enveloped RNA virus classified in the family Paramyxoviridae, genus Morbillivirus [which] is the most transmissible virus known in humans" (2011, p. 675). Notwithstanding the enormous amount of resources that have been devoted to vaccination programs in many countries, the measles virus continue to represent a serious public health threat on a global level, especially in developing countries (Warrener et al., 2011).

In spite of aggressive measures to counter the disease through the widespread use of measles vaccine (whether as a single antigen vaccine or as a constituent ingredient in the triple vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), there were still 278,358 reported cases of measles and approximately 164,000 fatalities caused by measles worldwide in 2008 alone (Warrener et al., 2011).

Although measles has largely been eliminated from the Americas, vaccine coverage is highly variable between World Health Organization (WHO) global regions and measles continues to be endemic in the African and Southeast Asia regions, where vaccine coverage is currently less than 80% (Warrener et al., 2011). Although measles has been virtually eradicated from the Americas, as of early August, more than 180 cases of measles in the United States had been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2011; this total was the largest number of measles cases reported since 1996 and was fully twice the number of cases reported in all of 2008 when the disease reached its last spike (Johnson, 2011). The majority of cases have been brought into the United States by travelers and spread to others who lack immunity to the illness (Johnson, 2011).

Currently, Africa and Southeast Asia account for the vast majority (94%) of all global measles deaths; however, outbreaks continue to take place in other parts of the world (Warrener et al., 2011). These incidence of these outbreaks in other parts of the world is expected to increase in the future as a result of the measles virus being introduced into areas where vaccine coverage has slipped below optimal levels and an susceptible population has developed (Warrener et al., 2011). According to Warrener and his associates, "Most regions have elimination goals and elimination strategies based on the maintenance of high vaccination coverage, for which political commitment is required. A key component of elimination plans is surveillance to monitor impact" (2011, p. 676). This point is also made by Johnson (2011) who emphasizes, "Maintaining high immunization rates with the mumps-measles-rubella, or MMR, vaccine is the cornerstone of outbreak prevention. The vaccine is recommended routinely for all children at age 12 months to 15 months, with a second dose at ages 4 to 6" (p. 2).

Prior to the introduction of the first measles vaccine in 1963, nearly all children got measles before their 15th birthday. The virus caused pain and suffering, including as many as 500 deaths each year and 48,000 hospitalizations. According to the National Network for Immunization Information, the vaccine has led to a 99% reduction in the incidence of measles in the United States (Johnson, 2011).

It is important for clinicians to secure confirmation of a measles diagnosis through laboratory testing as an important component of a surveillance program since diagnoses in clinical settings are deemed unreliable (Warrener et al., 2011). Based on its high degree of contagiousness, vaccine coverage levels in the range of 95% to 98% are needed in order to prevent the continuing spread of the disease (Naseri & Salimi, 2011). According to epidemiological studies by Diekmann, Heesterbeek and Britton (2013), "Weather conditions may influence the probability of transmission [and] age structure may necessitate the use of a more complex model, including seasonal effects of the school system" (p. 78). In sum, measles is largely under control in the Americas, especially the United States, but lapses in ongoing vaccination regimens can eventually disrupt this protection (Diekmann et al., 2013).

Part B:

Appropriate protocol for reporting a possible outbreak.

In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control are the primary clearinghouse for reports of possible measles outbreaks (Johnson, 2011). Irrespective of the jurisdiction that is involved, though, public health authorities emphasize the need to report a possible outbreak of measles at the earliest opportunity (Johnson, 2011). At present, the average incubation period for a case of measles is 14 days, but the range extends either way by a week (Centers for Disease Control, 2012). According to the CDC:

Persons with measles are usually considered infectious from 4 days before until 4 days after onset of rash. Prompt recognition, reporting, and investigation of measles are important because the spread of the disease can be limited with early case identification and vaccination of susceptible contacts. (Measles, 2012, para. 3)

The case definition for case classification for measles including case classifications for importation status approved by the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) Case Classification for Measles (2009) is provided at Appendix A. The data that is deemed most epidemiologically important which should be collected in the course of case investigation is provided at Appendix B and the classification of suspected measles cases based on results of case investigations is provided at Appendix C. In addition, other information also may be collected at the direction of the state health department officials (Centers for Disease Control, 2012).

Part C:

You’re 78% through this paper. Sign up to read the full paper.

130,000+ paper examples AI writing assistant Citation generator Cancel anytime

References

19 sources cited in this paper

Overview of a Communicable Disease: Measles
Introduction
Although measles has been almost completely eradicated from the Americas, dozens of cases still occur each year in the United States due in large part to transmissions of the disease from travelers returning from abroad. Because it is highly contagious, outbreaks of measles must be addressed as quickly as possible. This paper provides a review of the relevant peer-reviewed and scholarly literature to describe a communicable disease outbreak of measles, and the epidemiological indicators associated with the disease. An analysis of the epidemiological data on the outbreak is followed by a discussion of the route of transmission of the disease causing the outbreak and how the attack could affect the community. Finally, an explanation concerning the appropriate protocol for reporting a possible outbreak is followed by an assessment of a community health nurse’s role in modifying care of patients with asthma and other respiratory diseases when the air quality index is poor. A summary of the research and important findings are presented in the conclusion.
Review and Discussion
Part A:
Measles is a severe, but vaccine-preventable disease that is capable of causing extensive morbidity and mortality on a global basis (Warrener, Slibinskas, Chua et al., 2011). The measles virus (MV) is described by Warrener et al. as “an enveloped RNA virus classified in the family Paramyxoviridae, genus Morbillivirus [which] is the most transmissible virus known in humans” (2011, p. 675). Notwithstanding the enormous amount of resources that have been devoted to vaccination programs in many countries, the measles virus continue to represent a serious public health threat on a global level, especially in developing countries (Warrener et al., 2011).
In spite of aggressive measures to counter the disease through the widespread use of measles vaccine (whether as a single antigen vaccine or as a constituent ingredient in the triple vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), there were still 278,358 reported cases of measles and approximately 164,000 fatalities caused by measles worldwide in 2008 alone (Warrener et al., 2011).
Although measles has largely been eliminated from the Americas, vaccine coverage is highly variable between World Health Organization (WHO) global regions and measles continues to be endemic in the African and Southeast Asia regions, where vaccine coverage is currently less than 80% (Warrener et al., 2011). Although measles has been virtually eradicated from the Americas, as of early August, more than 180 cases of measles in the United States had been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2011; this total was the largest number of measles cases reported since 1996 and was fully twice the number of cases reported in all of 2008 when the disease reached its last spike (Johnson, 2011). The majority of cases have been brought into the United States by travelers and spread to others who lack immunity to the illness (Johnson, 2011).
Currently, Africa and Southeast Asia account for the vast majority (94%) of all global measles deaths; however, outbreaks continue to take place in other parts of the world (Warrener et al., 2011). These incidence of these outbreaks in other parts of the world is expected to increase in the future as a result of the measles virus being introduced into areas where vaccine coverage has slipped below optimal levels and an susceptible population has developed (Warrener et al., 2011). According to Warrener and his associates, “Most regions have elimination goals and elimination strategies based on the maintenance of high vaccination coverage, for which political commitment is required. A key component of elimination plans is surveillance to monitor impact” (2011, p. 676). This point is also made by Johnson (2011) who emphasizes, “Maintaining high immunization rates with the mumps-measles-rubella, or MMR, vaccine is the cornerstone of outbreak prevention. The vaccine is recommended routinely for all children at age 12 months to 15 months, with a second dose at ages 4 to 6” (p. 2).
Prior to the introduction of the first measles vaccine in 1963, nearly all children got measles before their 15th birthday. The virus caused pain and suffering, including as many as 500 deaths each year and 48,000 hospitalizations. According to the National Network for Immunization Information, the vaccine has led to a 99 percent reduction in the incidence of measles in the United States (Johnson, 2011).
It is important for clinicians to secure confirmation of a measles diagnosis through laboratory testing as an important component of a surveillance program since diagnoses in clinical settings are deemed unreliable (Warrener et al., 2011). Based on its high degree of contagiousness, vaccine coverage levels in the range of 95% to 98% are needed in order to prevent the continuing spread of the disease (Naseri & Salimi, 2011). According to epidemiological studies by Diekmann, Heesterbeek and Britton (2013), “Weather conditions may influence the probability of transmission [and] age structure may necessitate the use of a more complex model, including seasonal effects of the school system” (p. 78). In sum, measles is largely under control in the Americas, especially the United States, but lapses in ongoing vaccination regimens can eventually disrupt this protection (Diekmann et al., 2013).
Part B: Appropriate protocol for reporting a possible outbreak.
In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control are the primary clearinghouse for reports of possible measles outbreaks (Johnson, 2011). Irrespective of the jurisdiction that is involved, though, public health authorities emphasize the need to report a possible outbreak of measles at the earliest opportunity (Johnson, 2011). At present, the average incubation period for a case of measles is 14 days, but the range extends either way by a week (Centers for Disease Control, 2012). According to the CDC:
Persons with measles are usually considered infectious from 4 days before until 4 days after onset of rash. Prompt recognition, reporting, and investigation of measles are important because the spread of the disease can be limited with early case identification and vaccination of susceptible contacts. (Measles, 2012, para. 3)
The case definition for case classification for measles including case classifications for importation status approved by the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) Case Classification for Measles (2009) is provided at Appendix A. The data that is deemed most epidemiologically important which should be collected in the course of case investigation is provided at Appendix B and the classification of suspected measles cases based on results of case investigations is provided at Appendix C. In addition, other information also may be collected at the direction of the state health department officials (Centers for Disease Control, 2012).
Part C:
There has been an increase in the prevalence in asthma in recent years, but the precise causes remain unclear. This increase has been attributed to greater exposure to airborne pollutants and allergens, as well as enhanced identification of the disease and the effect of other risk factors including obesity or infection (Knorr, Condon, Dwyer & Hoffman, 2004). According to these clinicians, “It is clear that asthma affects families through increased medical visits, school absenteeism, and lost work. Environmental factors, such as air quality, and social factors, such as access to health care, are thought to explain some of the health disparities noted” (Knorr et al., 2004, p. 1425). Consequently, community health nurses should be concerned about their patients with asthma and other respiratory conditions that are exacerbated by outdoor and indoor air quality and take steps to ensure that these patients limit their outdoor activities and avoid activities based on prolonged exertion during periods when air quality is moderate to severe (Shendell, 2007).
Conclusion
The research showed that measles is among the most contagious diseases that afflict humankind, but the disease has largely been eradicated from many regions of the world, including the Americas, through diligent vaccination programs. Unfortunately, the research also showed that although it is down, measles is not out and outbreaks continue to occur in different parts of the world that have allowed their vaccination programs to lapse. When the disease is introduced into pockets of humanity that lack vaccination, the potential for an epidemic is severe. Finally, the research also showed that community health nurses can play an important role in helping patients with asthma and other respiratory diseases by limited their outdoors activities and prolonged indoor activities during periods of poor air quality.

Overview of a Communicable Disease: Measles
Introduction
Although measles has been almost completely eradicated from the Americas, dozens of cases still occur each year in the United States due in large part to transmissions of the disease from travelers returning from abroad. Because it is highly contagious, outbreaks of measles must be addressed as quickly as possible. This paper provides a review of the relevant peer-reviewed and scholarly literature to describe a communicable disease outbreak of measles, and the epidemiological indicators associated with the disease. An analysis of the epidemiological data on the outbreak is followed by a discussion of the route of transmission of the disease causing the outbreak and how the attack could affect the community. Finally, an explanation concerning the appropriate protocol for reporting a possible outbreak is followed by an assessment of a community health nurse’s role in modifying care of patients with asthma and other respiratory diseases when the air quality index is poor. A summary of the research and important findings are presented in the conclusion.
Review and Discussion
Part A:
Measles is a severe, but vaccine-preventable disease that is capable of causing extensive morbidity and mortality on a global basis (Warrener, Slibinskas, Chua et al., 2011). The measles virus (MV) is described by Warrener et al. as “an enveloped RNA virus classified in the family Paramyxoviridae, genus Morbillivirus [which] is the most transmissible virus known in humans” (2011, p. 675). Notwithstanding the enormous amount of resources that have been devoted to vaccination programs in many countries, the measles virus continue to represent a serious public health threat on a global level, especially in developing countries (Warrener et al., 2011).
In spite of aggressive measures to counter the disease through the widespread use of measles vaccine (whether as a single antigen vaccine or as a constituent ingredient in the triple vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), there were still 278,358 reported cases of measles and approximately 164,000 fatalities caused by measles worldwide in 2008 alone (Warrener et al., 2011).
Although measles has largely been eliminated from the Americas, vaccine coverage is highly variable between World Health Organization (WHO) global regions and measles continues to be endemic in the African and Southeast Asia regions, where vaccine coverage is currently less than 80% (Warrener et al., 2011). Although measles has been virtually eradicated from the Americas, as of early August, more than 180 cases of measles in the United States had been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2011; this total was the largest number of measles cases reported since 1996 and was fully twice the number of cases reported in all of 2008 when the disease reached its last spike (Johnson, 2011). The majority of cases have been brought into the United States by travelers and spread to others who lack immunity to the illness (Johnson, 2011).
Currently, Africa and Southeast Asia account for the vast majority (94%) of all global measles deaths; however, outbreaks continue to take place in other parts of the world (Warrener et al., 2011). These incidence of these outbreaks in other parts of the world is expected to increase in the future as a result of the measles virus being introduced into areas where vaccine coverage has slipped below optimal levels and an susceptible population has developed (Warrener et al., 2011). According to Warrener and his associates, “Most regions have elimination goals and elimination strategies based on the maintenance of high vaccination coverage, for which political commitment is required. A key component of elimination plans is surveillance to monitor impact” (2011, p. 676). This point is also made by Johnson (2011) who emphasizes, “Maintaining high immunization rates with the mumps-measles-rubella, or MMR, vaccine is the cornerstone of outbreak prevention. The vaccine is recommended routinely for all children at age 12 months to 15 months, with a second dose at ages 4 to 6” (p. 2).
Prior to the introduction of the first measles vaccine in 1963, nearly all children got measles before their 15th birthday. The virus caused pain and suffering, including as many as 500 deaths each year and 48,000 hospitalizations. According to the National Network for Immunization Information, the vaccine has led to a 99 percent reduction in the incidence of measles in the United States (Johnson, 2011).
It is important for clinicians to secure confirmation of a measles diagnosis through laboratory testing as an important component of a surveillance program since diagnoses in clinical settings are deemed unreliable (Warrener et al., 2011). Based on its high degree of contagiousness, vaccine coverage levels in the range of 95% to 98% are needed in order to prevent the continuing spread of the disease (Naseri & Salimi, 2011). According to epidemiological studies by Diekmann, Heesterbeek and Britton (2013), “Weather conditions may influence the probability of transmission [and] age structure may necessitate the use of a more complex model, including seasonal effects of the school system” (p. 78). In sum, measles is largely under control in the Americas, especially the United States, but lapses in ongoing vaccination regimens can eventually disrupt this protection (Diekmann et al., 2013).
Part B: Appropriate protocol for reporting a possible outbreak.
In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control are the primary clearinghouse for reports of possible measles outbreaks (Johnson, 2011). Irrespective of the jurisdiction that is involved, though, public health authorities emphasize the need to report a possible outbreak of measles at the earliest opportunity (Johnson, 2011). At present, the average incubation period for a case of measles is 14 days, but the range extends either way by a week (Centers for Disease Control, 2012). According to the CDC:
Persons with measles are usually considered infectious from 4 days before until 4 days after onset of rash. Prompt recognition, reporting, and investigation of measles are important because the spread of the disease can be limited with early case identification and vaccination of susceptible contacts. (Measles, 2012, para. 3)
The case definition for case classification for measles including case classifications for importation status approved by the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) Case Classification for Measles (2009) is provided at Appendix A. The data that is deemed most epidemiologically important which should be collected in the course of case investigation is provided at Appendix B and the classification of suspected measles cases based on results of case investigations is provided at Appendix C. In addition, other information also may be collected at the direction of the state health department officials (Centers for Disease Control, 2012).
Part C:
There has been an increase in the prevalence in asthma in recent years, but the precise causes remain unclear. This increase has been attributed to greater exposure to airborne pollutants and allergens, as well as enhanced identification of the disease and the effect of other risk factors including obesity or infection (Knorr, Condon, Dwyer & Hoffman, 2004). According to these clinicians, “It is clear that asthma affects families through increased medical visits, school absenteeism, and lost work. Environmental factors, such as air quality, and social factors, such as access to health care, are thought to explain some of the health disparities noted” (Knorr et al., 2004, p. 1425). Consequently, community health nurses should be concerned about their patients with asthma and other respiratory conditions that are exacerbated by outdoor and indoor air quality and take steps to ensure that these patients limit their outdoor activities and avoid activities based on prolonged exertion during periods when air quality is moderate to severe (Shendell, 2007).
Conclusion
The research showed that measles is among the most contagious diseases that afflict humankind, but the disease has largely been eradicated from many regions of the world, including the Americas, through diligent vaccination programs. Unfortunately, the research also showed that although it is down, measles is not out and outbreaks continue to occur in different parts of the world that have allowed their vaccination programs to lapse. When the disease is introduced into pockets of humanity that lack vaccination, the potential for an epidemic is severe. Finally, the research also showed that community health nurses can play an important role in helping patients with asthma and other respiratory diseases by limited their outdoors activities and prolonged indoor activities during periods of poor air quality.

Overview of a Communicable Disease: Measles
Introduction
Although measles has been almost completely eradicated from the Americas, dozens of cases still occur each year in the United States due in large part to transmissions of the disease from travelers returning from abroad. Because it is highly contagious, outbreaks of measles must be addressed as quickly as possible. This paper provides a review of the relevant peer-reviewed and scholarly literature to describe a communicable disease outbreak of measles, and the epidemiological indicators associated with the disease. An analysis of the epidemiological data on the outbreak is followed by a discussion of the route of transmission of the disease causing the outbreak and how the attack could affect the community. Finally, an explanation concerning the appropriate protocol for reporting a possible outbreak is followed by an assessment of a community health nurse’s role in modifying care of patients with asthma and other respiratory diseases when the air quality index is poor. A summary of the research and important findings are presented in the conclusion.
Review and Discussion
Part A:
Measles is a severe, but vaccine-preventable disease that is capable of causing extensive morbidity and mortality on a global basis (Warrener, Slibinskas, Chua et al., 2011). The measles virus (MV) is described by Warrener et al. as “an enveloped RNA virus classified in the family Paramyxoviridae, genus Morbillivirus [which] is the most transmissible virus known in humans” (2011, p. 675). Notwithstanding the enormous amount of resources that have been devoted to vaccination programs in many countries, the measles virus continue to represent a serious public health threat on a global level, especially in developing countries (Warrener et al., 2011).
In spite of aggressive measures to counter the disease through the widespread use of measles vaccine (whether as a single antigen vaccine or as a constituent ingredient in the triple vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), there were still 278,358 reported cases of measles and approximately 164,000 fatalities caused by measles worldwide in 2008 alone (Warrener et al., 2011).
Although measles has largely been eliminated from the Americas, vaccine coverage is highly variable between World Health Organization (WHO) global regions and measles continues to be endemic in the African and Southeast Asia regions, where vaccine coverage is currently less than 80% (Warrener et al., 2011). Although measles has been virtually eradicated from the Americas, as of early August, more than 180 cases of measles in the United States had been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2011; this total was the largest number of measles cases reported since 1996 and was fully twice the number of cases reported in all of 2008 when the disease reached its last spike (Johnson, 2011). The majority of cases have been brought into the United States by travelers and spread to others who lack immunity to the illness (Johnson, 2011).
Currently, Africa and Southeast Asia account for the vast majority (94%) of all global measles deaths; however, outbreaks continue to take place in other parts of the world (Warrener et al., 2011). These incidence of these outbreaks in other parts of the world is expected to increase in the future as a result of the measles virus being introduced into areas where vaccine coverage has slipped below optimal levels and an susceptible population has developed (Warrener et al., 2011). According to Warrener and his associates, “Most regions have elimination goals and elimination strategies based on the maintenance of high vaccination coverage, for which political commitment is required. A key component of elimination plans is surveillance to monitor impact” (2011, p. 676). This point is also made by Johnson (2011) who emphasizes, “Maintaining high immunization rates with the mumps-measles-rubella, or MMR, vaccine is the cornerstone of outbreak prevention. The vaccine is recommended routinely for all children at age 12 months to 15 months, with a second dose at ages 4 to 6” (p. 2).
Prior to the introduction of the first measles vaccine in 1963, nearly all children got measles before their 15th birthday. The virus caused pain and suffering, including as many as 500 deaths each year and 48,000 hospitalizations. According to the National Network for Immunization Information, the vaccine has led to a 99 percent reduction in the incidence of measles in the United States (Johnson, 2011).
It is important for clinicians to secure confirmation of a measles diagnosis through laboratory testing as an important component of a surveillance program since diagnoses in clinical settings are deemed unreliable (Warrener et al., 2011). Based on its high degree of contagiousness, vaccine coverage levels in the range of 95% to 98% are needed in order to prevent the continuing spread of the disease (Naseri & Salimi, 2011). According to epidemiological studies by Diekmann, Heesterbeek and Britton (2013), “Weather conditions may influence the probability of transmission [and] age structure may necessitate the use of a more complex model, including seasonal effects of the school system” (p. 78). In sum, measles is largely under control in the Americas, especially the United States, but lapses in ongoing vaccination regimens can eventually disrupt this protection (Diekmann et al., 2013).
Part B: Appropriate protocol for reporting a possible outbreak.
In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control are the primary clearinghouse for reports of possible measles outbreaks (Johnson, 2011). Irrespective of the jurisdiction that is involved, though, public health authorities emphasize the need to report a possible outbreak of measles at the earliest opportunity (Johnson, 2011). At present, the average incubation period for a case of measles is 14 days, but the range extends either way by a week (Centers for Disease Control, 2012). According to the CDC:
Persons with measles are usually considered infectious from 4 days before until 4 days after onset of rash. Prompt recognition, reporting, and investigation of measles are important because the spread of the disease can be limited with early case identification and vaccination of susceptible contacts. (Measles, 2012, para. 3)
The case definition for case classification for measles including case classifications for importation status approved by the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) Case Classification for Measles (2009) is provided at Appendix A. The data that is deemed most epidemiologically important which should be collected in the course of case investigation is provided at Appendix B and the classification of suspected measles cases based on results of case investigations is provided at Appendix C. In addition, other information also may be collected at the direction of the state health department officials (Centers for Disease Control, 2012).
Part C:
There has been an increase in the prevalence in asthma in recent years, but the precise causes remain unclear. This increase has been attributed to greater exposure to airborne pollutants and allergens, as well as enhanced identification of the disease and the effect of other risk factors including obesity or infection (Knorr, Condon, Dwyer & Hoffman, 2004). According to these clinicians, “It is clear that asthma affects families through increased medical visits, school absenteeism, and lost work. Environmental factors, such as air quality, and social factors, such as access to health care, are thought to explain some of the health disparities noted” (Knorr et al., 2004, p. 1425). Consequently, community health nurses should be concerned about their patients with asthma and other respiratory conditions that are exacerbated by outdoor and indoor air quality and take steps to ensure that these patients limit their outdoor activities and avoid activities based on prolonged exertion during periods when air quality is moderate to severe (Shendell, 2007).
Conclusion
The research showed that measles is among the most contagious diseases that afflict humankind, but the disease has largely been eradicated from many regions of the world, including the Americas, through diligent vaccination programs. Unfortunately, the research also showed that although it is down, measles is not out and outbreaks continue to occur in different parts of the world that have allowed their vaccination programs to lapse. When the disease is introduced into pockets of humanity that lack vaccination, the potential for an epidemic is severe. Finally, the research also showed that community health nurses can play an important role in helping patients with asthma and other respiratory diseases by limited their outdoors activities and prolonged indoor activities during periods of poor air quality.